A project to modernize Carlsbad city library facilities moved forward with the City Council’s approval of a $5.5 million contract June 23.

Prava Construction Services will serve as the project’s general contractor after a competitive bidding process, according to a city announcement. The company will oversee construction activities related to the modernization and renovation of the Georgina Cole Library downtown and the Carlsbad City Library in La Costa.

Work is scheduled to begin first at the Georgina Cole Library this fall, the city reported.

“Awarding this contract is an important milestone,” Heather Pizzuto, Carlsbad’s library and cultural arts director, said in the announcement. “It was important to get the right team in place to ensure this project goes as smoothly as possible and to execute the planning and design work that has been done so far. Now, we have the opportunity to shift our focus to planning our schedule carefully so we have very little interruption in services.”

The total approved budget for the renovation project is about $11 million, according to the city. Contracts for specific aspects of the project — such as furniture, equipment and technology — will be up for City Council approval in the next few months.

Construction will require temporary closures of the two libraries, the city said. Efforts will be made to schedule work to prevent closures at the same time, however.

Renovations and schedules for the libraries, according to the city:

Cole Library, 250 Carlsbad Village Drive — Construction at the 48-year-old facility is scheduled to begin this fall with completion in early 2016. Among the slated improvements: technology infrastructure, enhanced wi-fi connectivity and power access, improved accessibility, more comfortable seating, collaborative study rooms, new carpet and paint, a new elevator and a fire sprinkler system.

City Library, 775 Dove Lane — Construction at the 16-year-old facility is scheduled to begin in early 2016, work done in stages, with completion set for midyear. Among the slated improvements: community gathering spaces designed to create a “living room” feel, added seating for patrons, courtyard renovations and new patio, and a café with expanded food and drink options.

Other improvements are scheduled for the facilities, such as the remodeling of the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, located at the City Library complex, according to city officials.

The city’s Library Learning Center, 3368 Eureka Place, will remain open during the construction periods and will offer expanded hours. Online services and resources will also remain available. More information online: www.carlsbadlibrary.org.