Fontana Library Fund halfway to fundraising goal

Printed in Fontana Community Connections Newsletter, March 2007

The Fontana Library Fund is halfway to its $20 million goal just as it is about to get a boost from proceeds raised at the Mayor’s Gala March 31.

A $1.5 million pledge was recently announced by Reggie King, chief executive officer for Young Homes.

“We are pleased to have this role in supporting a better Fontana,” King said.

This most recent gift brings the Fontana Library Foundation to $9.4 million a little more than a year after the Library’s November 2005 official groundbreaking ceremony. The $20 million will provide public art, service enhancements, as well as offset certain construction costs.

“The good news is that we are now halfway to our $20 million capital campaign goal. We’ve come along way in a short time, and although we have a ways to go yet, we are confident that there are a number of people and businesses out there who won’t want to miss out on the pleasure of standing on the front steps of the grand opening in the spring of 2008 knowing they’ve done their part to support this regional project,” said Kathleen Fariss, library director of development.

“We’re extremely pleased with how far we’ve come in such a short amount of time,” Fariss said, also emphasizing that there is still much to be done and there are roles for donors of every kind and every level. That’s why Fariss often points to a $25 donation by teacher George Ventura’s second grade class at West Randall School for the Adopt-A-Book Together program, highlighting the fact there is a gift level right for everyone.

The library’s link on the City of Fontana website includes an invitation to donate any amount for any purpose, from Adopt-A-Book donations to tables, chairs or other furnishings.

“This library will provide a stimulus for the revitalization of the historic downtown while helping to establish the new image as the city continues toward a prosperous future,” Farris said. “Set in the new civic center park, the Library represents a city that’s proud of its past and looking toward the future.”

The new, modern multi-level 92,500 square foot facility at 8473 Sierra Avenue will replace the 40-year-old, 13,000 square foot building that previously housed the Fontana Library. With its landmark clock tower, the Fontana Library and Resource Technology Center will set the standard for design of all future civic center projects.

Although the City is constructing the new library, it will still be a part of the San Bernardino County Library system.

The new Library will feature:

An expanded collection that exceeds 142,000 items, including 7,850 reference, media and periodical items;
Electronic databases, software, remote access to online informational resources and Internet access;
203 public use computer work stations and 25 Spanish language computers;
A literacy center with tutoring programs
A career center;
Community meeting rooms;
A 350-seat auditorium for meetings, lectures and special presentations;
A bookstore and coffee bar.

For more information about supporting the library campaign, call (909) 350-6586.