Fontana Library and Technology Center in final stages

Article Date: 12/29/2007 

By Suzanne Sproul, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

It's been a whirlwind year of support, both emotional and financial, for the new Lewis Library and Technology Center in Fontana.

The end of 2007 brought generous donations from a variety of sources. The total, to date, stands at $15.2 million. And as community supporters participate in minitours of the soon-to-be-completed facility on Jan. 24, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, the fruits of all the labor will be seen, according to Kathleen Fariss, development director.

The city, county and all of the library's supporters are gearing up for the proposed April grandopening.

And it's going to be quite the party - make that parties. Those supporters are working now to plan several events to honor those who have worked so hard to make this library a reality for the people of Fontana and its neighbors.

All donations have been crucial to the success of this expansive project, but those of $5,000 or more will be acknowledged. The donors' names will be etched on an elegant glass wall at the library's entrance. Some of those extremely generous donors include the Lewis Group of Companies, $5 million; Reggie King and Young Homes, $1.5 million; Supervisor Paul Biane and the county of San Bernardino, $1.3 million; the 2006 Mayor's Gala Committee, $190,366; David Wiener, $100,000; Supervisor Josie Gonzalez and the county of San Bernardino, $100,000; and Burrtec Waste Industries Inc., $50,000.

Two of the latest generous donations have come from individuals - David Wiener and a couple, who asked to be anonymous - who gave $100,000 and $200,000, respectively.

Wiener donated $60,000 in honor of two of his friends, former Mayor Nat Simon and former city treasurer and councilman Charlie Koehler. The other $40,000 was given as a general donation to support the building and equipping of the library and technology center.

The latest gift came in mid-December when Verizon Foundation presented the Fontana Library Foundation with a $24,000 grant. The grant will be used to buy eight Early Literacy Stations, designed to help children 2 to 8 years old develop their skills.

It's been quite the ride since plans for this 93,000-square-foot facility were announced. And everyone from politicians to local business people to school children have caught the wave of excitement and gotten involved.

Robert DeLoach is the chief executive officer of the Cucamonga Valley Water District. He also serves on the Fontana Library Foundation board of directors.