Ground Breaks for New Library
The public and local dignitaries celebrated the future of Calimesa’s new library at a groundbreaking ceremony at the building’s construction site on Wednesday. Amber Jacobson, the Assistant Director for the Riverside County Office of Economic Development, welcomed attendees to the event.
“We are thrilled to introduce what will be a cornerstone of growth and learning in Calimesa,” Jacobson said.
Also in attendance were Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, Calimesa Library Commissioners Deborah Zylman, Pat Reeves and Terrie Andrews, representatives Deajiane McNair from Rosalicia Ochoa Bogh’s office and Michael Curry from Assemblymember Greg Wallace’s office, Calimesa Mayor Bill Davis, City Manager Will Kolbow, and members of the Calimesa City Council.
After the pledge of allegiance, Gutierrez addressed the importance of creating good partnerships, with the city, county and state coming together to make the library happen. He thanked Calimesa City Manager Will Kolbow, Deputy City Manager Darlene Gerdes, Planning Director Kelly Lucia, Mayor Bill Davis and the Calimesa City Council for their efforts, and Office of Economic Development Director Suzanne Holland for her leadership.
“She has been very, very instrumental in getting this project up and running, and she loves libraries,” he said.
In a statement, Holland commented, “The technical upgrades, dedicated spaces for children, teens, and adults, and the expanded footprint is a testament to Riverside County Library System’s dedication to lifelong learning.”
Gutierrez said that $9 million was invested in making significant improvements to the library. In addition to two new study rooms, there will also be a room dedicated to workshops, arts and crafts, and other activities. The new library will double in size, growing from 2,160 square feet to 5,500 square feet. It will feature a ranch-style design and there will be new furniture, shelves, computers, and books. The building is estimated to be ready to open in the summer of 2025.
In a press release statement, Gutierrez added, “As a former educator, it brings me immense joy to be part of a project that invests in the future of our community. Projects like these are crucial in providing our community with the opportunities necessary to realize their potential.”
Davis said Calimesa has been working on getting a new library since the late 1990s. “It’s almost thirty years in the making,” he said. He said the modular buildings were adequate in 2000, but Calimesa has grown. “We have people that are very enthusiastic, and they want to see things happen for the city,” he said.
Riverside County Librarian Barbara Howison said, “This celebration is the wonderful result of the cities and the county’s understanding of how important libraries are to a community. The partnership of the city and the county officials and staff reimagined how to successfully create a new innovative library for Calimesa residents.”
Howison recalled that the library started as a “very humble book collection” in a room in the Norton Younglove Senior Center.
“Services at the new library will include, of course, books, records, services, story times, along with e-resources and computers, but also literacy, civic engagement events, book clubs, makerspace activities, discovery opportunities, and more. And so, I look forward to seeing you all at the grand opening. Less than two years,” Howison said.
