Riverside's Eastside Library will close April 11 and reopen at a temporary location next month while construction begins on a new $20 million branch at Bobby Bonds Park.
The Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library will operate with limited services from Lincoln Community Center starting May 6, and will introduce a mobile library program to serve the Eastside neighborhood during the transition.
"The current lease at 4033-C Chicago Ave. is ending, necessitating the move," said Erin Christmas, Library Director, who added that the new permanent facility is expected to open in 2025.
The temporary location at Lincoln Park will operate Tuesday through Friday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering Wi-Fi access, laptop usage and story times. Hours represent a significant reduction from the library's current schedule.
A new electric Mobile Library vehicle will visit various parks throughout the Eastside and Ward 2 communities six days a week, providing Wi-Fi access and a small browsing collection for residents.
"By offering multiple venues to access the library we hope to provide all regular Eastside Library users an opportunity to continue using services," Christmas told the Gazette. "At the Lincoln Park Community Center customers will be able to pick up holds, browse books, use computers, access Wi-Fi, attend storytime every Wednesday and Thursday at 11 a.m., and receive technology help on Fridays at 11 a.m."
The Mobile Library represents an expansion of the library's outreach capabilities, Christmas explained.
"Riverside Public Library has had an outreach vehicle for about two decades; however, the new electric Mobile Library is enhanced significantly," she said. "It is designed to hold books, technology, and resources needed to provide a pop-up library space. Customers will be able to access seating for adults, Wi-Fi, computers, small book collection, and a storytime/children's area."
Christmas emphasized that residents have multiple options during the transition.
"For those using the Mobile Library at one of the park stops, customers will have access to Wi-Fi, computers, a small book collection, and a fun seating area for kids and adults," she said. "If someone needs to pick up holds during hours that Lincoln Park Community Center is open for service, they are encouraged to use any of our seven book lockers to pick up holds, including the one located at Bordwell Park."
The city operates additional libraries including the Main Library at 3581 Mission Inn Ave. and the La Sierra branch at 4600 La Sierra Ave.
"For those who want a more traditional library experience all of our seven other locations will remain open," Christmas added.
Christmas noted that the Mobile Library will continue to serve the community "well after the new Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library opens including at outreach events and park visits."
More information about the project and temporary services is available on the Riverside Public Library website.
