City of Riverside’s Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library Receives $10 Million in State Library Funds
Published: 10/18/2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 18, 2023
Contact:
Phil Pitchford
Public Information Officer
951-826-5975
City of Riverside’s Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library Receives $10 Million in State Library Funds
Latest allocation brings City very close to having enough money to build $20 million project
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The City of Riverside has been awarded $10 million in state funds for a new Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library named for one of Riverside’s three Medal of Honor recipients.
The money from the second round of the Building Forward Library Facilities Infrastructure Grant program of the California State Library will help the Riverside Public Library build a standalone branch library to replace the existing library/cybrary in a shopping center on Chicago Avenue south of University Avenue. The new library will be at Bobby Bonds Park near University and Kansas avenues.
“Libraries bring our community together, young, old and everyone in-between!” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said. “But libraries aren’t just for books. They are trusted neighborhood hubs for learning, innovation and connecting and can help bridge the digital divide. These funds are crucial to getting this facility built and available to the community.”
The $10 million is a substantial investment in the $20 million project and follows an earlier $4.5 million appropriation from the state budget. The City recently identified another $1 million to complete the funding package for the project, which is currently being designed.
The Building Forward Library Facilities Infrastructure Grant program disbursed more than $172 million to 34 local libraries to address critical maintenance needs, improve energy efficiency and sustainability, and expand digital and physical access in 29 cities across 18 counties.
As a result of the grants, seven new library buildings will be constructed across the state – including the Duran Eastside Library in Riverside. Another 27 libraries will make energy efficiency upgrades, seven libraries will expand or redesign spaces for public programming, and 12 libraries will repair critical roof, foundation, or exterior building issues.
“The new Spc. Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library will be a huge benefit for residents of the Eastside neighborhood,” Mayor Pro Tem Erin Edwards said. “This new facility will be a welcome addition to a community gathering spot that already includes the park and the Cesar Chavez Community Center.”
