FROM FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOPS to “flash books” to comfy furniture that encourages sitting back and getting lost in a good novel, Riverside County libraries offer much more than books.

More people are discovering the numerous services offered at the 33 libraries and two bookmobiles that serve the county.

Library circulation has increased 20 percent in the last 18 months, a rise that is probably connected to the economy. A library card is free to county residents, who simply have to show a document with their home address on it, such as a driver’s license or utility bill.

"Not only is the library a great resource, it’s also a lowcost entertainment option," said Teresa Gallavan, Cultural Services Manager, Riverside County Economic Development Agency (EDA).

In addition, county libraries are constantly being renovated and expanded to better meet the needs of patrons.

Recent projects include: 

Sun City Library, renovation and addition. The project which modernized and upgraded the existing library was completed in February 2010, at a cost of $3.2 million.  The size of the library increased from 6,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet and the interior was reconfigured to allow for more state-of-the art conference rooms, study and computer space, increased book capacity and storage, and numerous other changes. The exterior was redesigned to provide for a more modern earth-stone veneer and the landscaping was well thought out to include low-water usage and drought-resistant plants. 

Rubidoux Library, which opened in April 2010.  The 40,000-square-foot library is the largest county-owned library and also serves as the headquarters for the library system administration. 

Highgrove Library, which is currently under construction, will replace the existing library, which is less than 1,000 square feet and does not have restrooms. The new library will be about 7,500 square feet.

Cathedral City Library, which reopened after a fire that caused $2 million in damages in February 2008. The library was completely renovated with new furnishings and many new features, including a computer lab, teen center and wireless access.

Woodcrest Library, which opened in November of 2007. It is the county’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building. It is oriented to take advantage of sunlight and has large skylights to minimize electricity use. The 10,000-square-foot library was built to blend in with area surroundings, has a water-wise garden, and is equipped with sensors that ensure lights go off in the bathrooms.

The library system offers numerous programs and services to patrons.

Several branches are conducting financial literacy workshops, helping people with online job searches, resume writing, and personal budgeting.

Early next year, library patrons will have another way to read their books. The library is receiving a $100,000 grant for "flash books," which will be available at the Grace Mellman Library in Temecula and elsewhere. A machine will make a copy of a book for a patron, who pays a minimal fee to keep it. If the patron returns the book, it is free. The system will have 192,000 titles in it.

The library also has a grant with First 5 for an early literacy program called "Please Read with Me," which is coordinated with daycare centers and preschools to get books to early readers.

Library Staff are excited about the May Hill Arbuthnot lecture, given each year by a person who has made a significant contribution to children’s literature. The event will be held at UC Riverside in May and will deal with multi-ethnic children’s literature.

"It’s an honor to have the Arbuthnot lecture in our County," Gallavan said.

The libraries are offering more cultural programming for adults, including featuring talks from a variety of authors.

County libraries now feature more comfortable, less formal furniture to attract more teenagers, a group the libraries want to better serve.

County libraries also offer audio books for the blind, and have accommodations for the hearing impaired. The libraries are also buying furniture, including adjustable tables for people in wheelchairs.

Because libraries are print-oriented, getting people into the library, they can still take advantage of the many library services online, such as tutoring and downloadable audio books.

For more information and a list of all county libraries, please visit www.rivlib.net.