PATRONS WHO VISIT the Cathedral City Library, which reopened over the summer 16 months after a fire, can’t believe what they see. The new library has a computer lab, a bookstore and feels more like a Barnes & Noble or Borders than a library.
In February 2008, a fire burned through the library roof, causing $2 million in damages. Cathedral City funded the rebuilding and Riverside County Facilities Management contributed more than $500,000 toward the project, which helped pay for furnishings.
Library patrons were astounded at how different the library looked, said Barbara Bowie, Desert Zone Manager. It has been formatted to look more like a bookstore, with displays of bestsellers and their covers facing out.
“You want to pick them up and take them right to the circulation desk,” she said.
A new section for teenagers and young adults beckons young readers and a children’s section offers computer equipment and furniture that kids can easily access. The Friends of the Library have a bookstore where they sell donated books. A computer lab, which can be used for classes, is a welcome addition.
All of the materials now have radio frequency identification tags that allow patrons to check out their own books. That service is also available at the La Quinta Library. The furniture was designed to encourage people to come in with laptops; the library provides a free wireless connection, Bowie said.
Various programs are offered, including Wii events for teenagers and senior citizens. The library also has a grant from the Anderson Children’s Foundation and will host authors to talk about their books as part of a new program that will focus on topics related to civil rights.
In July 2009, circulation in Cathedral City was more than 13,000 and in August 2009 it was barely under 13,000. In September, which is always a slow month, the circulation was 11,477. Further southeast, a new library in Mecca has made a huge difference in the local community. Annual circulation at the old library was 24,840 in its last year. Once the new library opened, the total circulation for 2008-2009 surged to 47,544. The library has a mosaic mural and other gorgeous art and offers lots of programs for the Latino community.
“One of the biggest differences since we have opened is that families are coming in now. The children and their parents are coming in. The parents are getting library cards,” Bowie said. The Mecca library also offers free wireless services. Numerous patrons bring their laptops to study, do work or surf the Internet.
The library is located at 33520 Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City. For more information about programs, services and events, call 760.328.4262 or visit us on the web www.riverside.lib.ca.us.