It has been only a few months since the community celebrated the grand opening of the Lewis Library and Technology Center. Already, 300,000 people have visited the new regional library and nearly 150,000 items have been checked out to patrons of all ages and interests.

What else can this incredible resource offer to visitors? How about great books, live performances, and interactive fun?

Reading at the Library

Find a seat, take a break from the heat, and relax with a classic or new release in the courtyard, teen speedway, or any other nook or cranny to be found at the Lewis Library. There are over 100,000 new books from which anyone can find an afternoon to escape into a world of fact or fiction.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Children’s Library is especially full of beginning and growing readers every hour of the day.  This summer children ages 0 to 12 participated in the annual summer reading program. The theme, Catch the Reading Bug had a total of 2,961 young readers.  At least, 20,800 books were read and 2,100 readers were on record for having read at least five books or more.

Reading prizes included bug catchers, bug jars, and finger puppets for the first book read.  Readers who read at least five books were given a spin at a giant wheel for an additional prize incentive. 

“The vast majority of our participants read more than five books.” says Helen Fisher, youth services manager, “HSBC was our sponsor and they made it possible to provide prizes and performances. We also had a lot of local restaurants who donated coupons for kids meals which added another incentive for reading more books.”

Of course there are other areas of the library.  Adult and teen readers fill the upper levels of the building throughout the day, but thanks to a 93,000 square foot building, one never feels crowded.

To check out a book, periodical, or audio/visual item, visitors simply register to become a patron and then use one of the ten self-checkout stations that are available to anyone at any time of the day, whether it’s lunchtime, after work, or early in the morning. Friendly staff are also available to assist and answer questions whenever needed. Every so often, the Steelworkers’ Auditorium also offers live performances from artists, performers, and special guests for children filled with the reading bug spirit.

Performances at the Steelworkers’ Auditorium

This summer, staff at the Lewis Library and Technology Center worked with the Cultural Arts program of the City of Fontana to provide fun entertainment to families. Some of the live performances have included an animal show by the Wildlife Company, interactive drumming with One World Rhythm, juggling from David Cousin, and comedy and storytelling from Christopher Yates to name just a few.

“We tried to keep the reading bug theme alive with several performers visiting with live creatures,” says Fisher.  “The Wildlife Company offered a truly unique experience by giving the kids an opportunity to expand their palates by eating crickets.  A lot of children participated, and one boy in particular, smiled as he ate several!”

While cricket eating may be a delicatessen in some countries, in America, eating one might make onlookers a bit squeamish. Not these children. When an etymologist, Dr. Sue the Bug Lady, visited she offered everyone an opportunity to touch the bugs, and as Fisher explains, the children were fearless.

“Kids are so brave.  They were curious about the bugs and they formed a line and silently waited and when it was time to pet the bugs, they would gently use their fingers.  They weren’t squeamish.  They didn’t scream.  They were really brave.”

Overall, there were a total of 16 live performances in Steelworkers’ Auditorium.  Estimates of performances, movies, and interactive art time have 6,212 families participating in summer fun at the Lewis Library and Technology Center.  The summer program may almost be over, but families should not be discouraged, Family Movie Night at the Steelworkers’ Auditorium continues on Thursdays.

Interactive Fun

Before moving to the new site, the Fontana Branch Library was already well known for comprehensive interactive programming that included the whole family in introducing stories to young readers.  Today, the Lewis Library and Technology Center has taken interactive learning to an all new level by involving toddlers, youth, teens, and adults.

Toddlers are given an opportunity to jump, dance, and enjoy stories throughout the week.  Every day, a Toddler Boot Camp stretches the body and helps with balance while Wednesdays there is Pre-School Storytime and Fridays offer a bilingual story sharing program with Itsy Bitsy Baby.

Children’s programming this fall will include Basic Drawing by Patricia Davis, After School Adventure, Family Art Hour presented by the Art Depot, Board Games, Family Movie Night at the Steelworkers’ Auditorium, Halloween Celebrations, Native American Heritage Month in November, and Imagination Hour.

Teens are given great opportunities for social fun with weekly crafts, the O.G. Gamers Tournament, the O.G. Gamers Council, and a Video Production Class.  Halloween will be celebrated on October 20 with The Nightmare before Christmas followed by Miniature Pumpkin Carving on October 27.

Even adults can enjoy a little interactive fun with Yarns at the Bookmark Coffee Bar on Saturdays, the Fontana Adult School ESL on Mondays and Wednesdays, Booktalks on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, and Free Adult Craft once a month.

There is something for everyone at the Lewis Library and Technology Center.  This is the place where literally thousands of people visit each month to read, relax, meet, enjoy a cup of coffee, or take in a movie. 

The library is located at 8437 Sierra Avenue. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, Fridays from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm. Information is also available online at www.sbcounty.gov/library/home.