The existing Fontana library, operated by the County of San Bernardino, now serves an estimated 180,000 persons out of a 13,058 square foot building originally built in 1963. The building is inadequate by any standard. Responding to this need, the City Council is working with County Librarians to design a state-of-the-art library and resource technology center to meet the evolving needs of the community. A recent County Library Needs Assessment suggests that a new Fontana library be designated as the "Resource Center" library for the San Bernardino County Library. As such, it would have the largest collection of all libraries in the County system and would be the back up collection for the entire system.

Fontana Library and Resource/Technology Center

The City has awarded a contract for the design of an approximately 93,000 square foot two story library over a parking garage for approximately 200 vehicles. The library collection size would be approximately 323,000 items, including 5,000 reference items, 12,000 media items, and 720 current periodical subscriptions. Study rooms, career and literacy centers, public meeting rooms, and a 300-350 seat auditorium compliment the overall library. The City Council has selected a Spanish architectural motif for the library. The City is in the process of seeking funding at the state level. Subject to the availability of funding, the library could be under construction in late 2004.