Library is Open; Source of Books: You, the Public
By now, you've heard about the ruinous fire at the Cathedral City Library, a branch of the Riverside County Library System. You've probably also heard about the temporary library at the former home of the Cathedral City Senior Center, across from the Cathedral City Civic Center.
And now, Paul Harvey-like, we're going to tell you the rest of the story.
While reconstruction of the original library goes on, following February's fire, library officials not only needed to secure the temporary location . . . But what about books and other materials to make it a library instead of a large space with a roof?
This is where John Q. Public comes to the rescue.
The books that were checked out-and the DVDs, CDs, magazines and other materials - were, of course, out of harm's way, and they're now sitting on the temporary library's shelves. In fact, there are more than 4,000 items in the "new" library's inventory. And that's not all the good news: it stands to reason, since these items were checked out, that they are among the most popular in the library's possession.
The old, smoke damaged materials have been freeze-dried (that's right, like Folger's Crystals) and are being restored, as is the fire-damaged permanent structure. That facility is expected to be back in circulation, so to speak, by this autumn.
Members of the public who would like to assist with rebuilding the collection can participate in the Library's "First Reads" program. The Library posts a wish list of wanted items online. Go to the library's site at www.rivlib.com , mouse over the Library Services tab, and select "First Reads." Readers who purchase a book for the library through this program will have first dibs on reading the book when it comes in. When you return it to the library, a bookplate is added to acknowledge your gift. You save up to 40 percent off retail price and get a tax deduction!
The temporary library, located at 68-727 E. Palm Canyon Drive, is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 to 7, and on Saturdays from 10 to 4. Library materials can be returned 24 hours a day in book drops at both the temporary location and the original library.
Catch the Reading Bug, the library-sponsored summer reading program for school-age children will begin at this temporary location on Saturday, June 21.
For more information, visit www.rivlib.com or call (760) 328-4262.
Cathedral City's Temporary Library