New Video Captures Beaumont Library's History, Explains Future Expansion Plans

BEAUMONT, CA — “Books and Beyond: Building Our Legacy!” is a new video by the Beaumont Library District that offers a glimpse of improvements planned for Beaumont and Cherry Valley’s hometown library. Running at about three minutes, the video’s debut on Library website (www.bld.lib.ca.us) comes more than a century after the founding of the district.

“The history of Beaumont Library is woven into the fabric of our community,” says Library Board President Sabina Brady. “Libraries have always been a place of lifelong learning, where knowledge is freely available to all, including online access from home.”

On August 12, 1911, townfolk went to the polls in horse-drawn wagons and Model T’s to decide whether to tax themselves for a public library. When the votes were counted, a new 60-square mile library district with elected Board members was approved by a 2-1 margin.

Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie gave a $10,000 grant to build a library facility and, in 1914, the new structure with a graceful Neo-classical style opened at Eighth Street and California Avenue.

Though an addition was made to the building in the 1960s, more space is needed to serve a district population that has quadrupled over the last couple of decades.

Current law requires a two-thirds vote by the public to raise funds for library construction. But a proposed state constitutional amendment, State Constitutional Amendment-3, would allow library bonds to be approved by a 55 percent vote of the people. A similar measure for schools, Proposition 39, was approved by voters in 2000.

With public support of a future bond issue, these improvements are planned:

• A bigger library—three times the size of today’s — built on the lot next door.
• A larger collection totaling 150,000 items.
• Expanded community rooms holding up to 250 people.
• More computer stations, parking and new restrooms.
• A revitalized children’s area, separate space for a local history room, and an outdoor reading garden.

Check out Beaumont Library District’s website (www.bld.lib.ca.us) for all the latest, including the new video, “Books and Beyond: Building Our Legacy!”

Main photo: An artist’s rendering provides a glimpse of what the Beaumont Library would look like if voters approve a future bond issue. The Library would be three times the size of today’s facility and would include an expanded collection totaling 150,000 items. Drawing courtesy of the Beaumont Library District.

-- SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION BY: Beaumont Library District