New SWR Libraries Inch Closer To Reality

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County supervisors Tuesday authorized the Economic Development Agency to start a search for prospective developers to construct three new library branches within the county library system, including a replacement for an existing facility in Desert Hot Springs.

According to the EDA, vacant county-owned properties in each location have been designated as construction sites.

The agency envisions a 15,000-square-foot branch at Palm Drive and Park Lane in Desert Hot Springs, replacing the 3,527-square-foot repository at 11691 West Drive.

In Menifee, the EDA is recommending construction of a 20,000-square- foot library at La Piedra and Menifee roads to complement smaller branches at 26001 Briggs Road and 26982 Cherry Hills Road.

The largest of the three facilities would be in French Valley, where a 25,000-square-foot library is planned at Skyview and Winchester roads.

"There are currently no library services provided in this area of the county," according to an EDA statement posted to the board's policy agenda.

Larger branches are needed to meet growing demands, according to the EDA, which noted that "visitors utilize library services for research, education, entertainment and career enhancement."

"These new proposed facilities will provide enhanced programs and services that will better serve these growing regions of the county, and there will be a positive impact on both residents and businesses," according to the EDA.

Officials said funding has been secured to cover development costs.

The EDA is expected to begin soliciting proposals from prospective developers over the next several months.

— By City News Service / Image via Shutterstock