:: About the Library
Riverside Public Library has a history that reaches back to 1888, growing from just a few rooms in the historic Loring Building to a distinguished Mission-Revival Library building financed by Andrew Carnegie to its current system of a Main Library and six branch libraries.
Today, RPL serves a fast growing community of approximately 300,000 covering 85 square miles. With a collection of approximately 600,000 books and other library materials, as well as 235 public access computers (including catalogs) and an annual circulation of 1.23 million, RPL is a major provider of information services and cultural programs in California's Inland Empire.
Library/Museum expansion report
View the City Manager's report from January 20 on: "Options to Enhance Museum and Library Facilities."
Support your library
There are many ways to help. Donate books, magazines and audiovisual materials. Join the Friends of the Library or Library Foundation. Or volunteer for one of our many programs such as literacy or homebound services.