Riverside Public Library

Grand Opening: Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 10am to 2pm.

The new Main Library is a 2-story library lifted approximately 30 feet off the ground to allow for an arcade space under the library building. The ground floor is activated by the outdoor arcade space, a Friends of the Library Bookstore space, a 100 seat community room and a 2-story City Archive. Total square footage for the Library is approximately 42,000

Visible from this angle is the arcade space that can be used for author signings, youth performances, farmers markets, concerts, and family festivals. Additionally, there is the Friends of the Library Bookstore space and the two story City Archive. The City Archive will bring together the majority of the City of Riverside’s archival material currently held by various departments. The Archive is a two story space with a first floor reading room and a second floor dedicated to storage of the collections.

Innovation Center

The Innovation Center houses an Oculus Rift Virtual Reality station, two 3D printers, a sound recording booth, three iMac desktop computers, and our Young Adult collection.

Children's Room

The Children’s Room welcomes families with bright colors, playful artwork, and a 30-foot-high skylight. The collection contains over 25,000 children’s books and an early learning section with toys to encourage imaginative play and tablets for interactive learning. There is seating for both parents and children, with power outlets in the tables and plenty of space to work on homework and school projects. In the middle of the children’s room is a welcoming storytime area with ample space and furnishings to share stories. The room also features whimsical light fixtures and 16-foot-tall windows that make the space bright and cheerful.