Corona Library outlines Innovation Center design, equipment and timeline; staff expect construction Sept–May with grant opening in June 2026

Corona City Library managers presented detailed plans for a new Innovation Center and an adult‑area refresh at the board's June meeting, describing changes to shelving and finishes, new technology and community partnerships and a construction timeline tied to grant requirements.

Library manager Danielle Whittington said the project began with a coordinated redesign of the adult area so it meshes with the Innovation Center. The proposal calls for removing tall shelving inside the area and reusing or cutting down existing shelves to create more open, collaborative workspaces while adding some additional shelving in response to board feedback "so that we have room for our books to grow," Whittington said. She said desktop computers in most areas will be replaced with a laptop‑checkout program while retaining about eight desktops near the reference desk.

The Innovation Center will include intentional millwork and storage tailored to equipment (3‑D printers, a Glowforge laser cutter, sewing machines, VR headsets and smartboards), acoustic panels, a room divider, and a sink to support messy activities without tracking materials through the library. Whittington highlighted potential programs and partners: English‑language instruction (ESL) and workforce training integrated with VR through the Corona‑Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) adult education program, career pathway and workforce modules the vendor offers, and Norco College for STEM and career‑growth offerings.

On schedule, Whittington said the project was in the design and plan‑check phase and that staff expect to put the project out to bid in August, seek bid approval in September, and carry out construction during a September–May work window while keeping the library open as much as possible. She said the project needs to be completed by June 2026 for a planned grant opening. A trustees' question established the Innovation Center conference room capacity is about 50 people; trustees also asked whether the conference room could be reserved by partners or outside groups and whether surplus rules would allow sale of old furniture (staff said they would discuss surplus/purchasing rules with the city's purchasing office).

Whittington emphasized flexibility in the design so plug‑and‑play changes can accommodate evolving equipment sizes and uses. She said staff expect to buy technology and furniture during the construction phase and aim to limit library downtime. Trustee discussion also covered laptop checkout use (staff said Chromebooks have steady holds), volunteer involvement and outreach through partners for program promotion.

"There's gonna be a sink in there," Whittington said, noting the practical benefit for hands‑on programming. The board did not take a formal action to authorize construction at the meeting; staff will return with procurement and contract items as the plan and bid process proceeds.