Corona Library board schedules Aug. 12 grand opening for new innovation center; approves consent items

The Corona Library Board of Trustees unanimously approved its consent calendar and heard that construction of the library’s long‑planned innovation center is finished, with the first shipment of furniture expected the following day and a public grand opening set for Aug. 12, 2026, at 3 p.m.

Library Manager Danielle Whittington told trustees that “the construction is now complete” and that “the first container is on the truck and is going to be delivered tomorrow afternoon,” adding that the second delivery was likely the following Thursday. Whittington asked trustees to save the Aug. 12 date for demonstrations of 3‑D printers, VR headsets and the podcasting room.

The report to the board, introduced by Community Services Director Donna Finch, also outlined the library’s summer schedule: an adult themed “Fantasy Ball” on July 24, a family Dungeons & Dragons program June 30 and workshops in mid‑ to late July, movies in the park and the summer street fair series. Whittington said “Lunch at the Library” is supported by a California State Library grant and provides prepared meals for children ages 0–18 on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer.

Staff announced a planned change to the library’s digital lending platform. “We are migrating from Hoopla to Cloud Library and Hoopla will officially end on July 31,” Whittington said, explaining that Cloud Library’s expanded on‑demand offerings and consortium purchasing will allow the library to maximize its budget while keeping access to popular releases.

Trustees asked for facilities updates. Vice Chair Heinman pressed for an HVAC timeline; Director Finch said the council had approved a sole‑source procurement for the type of controller the city will standardize across facilities and that staff were preparing bids to complete the controller upgrades so central HVAC systems can be automated and monitored more efficiently.

Board members praised recent outreach and programming. Trustees said the summer kickoffs and an author event drew large, enthusiastic audiences; staff reported no incidents in May and June and highlighted plans for additional children’s furniture and signage funded by the Friends of the Library.

Meeting business included approval of the May 26 minutes and the consent calendar; Miss Bakus recorded the votes and the chair announced both items were approved. Trustees were reminded the library will be closed on July 4 and that the board will not meet in July; the next regular meeting was scheduled for Aug. 25, 2026.

In closing, Whittington encouraged community support for library services and volunteers and noted staff were working to finalize schedules and logistics ahead of the August grand opening.