In August, 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his most famous speech, "I Have a Dream" at the March on Washington in Washington, D.C. It was at this time that Dr. King delivered what some consider the most powerful words ever heard in the English language. His speech exposed the social turmoil and struggle for freedom from oppression. Dr. King spoke of social injustices long suffered by African Americans as well as the importance of all people regardless of race or religion living equally, happily, and marching together toward to a new destination.

Funding the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Children's Library

Councilmember Acquanetta Warren grew up watching Dr. King on television as he changed the social and moral fabric of not only the United States but the world. When the Mayor and the City Council declared naming opportunities to raise funds for the most comprehensive library in San Bernardino County, she requested they make an impact on Fontana youth by naming the Children's section after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Ms. Warrens's goal is to inspire young readers to be more than just booklovers, to be future world citizens and leaders. In her appeal she used the theme of the "I Have a Dream" speech to encourage a fair and equal opportunity for all children to have access to quality public educational resources. The result was a resounding agreement by City Council to name the new Children's Library in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Obtaining the dream, much like the march on Washington was a sizable challenge. While Library State Bonds have been available, additional funding was required for the center. In an effort to raise funds for the naming rights she recruited assistance from then Captain Rod Jones who suggested a golf tournament. Councilmember Warren formed a committee, headed by Greg Bell former NFL all-pro running back with the Rams and Raiders, to assist with the goal of raising $1 million for the Children's Library. Through the determination and fundraising efforts of this committee $277,000 was raised at the First MLK Golf Classic in June, 2007. Sponsors included Fifth District San Bernardino County Supervisor, Josie Gonzales, Mr. Reggie King, Cole Burr of Burrtec Waste Industries, Inc., and Mark Bertone of Madole and Associates, Second District San Bernardino County Supervisor, Paul Biane, Mark Wims of Fontana Nissan, Josh LaBarge of QMC and others.

Councilmember Warren has vowed "that this is just the beginning". Last summer she visited the famous "King Center" in Atlanta, Georgia where she was further inspired by the rich history and commitment of Dr. King to further his beliefs toward equality for all.

The second annual MLK Golf Classic is scheduled for Monday, June 16, 2008. The committee intends to raise at least $500,000 through sponsors, golfers, and a silent auction. In the end, close to $1 million will have been raised entirely for resources and materials for the new Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Children's Library.

Entering a World of Words

The first visit to a library is a magical moment for parents and children. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Children's Library will be more than just magic - it will transport young minds to a whole new world of words.

The journey begins the moment the child enters the doors of the new Children's Library. A translucent wall awaits young faces that are then mirrored back in black and white imaging while colored letters appear to drop down like raindrops waiting to be caught and formed into Children's book titles. From the translucent wall the literary explorers move on to a playhouse and then an orange grove where over 27,000 books await their eager eyes.

The library will contain an area that will be dedicated to books about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and a bust of the man atop a stack of books that will adorn the area. During Councilmember Warren's recent trip to the King Center she saw young people who entered the foyer of the center sign pledges after reading Dr. King's writings on Non-Violence and hopes to implement an area where young readers can review such a pledge and sign an agreement note to honor those principals in their daily lives.

Young readers will also have the opportunity to sit in a quiet area or read at a "Peek-A-Book" kiosk which offers books in several languages. Students looking for a game may enjoy the encyclopedia and dictionary challenges, treasure hunts and more.

Interactive computer stations will be available in a separate area where the LITE (Literacy, Information, Technology, and Education) program for children ages five and younger will introduce new learners to homework assignments created to entertain, excite, and prepare young learners for entering school. Older students can enjoy one of the small study rooms or join the Children's Homework Club where assistance and access to computers are available. Councilmember Warren is working throughout the community to solicit assistance for the funding of the Children's section of the library and development of the program for the Opening Ceremony of the Fontana Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Children's Library scheduled for June 2008.

This is Not a Hush Zone

Over the past year, the Fontana Branch Library has been changing the image of the traditional all quiet library into a fun, enjoyable, and highly energized experience. This new image is one that is certain to be evident at the new regional Lewis Library and Technology Center opening in April, 2008.

"The Fontana Branch Library is in the process of creating new library programs that introduce people to the wonders of learning at many different levels. As the dedicated staff continue to prepare for the opening of the new Lewis Library and Technology Center, our goal is to move beyond the traditional understanding of what a library has been. The Lewis Library and Technology Center will be a place where learning takes on many different expressions. From our Early Learning Programs where children learn by dancing and singing to our Teens 2 Teens video production that will feature specialized computers, video cameras, and software, learning is a lifelong pursuit that is best Ina expressed in many creative forms," says Leonard Hernandez, regional manager of the Fontana branch libraries.

Current programs include special teen nights with gaming tournaments, crafts and more.

In February, a celebration of Black History Month will be offered at the Fontana Branch Library when Ina Buckner-Barnette, a well known storyteller, visits on Wednesday, February 20 at 5:00 pm. Book copies of Martin's Big Words will be distributed while supplies last.

Among the continuing programs such as Toddler Boot Camp, Imagination Hour, and Itsy Bitsy Baby, many new ones will join the lineup for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Children's Library. Opportunities will include outreach partnerships with the Art Depot, Healthy Fontana and others.

The special dedication of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Children's Library is Saturday, June 21, 2008. The Golf Classic fundraiser is Monday, June 16. To make a donation or to find out more, please call Kathleen Fariss, Director of Development at (909) 350-6586 or visit online at www.fontanalibrary.org.

For further information about current programming at the Fontana Branch Library and future programming plans please call Leonard Hernandez, regional manager of the Fontana branch libraries at (909) 822-8330.

Councilmember Warren is calling upon citizens for donations of any memorabilia from the March on Washington, Birmingham, or any other item specifically related to Dr. King and the civil rights movement. Citizens with such items may contact Councilmember Warren at awarren@fontana.org or by calling (909) 578-2586. To find out more about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. please visit www.mlkonline.net or the King Center at www.thekingcenter.org.