"What makes a book great, a so-called classic, is its quality of always being modern, of its author, though he be long dead, continuing to speak to each new generation." - Lawrence Clark Powell (librarian and author 1906 - 2001)

Fifty years from today patrons of the Lewis Library and Technology Center will spend entire days or afternoons lost in books, clubs, or at the computer while perhaps never giving second thought to the efforts that have gone into making the region's largest library. The information and services offered through the Lewis Library and Technology Center will speak to and influence the lives of generations yet unborn, and this is truly something to celebrate.

On Saturday, April 12 hundreds will line-up to attend the premier event of the season -- the 6^th annual Mayor's Gala which has been appropriately titled A Novel Production to be held at the Lewis Library and Technology Center, at 8437 Sierra Avenue from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.

The celebration is the culmination of years of hard work, strategic investment in the revitalization of the downtown civic center, and a steadfast partnership based on commitment between city and county officials and the citizens they represent.

Throughout the evening, ticket holders will be given the star treatment. A walk down the red carpet with lots of lights, cameras, and fun will mark the start of the evening.

From the red carpet, participants will move towards the main entrance of the 92,600 square-foot structure which has taken two years to construct, $65 million in city, county, and grant funding, as well as an excess of $15 million from an aggressive grassroots effort: Give Today Enrich Tomorrow capital campaign.

Upon entering the plaza and seeing the clock tower, the realization will come that a classic tale in Fontana's history is based upon promises that are kept through the collaboration of the Mayor and City Council, the county of San Bernardino, Fontana Unified School District, local philanthropists, and the public.

Those in attendance will marvel at the plaza fountain and the 330 seat Steelworkers' Auditorium named in honor of the generations of Kaiser Steel Mill employees who have played such a vital role in shaping Fontana's history.

Through the Paul A. Biane Great Hall filled with rich earth tones and a variety of textures patrons will at last have a new perspective of the glass rotunda they've driven past on Sierra Avenue. They will seek out the highly anticipated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Children's Library and witness the depth and scope of the true value that results from grants, such as those from AT & T which have made possible the purchase of nearly a dozen Spanish computer stations.

Gala participants may eye the place they will sit for the first time when they visit the Book Mark coffee bar or be amazed by the enormity and elegance of the grand staircase leading them to the library's second floor.

Upstairs partygoers will see a preview of upcoming performances at the Center Stage Theater as actors perform from the rotunda. They will also note the volumes of adult and teen reading materials, two adult reading rooms, and the young adult library complete with cyber café pods, and the Teen Speedway. Guests will most likely favor the local History and Genealogy room where a 2008 Time Capsule from the Mayor's Gala Committee will be preserved for future generations.