The 50th Anniversary of National Library Week is April 13-19, 2008. How
fitting that while patrons across the nation enjoy various festivities to honor this anniversary,
the residents of Fontana will commemorate the week with both a premier Mayor's Gala event
and a grand opening of the new 93,000 square foot regional Lewis Library and Technology Center.
On April 12th, the Mayor's Gala will herald in a whole new era for the City
of Fontana and residents of the San Bernardino region. The date marks the 6th Annual Mayor's
Gala event and the first time the public will walk the halls of the all new Lewis Library
and Technology Center, located at 8437 Sierra Avenue. The official grand opening of the facility
is scheduled for Saturday, April 19 when thousands of visitors are expected to enjoy a day
filled with fun, laughter, prizes, treasure hunts, and library exploration.
The 6th Annual Mayor's Gala: A Novel Production
The Mayor's Gala is the long-awaited event of the year. A time when men and
women take out their pressed tuxedos and long flowing gowns to partake in the Gala's fine
food, dancing, and hear the State of the City address by Mayor Mark Nuaimi.
The theme of the evening, "A Novel Production," features books that have
been made into star-studded movies.
Gala attendees will be greeted at the entrance by costumed characters and
escorted along the red carpet while "paparazzi" snap their pictures.
Thousands of books will line the shelves, many of which have been paid for
by generous donors like the second grade student who loves to read or the longstanding community
leader who believes in education and the importance of literacy.
Guests will walk through special areas of the library donated by supporters.
Beautifully designed plaques will be on display in recognition of their contributions. The
donated spaces will leave a lasting legacy that will be remembered and enjoyed for many generations.
Some of the specific rooms named in the Center that guests will see for the first time include
the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Children's Library, the Paul A. Biane Great Hall, and the
area donated by Young Homes known as the Steelworkers' Auditorium. The Center itself has
been named after one of Fontana's most generous supporters - the Lewis Group of Companies.
In the Children's Story Time and Activity Room, Gala attendees will view
a uniquely designed mural gracing one of the room's walls. The mural, a large orange tree
decorated with the names of the committee members who served on the Mayor's Gala Committee
since 2006. This mural is in recognition of the Committee's success in raising nearly $200,000
for the Lewis Library and Technology Center.
The 6th Annual Mayor's Gala tickets will go on sale in March for $100 and
promises to be sold out. The event will take place on Saturday, April 12 from 4:30 to 11:00
p.m. To find out more, please call the City of Fontana Community Services Department at (909)
428-8360.
The Lewis Library and Technology Center Grand Opening
On Saturday, April 19th the doors of the new library and technology center
will officially open. The day will be filled with fun, prizes, and exploration for anyone
and everyone to enjoy.
Events will begin at 10:00 am with free opportunity drawings, prizes, indoor
and outdoor entertainment, performances, treasure hunts, food, and library tours.
Visitors will enjoy walking through the halls, viewing beautiful pieces
of art, decorative fountains, drinking coffee at the Book Mark Coffee Bar, checking out a
book at a self-checkout station, or simply reading through the pages of their favorite book.
The opening day collection alone will contain more than 100,000 items.
Traveling from floor-to-floor, room-to-room, and aisle-to-aisle is guaranteed
to encourage a lifelong love of learning and books.
The grand opening for the Lewis Library and Technology Center will take
place on Saturday, April 19 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
To find out more about the new Lewis Library and Technology Center or to
make a donation, please visit www.fontanalibrary.org.
