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PRESS RELEASE
Official
Dedication Ceremony to Honor Donors and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Children’s Library
Release Date: May 29, 2008
FONTANA,
CALIF. – When the Mayor and City Council offered the public naming opportunities and the chance to
contribute to the funding of the new Lewis Library and Technology Center in the Fontana Civic Center, Mayor Pro
Tem Acquanetta Warren believed this was the prefect opportunity to make a true impact on Fontana youth. Thus,
she proposed the idea of naming the children's section of the library after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“In August, 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his most famous speech – ‘I Have a Dream’ and talked of his
wish that all people, regardless of race or religion, live equally. I grew up watching Dr. King on television,” explained
Warren. “I watched him as he changed the social and moral fabric of our world. And, when the City was making
plans for the new Lewis Library and Technology Center, I realized we had a unique opportunity as a community
to impact the lives of our youth and to honor a great man by naming the children’s section of the library after
him.”
The City Council wholeheartedly supported the idea, and a campaign began to raise the necessary funds. After
two years, two charity golf tournaments, and many generous donations from supporters totaling over $280,000 the
campaign to name the children’s section the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Children’s Library has been an overwhelming
success. And, on Saturday, June 21, 2008, beginning at 10:00 a.m., the community will celebrate this historic
moment with an Official Dedication Ceremony.
In addition to honoring the Children’s Library donors and supporters, the Ceremony will feature a presentation
from David Anthony Johnson, a Dr. King orator, and the unveiling of a commissioned statue of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. At the Ceremony, the presentation of arms will be conducted by the Buffalo Soldiers, a group of African
Americans who served in the segregated units of the American military from 1866 to 1951.
The Ceremony will also feature a recitation of a pledge of nonviolence: “I Pledge to honor Martin Luther King,
Jr.'s life and non-violent work by helping to make this world a better, more just place for all people. I Will:
Respect all people; Live a life of loving, not hating; Choose patience over anger, non-violence over force; Actively
help to promote freedom, justice, and world peace.”
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Children’s Library houses over 27,000 books for children and juveniles up to
12 years of age, and includes many items to teach young people the value of Dr. King’s contribution to all our
lives. A young children’s area with educational toys and a puppet theater, playhouses to crawl and walk through,
computer stations, reading areas, Spanish language materials, and much more await exploration. In addition, the
Children’s Library offers a host of programs for young readers including the LITE (Literacy, Information, Technology,
and Education) program for children ages five and younger which introduces 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.
“As this year marks the fortieth anniversary of Dr. King’s death, the official dedication and opening of the
Children’s Library holds special significance,” said Warren. “Dr. King had a dream that bettered a nation. This
Children’s Library named in his honor has fulfilled our community’s dream of helping to better our children’s
futures. And, as our youth read the books, explore the Internet, participate in tutoring and literacy programs,
and explore the other riches the Library has to offer, they will become greater world citizens and leaders, and
in that way, we are also helping to better the Nation.”
For further information about the Official Dedication Ceremony of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Children’s Library,
contact Councilmember Warren at awarren@fontana.org or (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.
Contact Information:
Acquanetta Warren,
Mayor Pro Team
Telephone: (909) 578-2586
E-Mail:
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