Riverside Wants a New Library

The Riverside City Council has voted to build a new main library where the city’s downtown bus terminal is located.

In a 5-0 vote, the council agreed to develop a new library rather than renovate the current facility at 3581 Mission Inn Ave., where it has been located for more than 100 years, said Phil Pitchford, city spokesman.

Councilman John Burnard was absent from Tuesday’s meeting, and Councilman Andy Melendrez abstained from voting because of a possible conflict of interest.

A new site will have to be found for the bus terminal, which is at 3911 University Ave. near the Fox Performing Arts Center.

Riverside officials are considering a proposal to locate a children’s museum, Discovery Science Center, in that structure. If that happens, the museum could evolve into a regional attraction, Pitchford said.

Council members decided that building a new library made more sense financially than renovating the current building, even though that structure is considered historic by some and does have some public support, Pitchford said.

“This is something the city has been looking at doing for a number of years,” Pitchford said. “Our city manager [John Russo], and the library board of trustees, have decided to make it a priority.”