The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has donated $250,000 to the Beaumont Library District to support its first major expansion project in 60 years, which will nearly double the library’s size and provide critical educational resources to a fast-growing region.
The Beaumont Library has served the community for more than a century, with the oldest part of its current structure dating back to 1914, built with a $10,000 grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The only addition occurred in 1965, when the local population was just 6,500. Today, that number exceeds 65,000, yet the library still operates out of the same limited space.
Despite its limited size, the Beaumont Library continues to be the busiest library from Calimesa to Cabazon, with nearly three times the number of materials checked out to the public as the other three public library locations in the San Gorgonio Pass Area.
“Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books. They’re hubs of knowledge, opportunity, and community that provide a variety of diverse resources and services,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “We’re delighted to support the Beaumont Library’s expansion to help empower students, families, and lifelong learners across the region.”
Beaumont Library is the only “Family Place Library” between Rancho Cucamonga and the Arizona border with developmental play spaces for children and their caregivers and training classes for parents. It’s also considered the best library from Redlands to Rancho Mirage, providing many services that others do not, such as literacy tutors for adults, activities to promote family literacy, and conversation classes for adults who are trying to learn English as a Second Language.
“The incredible support from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians brings us significantly closer to realizing our vision of a modern inclusive library for all,” said Beaumont Library District Board President Margaret Coleman. “This contribution reflects Morongo’s dedication to strengthening the communities of the Pass.”
“Morongo’s support of our Expansion & Renovation Project is a testament to their commitment to preserving local cultural heritage and supporting programs that enhance the quality of life for the residents of our region,” said Beaumont Library Director Kelly Van Valkenburg.
The library’s expansion, which broke ground on February 12, will be completed in two phases. Phase one, adding 8,300 square feet, is expected to be completed late this year. Phase two, set for completion by mid-2026, will restore and preserve the historic 1914 Carnegie building. New amenities include an all-new children’s room, family area, teen space, multiple study and conference rooms, a Friends of the Library bookstore, and a large community room for up to 100 people.
