The Morongo Tribe's Generous Gesture
Morongo Contributes a Quarter-Million Dollars towards the Extension of Beaumont Public Library
The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has dropped a quarter-million dollars on the Beaumont Library District's first major expansion project in six decades, with the goal of providing vital educational resources to a booming region.
Established well over a century ago, the Beaumont Library has been serving its community since 1914, thanks to a $10,000 grant from renowned philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. A modest addition in 1965 was the only alteration to the library until now, as the local population swelled from a mere 6,500 to an impressive 65,000. Despite its outdated structure, the library remains the busiest in the Calimesa to Cabazon region, with almost thrice the number of materials borrowed compared to neighboring libraries in the San Gorgonio Pass Area.
Chairman of the Morongo Tribal Council, Charles Martin, shared his thoughts, stating, "Libraries are more than just book-filled buildings; they're the heartbeat of knowledge, opportunity, and community. Our contribution to the Beaumont Library's expansion aims to empower students, families, and lifelong learners across the region."
The Beaumont Library isn't your everyday library. It stands out as the only "Family Place Library" between Rancho Cucamonga and the Arizona border, boasting developmental play spaces for children and caregivers and parental training classes. Furthermore, it's considered the best library from Redlands to Rancho Mirage, offering services unavailable at other libraries such as literacy tutors for adults, family literacy activities, and English as a Second Language conversation classes.
Board President of the Beaumont Library District, Margaret Coleman, expressed her gratitude: "The Morongo Band's support brings us a significant step closer to realizing our vision of a contemporary, inclusive library for all. This contribution underscores Morongo's dedication to enhancing the communities of the Pass."
Director of Beaumont Library, Kelly Van Valkenburg, also chimed in, "Morongo's backing of our Expansion & Renovation Project illustrates their commitment to preserving local cultural heritage and bolstering programs that uplift the quality of life for our region's residents."
The library's expansion, set to be completed in phases, will add nearly double its current size, with phase one, totaling 8,300 square feet, due for completion by the end of the year. Phase two, estimated for completion by mid-2026, will restore and preserve the historic 1914 Carnegie building. The enhancements include a revamped children's room, family area, teen space, several study and conference rooms, a Friends of the Library bookstore, and a large community room catering to up to 100 people.
[1] California, Tribal Gaming News, Good Gaming News, https://www.californiatribalcasinos.com/news
[2] Tribal News, Morongo Tribe, https://morongotribe-nsn.gov/news/
[3] Cultural Preservation, Morongo Tribe, https://morongotribe-nsn.gov/cultural-preservation/
- The Morongo Band of Mission Indians, who aim to strengthen education and self-development in the region, donated $250,000 to the Beaumont Library District for their first major expansion project in six decades.
- The Beaumont Library, known as the only "Family Place Library" between Rancho Cucamonga and the Arizona border, will undergo expansion with the support of the Morongo Tribe, adding nearly double its current size by the end of 2021.
- The Morongo Tribe's contribution to the Beaumont Library's expansion will bolster programs that uplift the quality of life for the region's residents, according to the library's director, Kelly Van Valkenburg.
- The Morongo Tribe's 300-million-dollar finance industry, as depicted in California and Tribal Gaming News, underlines their commitment not only to strengthening educational resources but also to the preservation of local cultural heritage.
