San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. joined County Library staff, the City of Rialto, and local families to celebrate the reopening of the Rialto Branch Library and the unveiling of new interactive learning spaces designed to bring more educational opportunities to residents of all ages.
A highlight of the reopening is the new Animaker Space, part of a $1.49 million County investment in customized Animaker Space equipment and services through Garner Holt Education Through Imagination. The space provides hands-on learning opportunities where children can explore creativity, technology, design, and STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
The library also features a new interactive Storytime area, developed in partnership with astronaut and STEAM advocate Dr. José Hernández and Garner Holt, offering younger children and families an engaging environment to learn, explore, and use their imagination.
“I want every child who walks through these doors to understand that where you come from does not determine how far you can go,” said Dr. José Hernández. “My hope is that this space inspires kids to believe in themselves and know that with education, hard work and determination, their dreams are within reach.”
For Isaiah, a student at St. Catherine of Siena School in Rialto and a frequent visitor to the library, that inspiration was already taking shape. After meeting Dr. Hernández and exploring the new Animaker Space, Isaiah shared his excitement about learning more about robotics.
“I come to this library a lot, and getting to meet an astronaut was really exciting,” Isaiah said. “I want to learn more about robotics and building things on my own. I may have found my career path here today.”
The new spaces expand the role of the Rialto Branch Library beyond traditional library services by providing residents with free access to educational resources, technology, hands-on learning and programming in their own community.
“Projects like this show what we can accomplish when our city, county and community partners work together,” said Rialto Mayor Joe Baca, Sr. “By bringing our resources together, we can continue building our communities up and creating places where our families and young people have opportunities to learn, grow and succeed. We are proud to see this investment being made right here in Rialto.”
The reopening reflects a continued investment in making educational opportunities and resources more accessible to Rialto families and preparing young people with skills they can carry into the future.
“Libraries are community hubs that give our residents access to resources they may not have at home,” said Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “The Animaker Space is another investment in our kids, giving them the opportunity to explore STEAM, build new skills and open doors to future careers.”
Supervisor Baca thanked the San Bernardino County Library, Garner Holt Education Through Imagination, Dr. José Hernández, the City of Rialto, library staff, County staff and community partners who helped bring the improvements to the Rialto Branch Library.
Residents are encouraged to visit the Rialto Branch Library and learn more about the new Animaker Space, Storytime area, classes and programs available to the community.