Groundbreaking Ceremony Sept. 6 for New SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library

Published: 8/22/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Aug. 22, 2025

Contact:

Phil Pitchford

Public Information Officer

951-826-5975

[email protected]

Groundbreaking Ceremony Sept. 6 for New SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library

Event will include activity booths, community resources and remarks by elected officials

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The City of Riverside invites the public to a groundbreaking ceremony for the new $21.5 million SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Bobby Bonds Park, 2060 University Avenue.

The new library, scheduled to open in spring/summer of 2027, is designed to be a state-of-the-art facility providing expanded access to educational resources, technology, community programming, and cultural enrichment opportunities. It will replace a former storefront library that had served residents from a shopping center at University and Chicago avenues.

"This library will provide an unprecedented level of library services to the Eastside community," Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said. "It will be a fitting tribute to a man known for his community service and sacrifice for our country."

In addition to the groundbreaking ceremony, the event will include activity booths, community resources and remarks by the Mayor and City Council members.

The project honors the legacy of SPC Jesus S. Duran, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, Medal of Honor recipient and community advocate. He died in Riverside in 1977 and was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2014.

"Riverside has a long history as a proud military town with three Medal of Honor recipients," Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Conder said. "This library will keep SPC Duran's memory alive in our community, much like at the SSgt. Salvador J. Lara Casa Blanca Library and the Ysmael Villegas Park and Community Center."

The newest library will be located on the east side of the park, along Douglas Avenue, south of the parking lot at Douglas and University, and north of the soccer fields. More information here.

-30-