Menifee gets new library; Sun City building renovation set

Aerial map shows the vacant lot across the street from Wheatfield Park where a library will be built.

City of Menifee and Riverside County officials have announced the approval of a public library to be built across the street from Wheatfield Park. This news comes the same week details were released regarding the temporary closure and renovation of Sun City Library.

Officials of the Riverside County Library System announced that three new libraries have been approved for the county: Menifee, French Valley and Desert Hot Springs. The Menifee site is a county-owned lot on the northwest corner of Menifee Road and La Piedra Road -- a vacant lot occasionally used for parking for big events at Wheatfield Park across the street.

According to a news release from the City of Menifee, plans call for a facility of 15,000 to 20,000 feet, including charging stations, Wi-Fi, self-checkout and a computer lab. It is described as being designed to have a "Starbucks feel." All construction costs will be paid by the County, said Gina Gonzalez, the City's economic development director.

The estimated timeline for design and construction is 18-24 months, according to County documents. Menifee City Council member Lesa Sobek, in whose district the library will be built, expressed excitement about the project.

"With Sun City Library (left) being one of the busiest libraries in the entire county, Menifee residents are in need of a library system on the east side of the City," Sobek said. "This news could not come at a better time, as this amenity will greatly complement our growing population, as Menifee is the fastest growing City in Southwest Riverside County."

The Sun City Library, located in the Cherry Hills Plaza on the west side of the 215 Freeway, will close March 4 for renovations including flooring treatment, painting and some interior reconstruction. The children's area will als be renovated, said Michelle Stiles, branch manager of the Sun City Library. She said that facility should be closed for two to three months.

During that time, Menifee residents may use the libraries that are open to the public at Paloma Valley High School or Heritage High School, plus the Canyon Lake Library and Perris Library. Books checked out at the Sun City Library may be returned at any of the other libraries, Stiles said. Books may still be dropped into the book drops at the Sun City location.

"We are very excited about the upcoming improvements to the Sun City Library, and appreciate the County’s partnership," said Greg August, District 1 Menifee City Councilman. "The Sun City Library, since its development in 2010, has quickly become a landmark in the Sun City community, and with these enhancements the library will create an even better atmosphere for promotion of literacy among Menifee residents."