City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: AUGUST 25, 2026 FROM: LIBRARY DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: ACCEPT ONE ACCESSIBLE PRIVACY BOOTH, THREE FAMILY WORKSTATIONS, TWO LIGHT TABLES, AND FOUR SEWING MACHINES FROM THE CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY FOR THE EMPOWERING ACCESS GRANT PROGRAM ISSUES:
Accept one accessible privacy booth, three family workstations, two light tables, and four sewing machines awarded to the Riverside Public Library through the EmPOWERing Access Grant Program.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council accept one accessible privacy booth, three family workstations, two light tables, and four sewing machines awarded to the Riverside Public Library through the EmPOWERing Access Grant Program.
BACKGROUND:
On February 6, 2026, the Riverside Public Library applied for the EmPOWERing Access Project which will provide an accessible privacy booth, family workstations, light tables, and sewing machines. The project will encourage library users to connect with their community and provide new ways to access information and learn new skills. This project is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian, in partnership with the Southern California Library Cooperative.
DISCUSSION:
On June 1, 2026, the California State Library and the Southern California Library Cooperative (SCLC) officially selected the Riverside Public Library to receive specialized resources through the EmPOWERing Access Grant Program. Through this grant funding, the library will be provided with the following equipment:
Item Description
(1) Pillar ADA Accessible Booth
(3) Family Workstations
(2) Light Tables
(4) Sewing Machines
Pillar ADA Accessible Booth
The Pillar accessible privacy booths are ADA compliant and are to be used by patrons for telehealth appointments, job interviews, legal appointments, educational sessions, or any other virtual connection that requires privacy. Acoustic panels and fabric and magnetic door seal block out the noise and keep conversations private. The privacy booth will be compliant with local fire, seismic and ADA code.
Family Workstations
Family workstations are a community solution designed to give parents time for work while keeping their children curious, exploring, and entertained in a connected, interactive space. Each workstation is constructed of high-quality wood with a GREENGUARD Certified low VOC topcoat and features a safe acrylic mirror with a solid maple frame. The child's area includes a high-grade, PVC-free, bleach-cleanable PLAY mat and interchangeable Learning Panels designed for early learning content.
Light Tables
The Spectrum Light Lab from Kodo measures 29 inches wide by 48 inches long by 21 inches tall and requires access to a standard power outlet. These tables build early literacy through play, encourage conversation and storytelling, and support STEAM learning through hands-on exploration of light and color. The light tables are inclusive for all learners and come with included materials such as Harlekino, Transparent Rainbow Pebbles, and Mirror Blocks.
Sewing Machines
Sewing machines can provide access to specialized equipment as part of a public program and demonstrates the value of DIY skill building. These machines can be utilized in Maker Spaces or dedicated programming to teach textile arts and practical mending skills to the community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact outlined in this report is based on the estimated value of the donated equipment, which totals approximately $34,647. The City incurs no expenses related to the acceptance of this equipment.
Prepared by: Jorge Rocha, Principal Management Analyst
Approved by: Erin Christmas, Library Director
Certified as to
availability of funds: Julie Nemes, Finance Director
Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form: James Johnson, City Attorney
Attachment: Award Letter
CSL EmPOWERing ● Page 2