The Friends use 100% of the funds generated from sales in the BookShop, other donations, and memberships to provide the Corona Library with many enhancements to the Library building as well as supplementing the collection. In addition, Friends' funds support many Library programs. You can read about some of the major projects below.

Major projects donated by the Friends to the Corona Public Library

California Environments murals:

Original Wall Murals were commissioned by The Friends from artists Sean and Patrick Johnson for the Children’s Room at the Corona Public Library from 2001-2006.
A Redwood Forest greets visitors at the entrance from the Library’s main hallway. Wander to the left and you’ll find pictorials of the Pacific Coast and the High Sierras. Spy the sea creatures between coral reefs on the walls of this area and enjoy the brown bear and golden eagles decorating the rocky crags of the Sierra mountains further back in the room. In the main part of the Children’s area is a depiction of Corona’s famous Lemon Industry history. Sit a spell on the orange crates and be a part of the scene. In the Story Hour Room a large representation of the High Desert environment graces one entire wall, complete with coyotes and tarantula amongst the cactus and rock formations.

These enchanting, colorful paintings delight, inspire, and educate both children and their parents visiting this area of the Library. We’re sure you’ll also enjoy viewing these spectacular representations of California!

Big Cozy Books: Children's Library furniture

This soft furniture shaped like giant books creates cozy reading areas for kids and their parents in the Children's Room of the Corona Public Library. The furniture was a gift from the Friends in 2002.

Main Street Electronic Sign

The Main Street Electronic Sign, located at the corner of Sixth and Main Streets, is updated regularly with Library news and upcoming event information. The sign was purchased with funds provided by the Friends in 2000. It provides a welcoming message to Corona passerby 24 hours a day. A companion electronic sign for the Library's circulation desk area was also provided by the Friends.

Art Walk: A Self-Guided Walk of Corona Library Art

Many of The Friends' Major Gifts and other donations now grace the Library with some of the best examples in public art in all the City of Corona.

The Art Walk Self-Guided Tour was created by The Friends to encourage Library visitors to discover many of this wide range of artistic elements now available for viewing at the Library. Some, such as the Big Cozy Books in the Children's Room offer a practical, as well as aesthetic, purpose. Others are educational as well as beautiful. Be sure to check out the many historical elements, including the vintage posters of the Corona Road Races and circa 1960 City of Corona aerial maps.

Pick up the free brochure (pictured left) in the BookShop or circulation desk at the Corona Library for full details and a self-guided map. Enjoy your tour!

Children Sculptures: Puppydog Tales & Pony Tales

The NEW and delightfully charming bronze sculptures which now grace the Library lobby area depict a little girl and a young boy clearly immersed in the joy of reading. These works by artist J.A. Onder are wonderfully detailed and were purchased by the Friends in 2006 to celebrate the 42nd year anniversary of the group's inception.

Corona Library lobby aquarium

The Aquarium, a large (250 gallon) salt-water tank makes a striking visual statement in its central lobby location. It offers a calm respite from an otherwise busy day and a great spot to view examples of Library "wildlife".

Brownie Troop 1247, standing in front of the Aquarium (below) recently donated money to the Friends to purchase additional fish for the tank. They helped add a large yellow tang (which they named Princess) and a group of small blue damsels (representing the girls of Troop 1247) on the day this picture was taken. If you'd like to donate funds to purchase fish, send us an email for details - click here.

The "Fish Tank," as it's commonly called, continues to be a Library visitor and employee favorite. The Aquarium was donated by the Friends in 2004