Corona Public Library advances innovation center, expands literacy and career programs

Corona Public Library trustees heard updates on construction and programming Thursday as managers outlined progress on a planned innovation center and detailed expanding literacy services for residents.

Library Manager Daniel Whittington told trustees the innovation center project is on schedule and that the library has purchased TransferVR software, funded by an economic development earmark, to provide immersive career-path simulations for teens and adults. "We have about 15 of these headsets," Whittington said, describing modules that let users explore careers such as truck driving or forensic science in a virtual environment.

The library is preparing furnishings and technology for both adult and makerspace areas in the innovation center, Whittington said. He described the VR system as a career-training device that can be used for workforce guidance and financial-literacy exercises.

The trustees also received a literacy report from library staff. Shandara Khan, who presented adult literacy services, said the library operates three core programs: one-on-one tutoring, adult classes run in partnership with CNUSD adult education, and a Career Online High School scholarship program. Khan reported 30 learners supported by 18 volunteer tutors and 163 volunteer hours contributed by January 2026. "By the end of 2025, a total of 44 scholarships was awarded," Khan said, adding that the program reported a 71 percent graduation rate and that nine students were fully enrolled as of December 2025.

Trustees asked how programming for younger children would be handled. Whittington said coding classes and junk journaling are targeted to teens but could be expanded depending on demand, while some activities such as book bedazzling raise safety concerns because of heavy-duty glue. Trustee Liddell asked whether newsletters and materials from Play Cafe would be available online for caregivers who cannot attend; staff said the materials are distributed to attendees and that leftover flyers are kept in the children's room for pickup.

Staff outlined upcoming events connected to the new programming: job-readiness workshops beginning March 3, an intro-to-coding class on March 6 and a March 24 board meeting that will include a "library of things" report. The board adjourned at 6:16 p.m.; the next meeting is scheduled for 2026-03-24 at 5:30 p.m.

The board did not take any final policy votes about the innovation center during the meeting; the update focused on schedule, equipment purchases and program rollout plans.