This policy is to establish clear guidelines and procedures in the approval process, installation, and maintenance of a Pomona Free Community Library to provide customer-service delivery, facilitate the proper usage and maintenance of City public space, and to minimize the City's exposure to liability. 

This policy applies to any person or organization who desires to place a Free Community Library structure on a portion of City property to make books accessible for free. 

Eligibility Requirements  

The City of Pomona Free Community Library Program was designed to encourage Pomona residents and/or local organizations to properly maintain a free community library, sign a license agreement, and curate its book collections.

1. The applicant must be 18 years or older.
2. The applicant must be a local person or organization with the ability to frequent and access the free community library on a regular basis. If the applicant is associated with an organization, the applicant must be authorized to apply on behalf of the organization.
3. The applicant must have regular access to books.

Selecting a Location

Free Community Libraries are placed at City Parks. City staff from Community Services and Public Works evaluate the proposed site of the Free Community Library based on the following criteria:

1. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility
2. Lighting
3. Location (does not impede sub ground utility lines)
4. Maintenance
5. Safety
6. Sustainability / License Agreement
7. Artwork (reviewed and approved by the Cultural Arts Commission)

Standard Design

City-approved Free Community Libraries must adhere to the standard design and guidelines. "A box:

1. With maximum dimensions of 30 inches wide, by 24 inches high, by 24 inches deep.
2. With an operable weather-tight door measuring a minimum of 12 inches high, by  12 inches wide and a handle located approximately 36 inches above grade, incorporating Plexi-glass.
3. With a weather-resistant, sloped roof.
4. Atop a single-post bast that is set in a foundation that conform to the current building department standard for fence posts.
5. Do not use lead paint.
6. Do not use materials that are sharp or have rough edges.
7. Be built to the most current ADA codes and standards, which include the            following:

• ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)
• ADA Standards (ADAS)
• Title 24 California Building Code (CBC)"  

Artwork 

Timeline

1. Applications are reviewed within 14 days.
2. Once the application and artwork are approved, along with a signed agreement, the applicant will then be contacted to schedule an installation date.

License Agreement/Maintenance and Stewardship

1. Sign and return License Agreement
2. An annual evaluation conducted by a Parks and Recreation Commissioner will be submitted to City staff with the following information

• Written description of current condition
• If properly stocked with book
• A photo of the Free Community Library

Relinquishing Stewardship

1. Notify City staff immediately and submit 

1. Centennial Park 
2. Cesar Chavez Park 
3. Esperanza y Alegria Park 
4. Garfield Neighborhood Center 
5. Hamilton Park*
6. Kellogg Park 
7. Kennedy Park*
8. Kiwanis Park*
9. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park 
10. Memorial Park 
11. Palomares Park 
12. Philadelphia Park*
13. Powers Park
14. Ted Greene Park 
15. Tony Cerda Park*
16. Washington Park
17. Willie White Park 

* Not currently installed at park

We know that little libraries come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and dimensions may vary. There is an approved standard design and guidelines for City-approved Free Community Libraries. 

• Do not use glass or any other material that may cause harm to children and adults.
• Do not use lead paint and make sure there are no sharp or rough edges.

Below are general guidelines to ensure that libraries are accessible, safe, and built to withstand rain, wind, and high temperatures. Free Community Libraries shall be built to the most current ADA codes and standards, which include the following: 

• ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)
• ADA Standards (ADAS)
• Title 24 California Building Code (CBC)

A plan shall be submitted for review and acceptance. 

There should be variety of appropriate books and options for young readers, middle/high school, adults, and bilingual books.  Books should be restocked every 48 hours. 

Typically, stewards have regular access to books. When you become a Free Community Library steward, you will have the opportunity to connect and communicate with other stewards about tips on where to find books, how to make repairs, or where to buy materials, etc. 

The longer a free community library exists, the higher chance there may be some kind of damage, due to weather or regular maintenance. If the library is vandalized or stolen, please notify Roberto Curiel at (909) 620-2301 or e-mail at roberto.curiel@pomonaca.gov and advise when repairs or replacement will occur.

Let City staff know immediately. We understand that circumstances change. The preferred option is to leave the library at its location. You may want to talk to visitors or neighbors and ask if anyone is willing to take responsibility for it.

Then call us to arrange the transfer of the library to avoid a gap in stewardship. If a new steward cannot be identified, the library may be removed.