Acquiring former library building means city will own entire complex for future community use.
DESERT HOT SPRINGS – After serving the community of Desert Hot Springs from 1972 to
2021, the former Desert Hot Springs library at 11691 West Drive could be the home of new
services for the community — for $350,000.
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors last week approved the sale of the former library, a
county-owned building, to the City of Desert Hot Springs. The previous library is contiguous
with the Carl May Community and Senior Center, which are city-owned property. Acquiring the
library building means the city will fully own the entire complex for future community use.
Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and Desert Hot Springs Mayor Scott Matas welcome the transfer of
the former library from the county to the city, which will benefit the community with a new
space for services.
Supervisor V. Manuel Perez
“This is an effort that came to me by Mayor Scott Matas as well as the Councilmembers from Desert Hot Springs some time ago and we finally got it done,” Perez said in a statement. “This will allow the city to take over the building. It will be theirs to use as they identify new ways to expand their services to residents. We are very proud of our great partnership with the city of Desert Hot Springs that has created the opportunity to grow our services for our residents.”
“The City of Desert Hot Springs is excited to take ownership of this building — so we are able to ensure this entire complex will be available to serve the residents and seniors of Desert Hot Springs,” said Mayor Scott Matas.
The building transfer is possible because of the investment in the new library that was constructed in Desert Hot Springs. One of the first projects Supervisor Perez worked on as a county supervisor was to find a way, working with the Riverside County Library System, to build a new modern library branch for the City of Desert Hot Springs. The $12 million library, built by Riverside County and opened in 2021, freed up the former library space owned by the county.
The City of Desert Hot Springs is purchasing the property from the county for $350,000.
Image Sources
- Supervisor V. Manuel Perez: Supervisor V. Manuel Perez
- Former Desert Hot Springs Library at 11691 West Drive, Desert Hot Springs: Supervisor Perez Office
