Josie Gonzales – photo by Dan Wilson

(Best Syndication News) SAN BERNARDINO - The San Bernardino County Library system is extending an invitation to patrons of the City of Colton's libraries, which were forced to close due to a budget crisis, to take advantage of the library services available at various county branch libraries close to the Colton community.

"The library is the soul of a community. It's where people of all ages come together to learn and exchange ideas," said County Supervisor Josie Gonzales, whose Fifth District includes Colton. "The county is honored to be able to provide the people of Colton with a library safety net during these painful economic times."

The county operates branch libraries in Bloomington, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Highland and Rialto. Exact locations and hours are available on the San Bernardino County Library web site at www.sbcounty.gov/library.

Colton residents can also apply for a San Bernardino County Library card on the web site and bring the application to any county branch library. Cards may also be obtained free of charge at any library within Riverside or San Bernardino County, except for Redlands, which has a non-resident charge.

San Bernardino County Library cardholders have access to more than 2.4 million books, audio books, DVDs and CDs owned by the San Bernardino County Library, Riverside County Library, Moreno Valley Public Library, Murrieta Public Library and the College of the Desert consortium.

SBCL cardholders also have 24/7 access to more than 20 electronic databases, downloadable audio books and e-books, live help from AskNow librarians, and live chat homework help from Brain Fuse tutors through the SBCL Web site. Books checked out from the Colton Library may be returned to any San Bernardino County Library branch.