On Sept. 6, the city of Riverside held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new library named after Vietnam War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, Jesus S. Duran.
Jesus S. Duran served in Vietnam, and although he did not volunteer, he fulfilled his responsibilities as a soldier for his nation. Duran died in Riverside in 1977. Later, in 2014, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery on April 10, 1969, during a five-hour firefight.
Duran’s daughter, Tina Duran, spoke about her father’s history and achievements in an interview with ABC7 Eyewitness News.
“He was working with a lot of at-risk youth, and so my understanding is he was doing a lot for this community. He was helping young men find their way, not going down the wrong road. I think that was his way of giving back as a hero, and not outwardly being a hero,” Duran said.
The new library is set to be constructed on the site of a currently vacant building, located on the east side of the park along Douglas Avenue. Designed with state-of-the-art facilities, the library would provide expanded access to a wide range of educational resources, technology and community programs.
With an emphasis on enhancing learning opportunities and fostering community engagement, the new library aims to serve as a vibrant hub for people of all ages. The grand opening is set to be in the spring or summer of 2027.
Xander Shorts, sophomore double major in history and theatre, expressed amusement when asked about the library’s new space and features.
“I mean, I think it’s great that the new library is adding new resources and community programs! Personally, I think that the library is one of the greatest forms of public service provided by the city. Add on community programs and you’ve created a great way of allowing people to learn and grow together in a public place,” Shorts said.
Riverside has a rich history of naming community buildings after veterans. It is home to three Medal of Honor recipients who have buildings named after them. This library would preserve the memory of Duran within Riverside, similar to the Salvador J. Lara Casa Blanca Library and the Ysmael Villegas Park and Community Center.
Kevin Walls, senior civil engineering major, shared his thoughts when Riverside’s history of Medal of Honor-named buildings.
“I think it’s great that Riverside is still intentional about providing public library services despite the many alternative options to use them, and naming the building after a Medal of Honor recipient is a great way to honor the veteran’s legacy,” Walls said.
The Eastside Library, dedicated to Medal of Honor recipient Jesus Duran, serves as a permanent homage to service and sacrifice. This facility is designed to motivate future generations to create their own legacies of dedication and commitment.
