Frequently Asked Questions

Library staff will answer requests for information in person or by phone. Please call us at (909) 370-5083. If you can't find what you want in the public access computer catalog or on the shelf, please ask at the Information desk. We are here to serve you and have not only local resources but a nationwide cooperation between libraries using Interlibrary Loan (ILL).

Yes. Although we prefer that you return materials to the branch that they belong to, you can return any of our materials to either branch.

Our current system does not reliably support renewals online, therefore we recommend that you call (909) 370-5083 or come in with your card or materials to renew.

No, currently you are unable to renew DVDs by phone. You must come in with your card or the DVDs during our business hours to renew them.

DVDs are due the next day that the branch where you borrowed them from is open. For example, if you rented them on Monday from the main branch, they are due on Wednesday, since that branch is closed on Tuesday.

Yes, you can return any of our materials in the bookdrop.

You can check-out eight DVDs per card at one time.

No. Only adults 18 years and older with a valid picture I.D. are permitted to check-out DVDs on their cards.

No. We are solely a city library and are not a part of the San Bernardino County Library System. Our card is available to all California residents free of charge and can be used only at our two branches in Colton.

No. We are solely a city library and not a part of the San Bernardino County Library System. These books can be returned at any of their 31 branches or to any of the Riverside County Library System's 35 branches.

There is no limit on the number of books you can check-out at once on one card.

Unfortunately, we do not have a fax machine available.

Unfortunately, we do not have a scanner available.

There is no charge for DVDS; they are are free to check out.

Printing costs 15 cents per page. Printing is available only in black and white.

Yes, we do have wi-fi available. To access the wi-fi, go to your networks and select Colton01 or Colton 02. There is no password. Unfortunately, there is no wi-fi printing available. You must use one of our public access computers to print.

There is no age cutoff for library cards. For a minor to obtain a card a parent or guardian signature is required, as well as a valid photo I.D.

All materials can be renewed up to twice. After this time has elapsed, materials must be returned to the library to avoid a late fee.

Unfortunately, we do not have ebooks available at this time.

Yes, we take book, magazine and media donations. However, we ask that the materials be in fair condition, free from excessive dirt, dust and mildew. If the materials are in good to excellent condition, and we have a need for them, we may add them to our collection. Otherwise they are are given to the Friends of the Colton Public Library and are put up for sale to help support the library.

There is no charge for a library card for a new user. However, every replacement card after that costs $1.50.

Yes, anyone with a valid California address and photo I.D. can get a library card free of charge.

Yes, we do require that you have your library card with you in order to use the computer and check out materials. It is against policy for us to use your I.D. only or to give out your library card number.

No, we require that each person uses his or her own card. Two people may share a computer, but no one may use another person's card to get on the computer without them being present.

No, a parent must be in the library for their child to use their card.

No, however, the Office of the City Clerk does offer notary services by appointment with a $10 charge per signature. More information can be found on the

View our

There is typically a 10-day grace period after the due date printed on the bill. Once the 10-day grace period is over, the account is subject to a 5% late fee. The account is charged the 5% when a delinquent notice is mailed out. Note: The due date on your bill applies to the current charges only. The “Balance Forward” is past due and should be paid immediately to avoid an interruption in service.

Our water comes from 15 wells that draw water from three underlying groundwater basins (Colton / Rialto Basin, Bunkerhill Basin, and North Riverside Basin). The city has emergency connections with the City of San Bernardino and the Riverside Highland Water Company, West Valley Water District, and City of Riverside that can be activated if necessary.

Most citations for mechanical violations can be handled by the person who was issued the citation simply by correcting the violation. Once corrected, the citation should be taken to the law enforcement agency that issued it, where it will be verified and signed off by an officer. Take the verified citation to the court window to show proof of correction. There may be a court administrative fee charged. In some instances, the verified citation can be mailed to the court, however, it is recommended that you keep a copy of the verification for your records should you choose to correspond via mail. Do not wait until the date on the citation to show proof of correction. This date is in the event you wish to contest it in a courtroom before a judge. Note: There may be a fee charged by the respective agency to complete the ticket sign-off.

If you wish to appeal your parking citation, you may complete a parking citation protest form at the Colton Police Department or mail a written explanation to: Citation Processing Center, P.O. Box 2730, Huntington Beach, CA 92647-2730 or online at: www.ticketwizard5000.com. Be sure to include the citation number and the license plate number of the vehicle.

Applications are available online or at the Development Services Department, 659 North La Cadena Drive. Please call (909) 370-5079 to request an application by mail or fax.

$91.00 per year, and/or a one-time fee of $50.00 for a Home Occupation Permit if the business is conducted from a home in Colton. $290.00 for a Business Occupancy Permit if the business is conducted from a commercial site in Colton.

Every business conducted from a home in the City of Colton must have a Business License and a Home Occupation Permit. Both applications must be submitted together, along with payment, to the Development Services Department at 659 North La Cadena Drive.

Applications are available online at www.ci.colton.ca.us or at the Development Services Department, 659 North La Cadena Drive. Please call (909) 370-5079 to request an application by mail or fax.

Business Licenses are mailed out approximately 2 to 3 weeks after an application has been submitted and the $91.00 fee.

A Business License is not transferable. The License is terminated when business ownership changes. The new owner will be responsible for obtaining his/her own Business License.

Once you have obtained a Business License, which is valid for one (1) year, a renewal will automatically be sent to the mailing address of record approximately two weeks before the expiration date. If you do not receive a renewal notice before the expiration date of the Business License, please contact the Business License Division. Failure to receive a renewal notice does not relieve the business owner of his/her responsibility to renew the Business License nor is it grounds for waiving any penalties/late fees due.

Fictitious Business Names are filed with the County of San Bernardino Recorder-Clerk's Office. To contact the Recorder-Clerk's Office, call (909) 387-8306 or visit their website. Inland Empire Community Newspaper will file the Fictitious Business Name with the County Recorder and publish your Fictitious Business Name statement. Contact Inland Empire Community Newspaper, (909) 381-9898. San Bernardino Recorder-Clerk Website

To obtain a Seller's Permit, contact the State Board of Equalization at (800) 400-7115, or visit their website. State Board of Equalization Website.

Purchase a license at: City of Colton Finance Department 650 N La Cadena Dr Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (909) 370-5555

Licenses are normally valid for a 12-month period. Rabies vaccination must be good through the 12-month term of the license, or the license will expire when the vaccination does. Example: if you purchase your license on May 12, 2014, and the dogs rabies vaccination is valid until July 2015, your license will expire at the end of May 2015. If you purchase your license on May 12, 2104, and the rabies vaccination expires in November 2014, then your license will expire at the end of November 2014.