City News

 A balloon tower with a giant 25 greets guests entering the Central Library this week as the 25^th Anniversary celebration for the Library begins.  Library visitors are invited to sign the giant anniversary cards and reminisce about the Library’s beginnings.  A click on the 25th Anniversary logo on the Library website lets visitors look back at the history of the Central Library with a collection of photos and articles from the Groundbreaking, Grand Opening, 10^th Anniversary celebration, and recent expansion.

The dream of a Central Library for Newport Beach goes back to the eighties, when a needs assessment study showed that the City would be well served by a large Central Library in conjunction with the Balboa, Mariners, and Corona del Mar branches.  The Central Library was designed as a modern and expansive building that could serve diverse audiences of the community with adult reading areas, large meeting space, children’s section and story time room, public computer areas and outdoor space.  A dedicated group of library supporters led the charge and the Grand Opening took place July 10, 1994.

               Since then, the Central Library has expanded and developed in pursuit of its mission to be the cultural, educational and informational heart of the City.  According to Library Director Tim Hetherton, “The 25^th Anniversary year gives us the opportunity to look back at the history of the Central Library, acknowledge the individuals and organizations that pursued the dream, and anticipate the future of the of library services in Newport Beach.  We look forward to continue to serve the City with superb programs, excellent collections, technological enhancements, children’s activities, cultural arts programs, learning opportunities, and other valuable resources.”

               Newport Beach Public Library will host monthly activities highlighting the 25^th Anniversary from now until July.  Look for more details on the Library website at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.