City News

The Friends of the Library presented City and Library officials with a check for $185,000 at the Newport Beach City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 10.

Friends of the Library President Amy Hunt and Friends Bookstore Manager Wendy Frankel made the presentation to Mayor Diane Dixon and Library Director Tim Hetherton.  Amy Hunt said, “We are thrilled to be able to donate this money to the Library.  We know it will be wisely used.”  She also noted that one of their volunteers had added up the donations given to Newport Beach Public Library over the past fourteen years and it totaled over $3.5 million.  Even more surprising, the donations are generated  from used book sales at $1 per book at the Friends of the Library bookstore.

According to Library Director, Tim Hetherton, “This gift will augment the Library collections at all locations, in all formats and for all age groups. The funds will also sponsor programming for all ages, such as Summer Reading, National Library Week, Young Adult programs and First Grade Class Visits.”   

The Friends of the Library Bookstore, in addition to quarterly book sales, generates funds year-round for children programs, summer reading materials, furnishings, services and collections.  The Friends Bookstore is located inside the Central Library at 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach. Donations of used books are always welcome.

For more information about the Friends of the Library, visit the website at https://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/about/friends-of-the-library.

 Photo (left to right):  Library Trustees Paul Watkins and Janet Ray, Librarians Melissa Hartson, Debbie Walker and Rebecca Lightfoot, Mayor Diane Dixon, Friends of the Library president Amy Hunt, Friends of the Library Bookstore Manager Wendy Frankel, Library Services Director Tim Hetherton.