READERS RESPOND

AT ISSUE: We asked if the Newport Beach Library Foundation serves a

purpose, or if it should be disbanded.

The original library foundation served a purpose when it raised about $2

million, which was added to the city’s $8 million to build a new library.

It is now reasonable for the public to question the direction of the

second foundation, incorporated in 1993 to raise ongoing funds in the

name of the library. The Newport Beach city staff report of Jan. 25

indicates the foundation has recently changed its bylaws, articles of

incorporation and adopted a new statement of policy. Why?Is this the

basis of the threat to dissolve the foundation and give the $1.3 million

raised in the name of our library to another group? Are they prepared to

start contacting donors and refund money donated in the name of our

library? This threat really pinpoints the current problem, i.e., that a

group not responsible to the citizens, to the library board of trustees

or the city council can raise funds in the name of our library and then

do what it wants with those funds.

It’s a sorry day.NOVELL HENDRICKSON

Newport Beach

As a former member of the board of library trustees, it disturbs me

greatly that there is such conflict between the trustees and the library

foundation.

Having served as a trustee from 1991-95, we were required annually to cut

back on staff and programs because of reduced funding from the city.

Thus, the foundation was reinvented to create an endowment that would

help prevent such problems when they occur again in the future.

We were thrilled when Dave Carmichael, a solid man of intelligence and

integrity, agreed to serve as chairman.

What has happened? It all seems quite irrational.NANCY P. JONES

Newport Coast

I am calling about the recent series of articles about this tempest and

teapot dispute between the library board of trustees and the library

foundation.

It seems to me that there are a lot of egos involved here that are

distracting from the substance of the dispute. For one thing, I certainly

think it is utter folly to spend foundation money on some arches in front

of the library. I think we already have a restaurant in this town called

the Arches; I don’t think we need anymore arches in front of the library.

I agree with the foundation. The money should be spent for the content

for the library, not the superstructure. On the other hand, if the

foundation is spending a disproportionate amount of its funds on

administration and overhead, that is likewise to be deplored.

In any event, perhaps this problem could be solved if the participants

could put aside their egos for a few minutes and look at the merits of

the institution that they are both trying to help.

RICHARD LITTLE

Corona del Mar