ADELE MANN -- For a good cause

Young Chang

NEWPORT BEACH -- Adele Mann’s parents did not speak English when they

immigrated as twentysomethings to New York in the early 1900s. But the

couple, from Russia and Romania, checked out books from the public

library in the Bronx to learn English their own way.

Mann grew up with literature around the house. When her family moved

to Los Angeles, she learned to take the bus as a young girl and made

regular trips to the public library there.

Today, at 73, she still indulges in her childhood pastime of reading.

Her hangout is still the library.

Mann, a Newport Beach resident, has reached her 15th year as a

volunteer for the Friends of the Newport Beach Library. About six years

ago, the group opened a book store. Mann works there about three days a

week for at least three hours at a time.

Surrounded by fictional romances and autobiographies, how-tos about

weight loss and historical commentaries, she prices the books that are

donated.

About 200,000 titles are brought in every year. Recent publications

released this year or last will be marked $5 or $6. An edition released

two years ago will probably be $4. Older books are judged by their

condition and whether it’s a first or later edition.

“Every book is looked at,” Mann said.

Rare and old books are always fun to admire. One time she found an

early edition of Jack London’s “Call of the Wild.” The author had signed

the inside cover.

“You run across all kinds of things,” Mann said.

Her work space in the back room of the store includes cups of pencils

and pens, sets of highlighter pens and a handy container of diaper wipes,

for when her hands get too grimy.

Having grown up with books at her feet, Mann says reading is an

essential way to learn. Books invite readers into new worlds, into new

ideas and new people. As a volunteer, she said they also provide company.

“It’s a comfortable thing,” Mann said. “You’re surrounded by friends

-- not only the volunteers, but books are friends.”