Library fund-raising gets started

June Casagrande

NEWPORT BEACH -- The million-dollar race is on. The city and the

school district have kicked into high gear a fund-raising drive to help

build a state-of-the-art Mariners Branch Library.

The innovative school-public library would replace the existing

Mariners Branch and would also serve as the library of nearby Mariners

Elementary School. But to capitalize on a rare state-funding opportunity,

the city must raise $1 million in donations to qualify for a matching $2

million from state Proposition 14 money. The deadline to apply for the

state grant is in June, and the donations must be in place by that time.

“We know it’s a daunting deadline, but we feel very confident we can

raise the $1 million in that time,” said Chris Wilkinson, volunteer

co-chair of the newly formed Build a Mariners Library Committee. “We

think this is an opportunity that we can’t afford to let pass this

community by.”

The committee is kicking fund-raising efforts into high gear,

corralling volunteers, creating banners and fliers, and creating

publicity for the drive to build the new library. If boosters are

successful, the 14,000-square-foot facility will be built on Irvine

Boulevard on the elementary school campus, probably by autumn 2004. If

fund-raising efforts fall short or if the state does not award the grant,

all donations will be returned, said Melissa Adams of the city’s library

division.

“The Mariners Branch is a cramped, aging facility,” Adams said. “This

is a huge opportunity to maximize public funds. It would greatly enhance

library services currently available at the public library, and would

greatly enhance services for the kids.”

Some of the benefits of the new branch include greatly expanded

collections, much-improved computer technology and a large community

meeting room. The city and the school board are working together to make

the library a reality.

“Every person that uses a library card I’m sure recognizes the value

of having a good facility,” Wilkinson said. “Everyone from small student

groups and Scout troops to large organizations and corporations can all

contribute.”

FYI

Donations made out to Build a Mariner’s Library Fund may be mailed to

Newport Beach Public Library, P.O. Box 3065, Newport Beach, CA 92659. For

more information or to volunteer, call (949) 644-3150.