NEWPORT BEACH : Foundation Grants Library $250,000

A matching grant to the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation is the latest fund-raising effort for the city’s new library, bringing the foundation close to reaching its $1.5-million goal.

The $250,000 grant from the Newport Beach-based Harry and Grace Steele Foundation, which last year gave a $500,000 matching grant, will match community donations dollar for dollar.

“If people have been thinking of donating, please do so now because every dollar they give will be doubled,” said Elizabeth Stahr, co-chairman of the library foundation’s board of directors.

The new Central Library is scheduled for groundbreaking in June, a few months behind schedule, and should open its doors in 1993.

The 52,000-square-foot facility will be located between MacArthur Boulevard and Avocado Avenue, north of Coast Highway and will house 260,000 volumes.

The Steele Foundation, which is operated by descendants of the couple who lived in Newport Beach, gave the foundation three years to match the first $500,000 grant. When those funds were raised in one year, the foundation offered the second matching grant last week, which has to be met in two years or lost.

“They’re fantastic,” said Stahr, who added that funds for the library have been donated by about 900 individuals and groups throughout Newport Beach, some of whom donate just a few dollars.

The total library cost is just over $13 million. About $4 million of the cost is for land, which was acquired though a swap with the Irvine Co. for the existing library site.

The city sold bonds for $6 million and added $1 million from its general fund. In addition, about $700,000 was obtained through state grants.