MOORPARK : Party to Raise Funds for Library

The Moorpark Public Library will hold an 80th birthday celebration Thursday that will double as a fund-raiser for the facility’s planned expansion.

Ventura County Supervisor Vicky Howard and Mayor Paul W. Lawrason are sponsoring the event, which they hope will encourage local residents to contribute toward the library’s new addition.

The Board of Supervisors approved in June spending $260,000 to expand the 5,000-square-foot facility by another 3,000 square feet. The city of Moorpark is contributing $65,000 to the project.

But the additional space at the library may remain empty or partially furnished unless county and city officials are able to raise private money to supplement the public expenditures, said Melody Rafelson, an aide to Howard.

Howard has proposed that the board approve an extra $71,500 to help furnish the library addition. But Rafelson doubts this will be approved in light of the funding cuts threatened by the state.

Some money for books may be available from the county’s library agency, but she said, “I doubt there would be enough for furniture, computers and shelves.”

Residents who want to contribute to the fund-raising drive can pay to have their names inscribed in books that the library recently purchased for its collection. The cost of inscribing a book will be equal to the cost of the book.

Thursday’s celebration will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the library, 699 Moorpark Ave. Admittance is free and refreshments will be served.