Services Set for Former Librarian Dorthea Sheely

Dorthea Sheely, Newport Beach city librarian for 30 years, died Sunday. She was 76.

Sheely, who was born in Los Angeles, began her career in Newport Beach in 1941 at the Balboa Library when the city had only one library and fewer than 10,000 residents.

She left the city for several years after receiving a federal appointment to set up libraries in Japan and Korea for the families of American servicemen.

When she returned in 1947, she was named city librarian and held the position until she retired in 1977. During her tenure, Sheely worked to establish the Corona del Mar and Mariners branch libraries and the current Central Library in Newport Center.

In addition to her library job, Sheely also was an active community leader. She was a charter member and two-time president of the Zonta Club of Newport Beach, and in 1977 was honored by the Dolphin Division of the Newport Harbor Chamber of Commerce with their Silver Anchor Award, which recognizes behind-the-scenes achievement.

After retirement, Sheely served as a board member for the Friends of Newport Beach Library.

Her husband, Marlin Sheely, died in 1992.

“We have lost a much-loved library resource and a respected member of our community,” said LaDonna Kienitz , Newport Beach city librarian.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Chapel of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Sheely’s name to the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation at 856 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach.