Group Wants New, Improved Library

Concerned about aging collections and technology at the city’s two public libraries, a grass-roots organization is calling for construction of a new branch that is both state-of-the-art and centrally located.

The Costa Mesa Library Formation Committee, made up of its five founding members, announced Wednesday that it is beginning its quest for a top-flight library that rivals the facilities in neighboring Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. The group is applying for nonprofit, tax-exempt status with the IRS.

Members of the committee expressed dissatisfaction with two county-run libraries in the downtown and Mesa Verde areas, saying they are not adequately funded and lack the modern materials necessary to serve a big and diverse city.

“We have reason to believe that neither the city of Costa Mesa nor the Orange County Public Library System is really interested in supporting the drastic and progressive changes called for to fulfill the needs of the people,” said Kenton White, chairman of the new group and a former librarian.

White said his group is searching for a funding source outside of the city and county to build the proposed facility, which could cost upward of $15 million. He would, however, expect county money to at least partially pay for operations.

The ideal location, White said, is near Harbor Boulevard and Adams Avenue.