Advertisement

Friends of the Libraries: Are libraries important? Ask Yorba Linda

Share

I have talked a lot about our Costa Mesa libraries and their history and tried to get more people involved in the quest for larger facilities that allow for expanded services for our residents. So now, I am trying another tack. As you read this, remember that Costa Mesa has less than 17,000 square feet of library space and 113,000 residents.

The city of Yorba Linda’s library dates back about 100 years to 1913, when the first library opened in a small room of the school. Four years later, it was moved to a building by itself. The library remained there until 1960, when the population had risen to all of 1,198, and then a 6,000-square-foot library was built. (Mesa Verde Library is 6,400.) In 1970, the population reached 11,856 and a 17,425-square-foot addition was dedicated. In 1990, when there were 52,422 residents of Yorba Linda, the library was enlarged to 28,530 square feet. In 2010, with a population of 64,234, the city was again making plans to expand library space, this time with a new building. Seems to me that Yorba Lindans appreciate what libraries offer. Do you suppose, if we sent delegations up there, that it might be catching?

Costa Mesa/Donald Dungan Library repairs

Advertisement

I was able to take a “sneak peek” at the construction inside the library this week, mostly from the doorway. The contractor seems to have everything proceeding on schedule. Two weeks ago, I told you that they had to replace another roof beam, and that was done with dispatch. Now, the roof is finished and the builders are working on updating the restrooms to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. They have also been working on outside access points (that sort of means sidewalks here), also perhaps for ADA. Anyway, the library is looking great from the outside, and I have every hope that it will be able to open at least soon after July 15. Perhaps when I write again — in two weeks — I can give you that sort of news. Anyway, a celebration is planned, so watch for it!

At the Mesa Verde Library

Summer Reading Program registration begins June 24, and the grand kickoff program will be Mark Rosenthal’s “Animal Magic” show at 1 p.m. June 25. The program will be a blend of exotic animals, humor, life sciences and magic, sure to please all ages.

Other activities during the next two weeks are “Lego Wednesdays” from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. June 19 and 26, and “Crafternoon” from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. June 20, for attendees to enjoy working with arts and crafts. Call (714) 546-5274 for more information.

At the Costa Mesa Technology Library

Remember that this library has moved and is now in a small shopping center on the northwest corner of Fairview Road and Wilson Street.

During a one-hour, beginning photography program at 2 p.m. Saturday, Art Ramirez will demonstrate tips for photographing places. He has over 32 years experience and teaches digital photography classes at Samy’s Camera in Santa Ana. Registration is suggested for this program. Call the library at (949) 515-3970.

An eReader Open House will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Learn how to download free eBooks and eAudiobooks from OC Public Libraries to your iPad, Nexus, Nook or Kindle. If you are wondering about getting one of these eReaders, try the ones at the library first to see how you like using one of these newfangled items.

Call for volunteers

The Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries is looking for volunteers, both for the bookstore behind the Mesa Verde Library and for the bookstore and U.S. Passport and passport photograph business in the Costa Mesa/Donald Dungan Library. Time involved can be as little as two or three hours a week. Call (714) 438-0517 or email to costamesalibr@gmail.com. Or write to Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries, 2963 Mesa Verde Drive East, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

MARY ELLEN GODDARD produced this column on behalf of the Friends of Costa Mesa Libraries, the Costa Mesa Library Foundation and the three Costa Mesa branches of the OC Public Libraries.

Advertisement