A short account of each year with surviving records, from the Friends' founding through 2019. Each summary links to the documents it draws on.
Written by Claude from the catalog records for each year, for review by the board. Years without surviving records are not listed. For dated events, see the timeline.
In 1933 and 1934, a three-page report titled “Hermosa Library has Interesting Background” set down the library’s history. It gave credit to Mary Montgomery and the Woman’s Club and described the community library of 1912. It also traced the library’s affiliation with the County, its moves involving the pier and its development as a branch.
Sources: Hermosa Library has Interesting Background — 1933–1934 report extract. The one record from 1933.
The 1933–1934 report “Hermosa Library has Interesting Background” covered the library’s County affiliation, its moves involving the pier and its development as a branch. It also described the community library of 1912 and gave credit to Mary Montgomery and the Woman’s Club.
Sources: Hermosa Library has Interesting Background — 1933–1934 report extract. The one record from 1934.
On December 28, 1955, the Daily Breeze described a loose-leaf catalog that helped patrons find and request books across the Los Angeles County Library system. The article’s photograph featured Hermosa librarian Dorothy E. Olney, and its text credited Catherine MacQuarrie and John D. Henderson.
Sources: Loose Leaf System Adds Scope to County Library — Daily Breeze. The one record from 1955.
In about 1956, the Daily Breeze printed a photograph of two women at a counter. The women, the occasion and any link to the Friends remain unidentified.
Sources: Newspaper photograph and incorporation-vote fragment, circa 1956–1957. The one record from 1956.
In August or September 1957, the Hermosa Beach Library moved from the pier to the former post office. A Daily Breeze photograph of two unidentified women at a counter, mounted with a newspaper fragment on an incorporation vote, dates from 1956 or 1957.
Sources: History of the Hermosa Beach Library — retyped version; History of the Hermosa Beach Library — pamphlet-file version; Historical Notes — the library’s 65th year; Newspaper photograph and incorporation-vote fragment, circa 1956–1957. The one record from 1957.
On September 2, 1959, City Clerk Bonnie Bright reported Hermosa Beach’s appointment of Patricia Gazin as representative to the Region III Regional Library Council, with Frank Sasine, Jr. as alternate. On September 29, a group met at Gazin’s home to organize the Friends and consider bylaws. The group appointed Mrs. Russell Tracy to begin a membership drive. The treasurer’s ledger began on October 9 and recorded an initial deposit of $17.25. Volunteers staffed the drive at the library from October 13 through October 17. On October 15, County Librarian John D. Henderson welcomed Gazin’s appointment to the council and invited discussion of library service, facilities and policy. On October 30, Helen Tracy reported the drive, its volunteers and the group’s early plans in a newsletter. Through January 1961, the ledger recorded Book Week materials, Library Coffee supplies, a Harvard Classics purchase, a children’s party and a transistor-radio drawing.
Sources: Bonnie Bright letter naming Regional Library Council representatives; September 29, 1959 organizing meeting and associated membership notes; Treasurer’s ledger, October 1959–January 1961; Membership-drive volunteer roster — October 13–17, 1959; John D. Henderson letter welcoming Patricia Gazin to the advisory council; Membership drive and early activities newsletter. All 7 records from 1959.
Seventeen members attended the first annual meeting on February 1, 1960. They elected Helen Tracy president, Naoma Valdes treasurer, Kenny de Groot corresponding secretary and Barbara Dennis recording secretary. Members adopted bylaws. The secretary reported 214 members. By June 10, the Friends had completed the purchase of the Harvard Classics. The board discussed a patio for senior citizens. Kolma Flake proposed a future book-binding group. A March building program called for a branch library holding 20,000 books. On July 26, Pat Gazin met County Librarian John Henderson about city-county lease and purchase terms and a preliminary $120,000 estimate. In August, City Manager W. H. Harris reported Council agreement to build the library with a County lease and purchase option. In November, the Friends reported about 225 donated books. They announced a December 1 Christmas party with a radio drawing.
Sources: First annual meeting — officers, bylaws and library plans; First regular meeting, officer ballot and bylaws; Secretary’s report — founding and first membership drive; Board meeting — Harvard Classics, patio and summer reading; Building program — Hermosa Beach Branch Library; Meeting with County Librarian John Henderson — new-library financing; Walter H. Harris to John Henderson — authorization to advance library plans; Newsette — Christmas party, book donations and senior patio. All 21 records from 1960.
Members elected Bea Bond president on January 31, 1961, with Sako Miho, Barbara Dennis and Kenny de Groot as fellow officers. The radio raffle cleared $75 for the senior patio. The Friends moved their account from Bank of America to South Bay Bank. By April 13, the patio furniture was ready. The board planned a May 11 coffee to open the patio. Volunteer readers held weekly story hours from July 6 through September 7. In September, the board judged the summer reading program a success. Members held 117 adult and 39 junior memberships. The October 14 bake sale netted $34.25. The new library broke ground on Friday, November 17, at 2:30 p.m. The program named Friends representatives alongside civic leaders, architect Savo Stoshitch and contractor Jack K. Tanner. The board also planned a globe purchase and a December 2 book sale.
Sources: Annual meeting — Bea Bond elected president; Treasurer’s ledger — May 1961 through January 1962; Board meeting — patio opening and summer programs; Summer story-hour volunteer schedule — July–September 1961; Board meeting — summer results, bake sale and construction bids; Board meeting — groundbreaking, globe and proposed book sale; New public library — official groundbreaking program; Library groundbreaking and proposed bylaws change. All 17 records from 1961.
Members elected Mary Edgerton president on January 31, 1962. They set aside $100 toward a globe. A bylaw change added the immediate past president and the librarian to the board. A luncheon at the Beach Bowl on February 27 opened the membership drive. By March 22, the Friends counted 147 members. The April 14 used-book sale earned $43.21. The May 7 Titles in Fashions benefit took in $587 and netted $264.07. In May, the board approved a globe and literary reference books as gifts for the new library. The library opened with a dedication and open house on August 10 at 2 p.m. The Friends served refreshments. Afterward, the board decided there was too little time before school for a story hour. The board approved the sale of the old patio furniture. In December, the board accepted the maker's explanation of the globe's 1959 printing.
Sources: Annual meeting — Mary Edgerton elected and globe fund approved; Membership kickoff luncheon — Beach Bowl; Board meeting — book sale and Titles in Fashions plans; Board meeting — fundraiser proceeds and dedication gifts; Titles in Fashions — financial statement; Hermosa Beach Library — dedication and open-house program; Board meeting — dedication follow-up and globe questions; Board meeting — globe response, Christmas tea and nominations. All 29 records from 1962.
Members elected Kay Pontius president on January 31, 1963, with Lorraine Hales, Sako Miho and Kolma Flake as fellow officers. They considered forming a book discussion group. In February, the board planned a membership drive and discussed buying Chronicles of America and Who's Who in California. The Friends counted 218 members and 63 junior members in April. The board planned a coffee marking the new library's first anniversary and 50 years in the County system. It also planned a luncheon honoring Dorothy Olney and a May 9 book discussion. Volunteers read to children through the summer. The board judged the summer reading program a success. It proposed buying works by Dumas and Maupassant. In December, the board authorized up to $30 for exterior Christmas lights. It planned a December 19 open house. Membership stood at 277.
Sources: Annual meeting — Kay Pontius elected president; Board meeting — membership drive and reference-book proposals; Board meeting — library anniversaries and book discussions; Book discussions and Chronicles of America newsletter; Summer story-time reader roster, 1963; Board meeting — summer reading review and fundraising proposals; Board meeting — Christmas lights, open house and nominations; Christmas coffee and summer reading review. All 17 records from 1963.
Members elected Charlotte Malone president on January 24, 1964, with Ruth Treadgold, Barbara Dennis and Lorraine Hales as fellow officers. The Friends counted 190 adult and 82 junior members, for a total of 272. The same day, County Librarian William Geller told City Manager Walter Harris the County's option to purchase the library building was effective. The Friends announced an April 23 author program with Maria Metlova Black. In June, the board voted to join Friends of California Libraries and buy a new World Book set. It also scheduled a July 18 benefit, Libations for the Library, at Pat Gazin's home. The board scheduled Thursday story hours from late June to early September. In November, the board authorized up to $75 for an adding machine. Charlotte Malone reported the Libations proceeds, new reference purchases and the retirement of Dorothy Olney.
Sources: Annual meeting — Charlotte Malone elected president; County Librarian Geller letter — option to purchase library building; Maria Metlova Black author meeting invitation; Board meeting — story hours, World Book and Libations for the Library; Summer story-time reader schedule, 1964; Board meeting — benefit receipts, adding machine and Christmas plans; Library gifts and Dorothy Olney retirement. All 16 records from 1964.
At the annual meeting on January 27, 1965, members met librarian Carlotta Hoye and the incoming officers. The board authorized an honorary historian. In March, Lorraine Hales introduced the board and promoted a collection of California books. The Hales family gave a limited-edition copy of Aerial California. Donated books carried donor bookplates. The board planned a May 22 Libations benefit and a writing contest with prizes for short stories, poetry and illustration. Summer reading drew 50 participants. On November 6, the Friends held a benefit dinner for the California Collection. The board adopted annual audits and canceled the year's Christmas party. In December, the board approved Californiana purchases, magazine subscriptions in foreign languages and archaeology, and Durant's Story of Civilization.
Sources: Annual meeting — Lorraine Hales and new officers; Board meeting — historian, membership drive and California collection; Carlotta Hoye welcome and membership drive; Daily Breeze — California-history book drive; Board meeting — writing contest and benefit planning; Board meeting — summer reading and Californiana dinner; Board meeting — annual audit and Mexican Fiesta; Board meeting — benefit proceeds and library purchases. All 18 records from 1965.
In January 1966, the Friends gave the library 27 books on civilization and California lore. Members elected Beverly Corben president on January 27. In April, 19 people toured the Los Angeles County Library by charter bus and met County Librarian William Geller. The Friends held a children's writing and illustration contest. They held a May 21 Libations benefit at the Gazin home. On June 3, California First Lady Bernice Brown visited Valley Park for a reception Pat Gazin organized. The Friends presented her with Seaguide by Leland Lewis. In August, the Gazins pledged a recurring $50 annual gift for Californiana. In December, Frederic W. Flake's colleagues at Douglas Aircraft gave memorial contributions for a record collection in his name. The board added support and approved a plaque for the collection. It also authorized $200 for Great Books.
Sources: Daily Breeze — annual gift of 27 books; Annual meeting — Beverly Corben elected president; Friends tour Los Angeles County Library — extended newspaper account; Mrs. Brown visit — revised publicity release; Merchant Mailer — Mrs. Pat Brown visits Hermosa Beach; Board meeting — children's programs, Gazin gift and record collection proposal; Gazin annual gift and Flake memorial collection announcement; Board meeting — Flake memorial records and Great Books funding. All 37 records from 1966.
Members elected Patricia Gazin president on January 25, 1967, with Ruth Treadgold, Kolma Flake and Carol Funk as fellow officers. Librarian Carlotta Hoye retired. The Friends honored her service with a luncheon at the Gazin home in March. On April 8, the Friends dedicated the Frederic W. Flake Memorial Record Collection. A book talk followed on April 16. On May 3, members adopted bylaw amendments on a vice president and membership classes. The writing contest drew more than 100 entries. Membership stood at 131 in September. The Libations benefit earned a profit of $119.95. In November, the board approved a Gazin bookplate design. In December, the board endorsed a request for Governor Reagan to budget library funds. The Friends announced a December 19 Christmas open house with music by Robert LaRue.
Sources: Annual meeting — Patricia Gazin elected president; Carlotta Hoye retirement — newspaper photograph and report; Friends' gifts and activities — retrospective chronology through 1967; Board meeting — bylaw amendments adopted and benefit arrangements; Board meeting — contest participation, membership and art walk; Board meeting — benefit proceeds, bookplates and memorial records; Board meeting — library-funding advocacy and Christmas program; Christmas open house announcement — December 19. All 27 records from 1967.
Members elected Lorraine Hales president on January 31, 1968. The Friends committed Flake memorial funds to a microfilm reader. Between May and September, the Flake fund paid $270 to University Microfilm. In February, the board scheduled a March membership drive. It authorized protective sleeves for the minutes book. Maud Gryka gave nonfiction books. The board bought recorded music. The Friends held a benefit on May 25. In September, the board proposed a theater fundraiser and planned an October 16 reception to welcome librarian Lucille Chitwood. In November, the board postponed the theater project. It also bought reference books and proposed a bylaw on officer attendance. In December, the Friends announced a Christmas Sing-Spiration for December 17. They looked ahead to their tenth anniversary in 1969.
Sources: Annual meeting and officer election minutes — 1968; Treasurer's statement — May 1 to September 18; Board minutes — membership drive and Libations planning; Board minutes — book gifts, student contest and benefit preparations; Board minutes — partnerships and library reception; Welcome reception for Lucille Chitwood; Board minutes — reference books and proposed attendance bylaw; Christmas Sing-Spiration and tenth anniversary plans. All 22 records from 1968.
Members elected Dorothy Olney president on January 29, 1969, the Friends' tenth anniversary year. They adopted the officer-attendance bylaw and planned a quarterly newsletter. Membership stood at 136 in January and 140 by May. The board planned a March 10 to 14 membership drive and an achievements sheet for the anniversary. The fifth writing and illustration contest named student winners, and their work went on display in May. On May 17, the Libations for the Library benefit at the Treadgold home grossed $434. It netted $297.41 after $136.59 in expenses. The Friends bought California Authors. Circulation of the California Collection rose. In December, the Flake-funded microfiche attachment arrived. The board approved a framed Wind Mill print and reference-book gifts. It also discontinued the Christmas party.
Sources: Annual meeting and officer election minutes — 1969; Board minutes — tenth anniversary and membership campaign; Board minutes — book acquisitions and May 17 benefit; Fifth writing and illustration contest results; Sixth Libations for the Library fundraiser; Board minutes — benefit proceeds and California Collection; Board minutes — microfiche attachment and library gifts. All 23 records from 1969.
Members elected Dorothy Olney president at the annual meeting on February 4, 1970, and planned a March membership drive. The January newsletter reviewed gifts of books, art and microfilm equipment to the Library. In April the board planned a children's contest and backed a letter to the State Assembly on library funding. The seventh Libations for the Library benefit took place May 23 at the Astone home. It brought in $357 and earned a profit of $209, and the Friends counted 130 members in September. The board approved funding for reference books and discussed a proposed Leonard Wibberly festival; in November Wibberly decided against it. The treasurer kept the Friends, Flake and Gazin accounts separate. The November newsletter welcomed Kathryn Dittmar.
Sources: Annual meeting and officer election minutes — 1970; 1970 annual election and Library gifts; Board minutes — contest, benefit and library-funding advocacy; Seventh Libations for the Library fundraiser; Board minutes — benefit results and proposed Wibberly festival; Board minutes — festival declined and library support; Annual financial statement — 1970; November meeting and membership invitation. All 18 records from 1970.
Members elected Pat Gazin president on January 20, 1971. A week later Gazin defined officer and committee-chair duties and called for signed, dated records in permanent files. County Librarian William S. Geller thanked the Friends, the Woman's Club and Las Quince Damas for a joint gift of more than fifty books. On February 17 the board adopted a budget and approved free monthly films, which began in March, along with funds for the California Collection. The Friends recruited volunteers to deliver books to homebound readers; by October the response remained limited. The June 5 Libations at the Tyson home netted $325.07. The seventh junior writing and illustrating contest drew nearly 200 entries, and membership rose from 176 in May to 198 in October. In October the board authorized a study of a library-science scholarship. El Camino College, USC and UCLA answered the Friends' inquiries between November 17 and December 16.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes — officers and new program proposals; Officer and committee-chair responsibilities — Pat Gazin; County librarian thanks Friends for combined book gift; Board minutes — free films and home library service; Newsletter — membership renewal and free-film launch; Newsletter — June benefit, free films and home delivery; Board minutes — collections, benefit results and scholarships; El Camino College responds to scholarship inquiry. All 31 records from 1971.
Members elected Mary Tyson president on January 26, 1972, and continued the films and the home library service. The Garden Club gave seventy garden books; Alice Erlandsen, Frances Young and Ann Marie Goodwin appeared in the newspaper photograph of the gift. In April the board deferred a planned book fair, extended the children's contest and sold its adding machine. In May it adopted a budget and counted 112 members. The eighth Libations benefit earned a profit of $355.33. The book fair took place September 24 and earned a profit of about $68. The newspaper printed winning work from the eighth junior writing and illustrating contest by Hillarie Keller and Diana Lea Mausser. On November 15 the board authorized a contribution to a county scholarship and prepared nominations for 1973.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes — officers, collections and scholarship; Garden Club's seventy-book gift — newspaper photograph; Board minutes — book fair deferred and benefit planning; Board minutes — budget, contest and summer programs; Board minutes — book fair, benefit results and scholarship; Board minutes — scholarship contribution and book-fair results; Children's contest winners and selected poems; Eighth junior writing and illustrating contest rules. All 27 records from 1972.
Members elected Betty Ryan president on January 17, 1973, with Naoma Valdes, Carol Tanner, Pat Gazin and Betty Jucevic as officers. Willa Rogers and Pat Gazin, judges of the 1972 contest, recommended clearer rules, earlier deadlines and prompt prizes; they also wrote guidance on Libations ticketing, staffing and host duties. In February the board approved a budget and joined Parks and Recreation in running the children's contest. On April 25 the Friends adopted revised bylaws and approved a $100 scholarship gift. The board also ended the free-film program, citing declining attendance and projectionist availability. Unintended newspaper publicity before the June 2 Libations at the Purpus home led to an emergency meeting. The committee limited the party to members and identified guests, took donations in place of admission and drink scrip, and dropped the raffle. The benefit netted $194.80 and the book sale $135.25. A planned story corner did not happen.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes — officers and program coordination; New officers elected in January 1973; Children's contest recommendations from 1972 judges; Board minutes — budget, joint contest and bylaw revisions; Bylaws revised April 25, 1973 — annotated complete copy; Board minutes — bylaws adopted, scholarship gift and films ended; Emergency meeting — benefit proceeds under revised arrangements; General meeting minutes — scholarship, fundraising and bicentennial planning. All 27 records from 1973.
The Friends held their annual meeting at an evening open house on January 30, 1974. Members learned the scholarship had gone to Arlene Choi, continued the annual scholarship contribution and authorized plaques for local authors and past presidents. In February the board discussed beanbag chairs, a rug and an aquarium for the children's area; by April it reported purchases. Pat and Myron Gazin gave a daylight movie screen. On April 24 the Friends marked their fifteenth birthday, Helen Tracy recalled the founding, and the group displayed the past-presidents plaque. The writing contest, run jointly with the recreation department, drew more than 200 participants. A book sale at the May 26 Fiesta and the June 1 Libations raised money for library gifts and scholarships. In October members approved books for Early Childhood Education and the transfer of stored books to Valley Vista School, and bought memorial books for Kay Etow.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes — scholarship policy and recognition plaques; Library open house — press notice; Board minutes — children's area and recognition plaques; Fifteenth birthday and daylight-screen gift newsletter; General meeting minutes — fifteenth anniversary; Kids like to write in Hermosa — contest report; Treasurer's statement and working copy; General meeting minutes — book redistribution and memorial gifts. All 31 records from 1974.
Members elected Naoma Valdes president on January 29, 1975, and learned Hermosa librarian Kathryn Dittmar would retire. In February Valdes presented a $100 check to Alice Lovelace for the county employees' scholarship fund. The Friends held a book sale during the Fiesta del Artes in May and a Libations party at Al and Naoma Valdes's home on June 7. The benefit netted $278.02 and the book sale brought $230.12. Pat and Myron Gazin organized Dittmar's retirement celebration on August 3 in Valley Park, and about 100 guests came. Dittmar thanked the Friends for the party and a gem-polishing gift. In September the board approved two-signature checks, summer-reading prizes and monthly support for children's services. After a November tour of the Clark Library, the board approved a scholarship and planned bicentennial displays of Hermosa history.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes — officers and sixteenth-year plans; Scholarship check presentation — newspaper photograph; Library will benefit — Libations announcement; Board minutes — benefit results, retirement costs and children's support; Invitation — Kathryn Dittmar retirement celebration; Kathryn Dittmar thanks Pat and Myron Gazin; Kathryn Dittmar thanks Friends for retirement party and gift; Board minutes — bicentennial displays, subscriptions and scholarship. All 44 records from 1975.
At the annual meeting on January 28, 1976, the Friends introduced Shari Petresky as the new head librarian and elected a board led by Evelyn Belasco. In March the board set five age divisions and two categories for the children's contest and gave the librarian first choice of donated books. In May it noted the county's ban on storing sale books at the Library. The Friends scheduled the June 12 Libations at the Waters home, formerly the Gazin home and the site of the first benefit in July 1964. Bicentennial displays ran through the year: antique samplers in January, valentines in February, postcards, cup plates, miniatures and textiles organized by Delma Peery in August, and nineteenth-century Samuel French play scripts lent by Rosemary Foreman in October. In September the board discussed convalescent-home service through HALO. The December 4 sidewalk sale brought in $164.89.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes — librarian, officers and scholarships; Shari Petresky appointed head Hermosa librarian — Easy Reader profile; Bicentennial displays — two newspaper reports; Old scripts form display — bicentennial exhibit; Board minutes — contest structure and donated-book policy; Newsletter — benefit returns to original venue; Board minutes — more book sales and HALO outreach; Book-sale receipts and deposit note. All 33 records from 1976.
On January 26, 1977, members elected officers Patricia Gazin, Lorraine Hales, Sunny Mowbray, Cynthia Godofsky and Isolde Whitney and planned quarterly book sales. The Friends asked for Mira Costa and Redondo high-school yearbooks, and Rebecca Cowan gave eighteen Hoofprints annuals. A children's bookmark-design contest drew more than 200 entries. The Police Association donated three $25 savings bonds as prizes, artist Clare Creighton judged, and the winners received their awards on April 23. On April 7 members raised adult dues to $2 and amended articles V through VIII of the bylaws. A spring book sale sold nearly one thousand books and raised more than $200. The Friends sent children's books to Point Barrow, Alaska, South Central Los Angeles and Mira Costa. The June 24 Libations at Bernard and Isolde Whitney's home netted $130.11.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes and election of Patricia Gazin; Board directory with later annotations; Mira Costa presents library with yearbooks; Bookmark winners to receive prizes Saturday; Police donate prizes for library contest; General meeting minutes adopting bylaw amendments; Friends raise more than $200 at book sale — article and photograph; June newsletter on Libations and book redistribution. All 60 records from 1977.
Members elected Delma Peery president on January 25, 1978, with Jean Schmeltzer as corresponding secretary and Laura Nations as treasurer. The 1977 accounts closed with $1,312.75 in receipts, $1,054.64 in disbursements and a balance of $492.58. In February the board approved the 1978 budget and $75 for the California Collection. The April 8 book sale raised $236.35. After Proposition 13 the county library faced proposed cuts to staff and services, and in May Peery addressed the threatened closure of the Library. On June 21 the board offered volunteer help to the County Librarian. At a special meeting on June 28, regional administrator Betty Addison explained contingency plans; Hermosa expected to stay open. The Friends acknowledged a gift of 1,000 books from bookseller Kennedy. In August Nina Wilson's Historical Notes marked the Library's 65th year and named Peery as Friends president.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes electing Delma Peery; February newsletter introducing elected officers; Annual treasurer's report for January 1977–January 1978; Board minutes approving budget and library purchases; May newsletter on sale proceeds and threatened closure; Board minutes offering volunteer help after Proposition 13; Special meeting on county library funding and service cuts; Historical Notes — the library’s 65th year. All 26 records from 1978.
The January 1979 newsletter marked the Friends' twentieth anniversary and recalled the 1959 founders. Members elected Bill Malone and the 1979 officers on January 31 and called for permanent library funding. In March, with county library funding uncertain, the newsletter reported an advocacy mailgram and discussed Senate Bill 31 and Proposition 13. Joan Greenwald and Jacqueline Wofford co-chaired the Libations benefit, which moved from August 4 to August 11 at Cele Doerfling Vaughn's home and netted $198.66. Evy Belasco received a Woman of the Year award on July 19. After a $300 gift for books, the board authorized $500 more on September 19, and by November the Friends reported $800 spent on 79 books. The November newsletter attributed reduced circulation to Monday closures. The Friends planned a free textbook distribution and a pre-Christmas book sale for December 8.
Sources: January newsletter on twentieth anniversary and election; Annual meeting minutes electing Bill Malone — 1979; March newsletter on library funding and membership; Libations benefit announcement; August newsletter rescheduling Libations; Treasurer's report and Libations calculation; Board minutes authorizing $500 library gift; November newsletter reporting library gifts and free textbooks. All 30 records from 1979.
The January 16 annual meeting elected Bill Malone. The March sale brought in $314.10 and 42 new members. On May 17 the Friends celebrated their twentieth anniversary with an open house, a history by Patricia Gazin and a bookmark inviting $2 individual and $5 family memberships. At the anniversary George Schmeltzer donated sixty Leonard Wibberley books, and the author signed them. Evelyn Belasco died on May 22. On June 18 the board created a memorial fund in her name with $425 in donations and dedicated the December sales to it. Jack Belasco hosted the Libations benefit on August 23. In September the board gave the library $1,000 for large-print books and recordings. In December the Friends honored Carol Tanner for seven years of library service. The December record sale raised at least $585 for the memorial fund, and Jack Belasco pledged a match.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes electing Bill Malone — 1980; Board minutes on sale, library staff and anniversary; Twentieth-anniversary historical leaflet; Schmeltzer donates sixty Wibberley books; Board minutes establishing Evelyn Belasco memorial fund; Board minutes authorizing $1,000 library gift; Carol Tanner's seven-year service tribute; Record sale raises money for Belasco memorial fund. All 64 records from 1980.
Members elected Joan Greenwald president on January 21, and the board set sales for March, June and September. The March 21 sale, stocked in part by a donation from the Lucile Van Wormer family, raised $401. On March 25 the board voted unanimously to incorporate. In June it set a yearly process for the Belasco memorial fund: each June the president, treasurer and librarian would recommend its uses. Dorothy Howard opened her garden for the Libations benefit on August 15. The California Collection neared 200 volumes, and in October the board reported matching gifts to it from Isolde Whitney and Carol Tanner. On November 20 the state filed the articles of incorporation, which named four initial directors. Bill Malone did the legal work, and Jack Belasco paid the costs. The December sale earned $505.91.
Sources: Joan Greenwald elected president — Review report; Board minutes approving incorporation work; Board minutes defining memorial-fund distribution process; June newsletter on sale proceeds and Californiana; Board minutes on gifts, memorial interest and incorporation; Certified articles of incorporation; November newsletter announcing incorporation; Board minutes on year-end support and memorial sale. All 41 records from 1981.
At the January 20 annual meeting the board corrected the amount transferred to the Belasco memorial fund to $509.66. Leftover paperbacks went through the fire department to hospitals and convalescent facilities. With the library's book budget spent by March, the board voted $500 on March 31 for Newbery and Caldecott books and a plaque. In June it acknowledged a $225 gift from the Woman's Club and set aside up to $50 for an honor-system book display. On August 14 the Friends held a reception for the library building's twentieth anniversary, with three former librarians as guests of honor. Circulation for January through June had grown from 37,864 in 1962 to 59,145 in 1982. Libations followed on August 28 in Dorothy Howard's garden. In December the board sought a home for unsold books.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes and corrected memorial receipts; January newsletter and mailing reverse; March newsletter with completed membership response; Board minutes on award-winning books and continuous sales; June meeting minutes on gifts and permanent sales display; Three former librarians to be honored — Review report; Comparative library circulation and borrower table; Board minutes on surplus books and library bookcase. All 44 records from 1982.
Members elected Steve Izant president on January 26. Joan Greenwald donated two bookcases, and in March the Friends introduced year-round honor-system book sales from them in the library. On March 31 the Easy Reader ran an April Fool's satire about fictional Enemies of the Library and a mock capture of Izant. Rain postponed the June 11 sale to June 18. A $400 gift went to new books, and Dorothy Howard hosted Libations at her home on August 13. In a December 10 letter to county librarian Linda Crismond, Gazin conveyed the executive committee's concerns and argued against expanding services for recent Asian immigrants. On December 14 the board proposed a Leonard Wibberley memorial in cooperation with the city. The year closed with $526.24 in operating funds and $7,614.56 in the Belasco memorial fund, after $1,000 in distributions.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes electing Steve Izant; March newsletter introducing year-round library book sales; April Fool's satire about book burning; Rain postpones book sale — photograph and notice; June newsletter on library purchases and summer sale; Gazin letter opposing expansion of multilingual services; December minutes proposing Wibberley memorial; Year-end treasurer's report and memorial-fund balance. All 24 records from 1983.
The Friends held their spring sale on March 24, and by March 28 the treasury held $1,310.99. Dorothy Howard, who had hosted Libations in her garden, died on Palm Sunday, and the June 23 sale honored her. The board authorized a $750 gift to the library. On June 27 it appointed Courtney Harris secretary and discussed memorials for Howard and Leonard Wibberley. Betty Ryan hosted Libations at the Ryan home on August 11, and children took part in summer reading. The September 15 sale took in $593.90, including memberships. On November 17, the first anniversary of the author's death, the Friends dedicated a portrait of Leonard Wibberley, and members of his family attended. That fall the Friends also announced a December 15 sale for the Belasco memorial fund and distributed material on Proposition 36, on the November 6 ballot.
Sources: Treasurer's report — March 28, 1984; Newsletter — June 1984; Board minutes — June 27, 1984; Newsletter — fall 1984; Board working notes — September 19; Newsletter — Wibberley dedication and December sale; Wibberley memorial portrait ceremony photograph. All 20 records from 1984.
Members elected Curtney Harris president on January 30, along with Edie Weber. The meeting passed a nonpartisan motion, gave the library $800, set aside $200 for the California Collection and adopted a record-filing policy. In March the board asked that the minutes record spending approvals and votes, endorsed AB168 and explored a building addition. Betty and Bill Ryan hosted Libations for a second year on August 10. On October 23 the board formed a committee to study the feasibility of expanding the library; a motion to buy a globe failed. In December, after a recorded vote, the board approved the librarian's $1,500 request for a globe, recordings and books, with no tape money from the Belasco fund. The memorial fund closed the year at $9,646.39, including $580.05 from the December sale and Jack Belasco's $450 match on the 1984 sale.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes — January 30, 1985; Newsletter — spring 1985; Board minutes — March 27, 1985; Newsletter — June 1985; Newsletter — fall 1985; Board minutes — October 23, 1985; Board minutes — December 18, 1985; Treasurer's report — December 18, 1985. All 23 records from 1985.
The January 29 annual meeting kept the officers in place and reported $3,300 in library support for 1985. Thomas Perkinson gave nearly 1,000 books for the June 14 sale, and June sales passed $1,100. On June 18 the board accepted Jack Belasco's June 14 letter extending his matching gifts to the memorial fund through 1990. Bill Malone, Jack Belasco and the current president would administer the fund. The Committee to Elect Jim Rosenberger gave $395.04, and the board authorized $1,000 for general titles. The August 16 Libations at the Ryan home included a John Hales auction. In September the board planned a meeting on adding a second story. On December 17 it received Jack Belasco's $1,100 match and authorized $1,000 from the memorial fund for children's programs and a separate $1,000 gift for library books. It also began to study the LePac catalog system.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes — January 29, 1986; Newsletter — June 1986; Board minutes — June 18, 1986; Treasurer's report — June 18, 1986; Newsletter — July 1986; Newsletter — August 1986; Board minutes — September 17, 1986; Board minutes — December 17, 1986. All 38 records from 1986.
Members elected Charlotte Malone president on January 28. Lorraine Hales died in December 1986, and her family asked for memorial gifts to the California Collection. Librarian Louise Mazerov left on March 20, and Ron Schneider succeeded her. Rain postponed the March 21 sale. In April the board agreed to pay half the cost of the LePac catalog system in partnership with the city. On June 17, after the Words and Music sale raised $1,713.05, it authorized up to $3,500 for LePac pending city reimbursement and $500 for compact discs. The August 22 Libations, a Mexican fiesta at the Ryan home, honored the city's eightieth birthday. In September the board approved a second LePac unit. In December the Friends thanked Mayor Simpson and the council for the city's match, and the Belasco match added $1,200 to the memorial fund.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes — January 1987; Newsletter — January 1987; Newsletter — spring 1987; Newsletter — May 1987; Special meeting minutes — LePac purchase; Board minutes — June 17, 1987; Libations invitation — Mexican fiesta; Board minutes — December 9, 1987. All 68 records from 1987.
The annual meeting on January 20 elected officers. In March the board voted 5 to 3 to keep four sales a year and approved a proposal for an authors' boutique. Carlotta Hoye died on April 26, and the Friends created a memorial fund in her name; it passed $350 by July. Weintraub Entertainment Productions paid $3,000 for location use and courtesies during the filming of My Stepmother Is an Alien. The Friends thanked Janet Hamilton and her neighbors for their part in securing the gift. The August 20 Libations, an Imaginary Caribbean Cruise at the Ryan home, included a book auction. Marilyn Goodman gave $1,000 in November. On December 10 twenty authors joined the first authors' boutique. At its December 14 meeting the board began to phase out the record bins, kept the Flake memorial plaque and named Pat Belasco historian.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes — January 20, 1988; Board minutes — March 30, 1988; Newsletter — May 1988; Thank-you letter — Pearl Hoye; Thank-you letter — Weintraub Entertainment Productions; Thank-you letter — Janet Hamilton and neighbors; Photographs — first authors' boutique; Board minutes — December 14, 1988. All 55 records from 1988.
On January 18 the annual meeting adopted amended bylaws and a new logo by John Hales, and it chose Shearson Lehman to manage the Belasco memorial fund. The Beach Reporter profiled writers from the December authors' boutique, including Michael Andrews, Sheila Finch and Jake Luis Varela. The Belasco fund paid for forty-five children's honor books. Nancy Bond and Noel Okuda designated gifts through the TRW Foundation Matching Gifts Program, and the Woman's Club gave $300 for books. The Friends turned thirty in September, and the fall sale raised $1,450. On October 13 the board wrote to the city council to protest a proposed cut in library parking for patrons and staff. Leftover paperbacks went to the Long Beach Veterans' Hospital through Jim Taylor. The authors' boutique returned on December 2, and the year closed with $5,530.33 in operating funds.
Sources: Annual meeting minutes — January 18, 1989; The Beach Reporter — The write stuff; Newsletter — March 1989; Board minutes — June 14, 1989; Newsletter — thirtieth birthday and fall sale; Board minutes — October 11, 1989; Letter to city council — library parking; Newsletter — November 1989. All 46 records from 1989.
Members met January 17 and kept Charlotte Malone as president; Toni Empringham withdrew from the election. The library closed January 15 to 20 for automated circulation and reopened January 23. On March 7 the board reported the Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund at $20,671.22. It placed $20,000 in a CD, which earned 7.7%, and directed the earnings to library gifts. The board sent future December sale receipts to the general fund and commissioned a children's literature mural from Vicki Timmons for $925. In September it approved donation receipt forms and $170 for 400 history booklets. Timmons presented the mural December 7, and children's library assistant Arlisa Price thanked the Friends for the gift. Book sales brought $5,506.75 for the year, with $1,573 more from interim sales.
Sources: Hermosa Beach News — annual election and officers photograph; Newsletter — annual meeting and automated circulation closure; Minutes — Belasco fund objective achieved and mural commissioned; Minutes — Belasco investment, library allocations and 1991 sale dates; Minutes — library security, history booklet and mural progress; Minutes — mural dedication and Belasco transfer explanation; Cumulative financial report — four quarters through December 12, 1990; Library acknowledgement — children's mural gift. All 32 records from 1990.
On January 16 members elected John Hales president, succeeding Charlotte Malone. Hales, a former planning commissioner, had designed and donated the city seal. In March the board directed the Belasco fund to repay operating funds for the new children's rug and allocated $300 for children's books. A May booklet by Patricia A. Gazin, Legacy of a Library and a History of a Library's Friends, traced the reading group, the pier library, the civic center building and the founding of the Friends. The June sale brought a record $2,047.40, and Hales thanked Mira Costa High School for three student volunteers. The membership list held 126 names. In September the board authorized the president to answer requests from organizations for leftover books. In December Charlotte Malone reported plans to give leftover books to El Camino College, and Betty Evans reported 24 California Collection books bought for $243.47.
Sources: Annual election of John Hales and appointment of committee chairs; Beach Reporter — Hales named president of library friends; Board authorizes Belasco reimbursement for the children's rug; Legacy of a Library and a History of a Library’s Friends; Board reviews record sale and children's collection purchases; Thanks to Mira Costa students for book sale service; Board delegates decisions on surplus book requests; December sale, proposed El Camino donation and California purchases. All 38 records from 1991.
Members reelected John Hales on January 15. They kept dues at $2 by a 6–3 vote and added $25 sponsor and $50 patron levels. In March the board declined outside use of its mailing list and chose to hand out author-series pamphlets at a sale. On June 17 members signed amended bylaws, funded shelving for interim sales and set aside up to $100 for the library building's anniversary. The Friends and the library marked the anniversary August 8 with a reception, historic displays and a souvenir history; the program listed Hales, Pat Gazin and Ron Schneider as speakers. In September the board covered a $42.07 overage and approved $400 from the Belasco fund for children's magazines. In December, after honor-sale losses, Hales offered to design a sign about theft, and the board asked Rotary for a written proposal for a joint sale.
Sources: Annual election and new sponsor and patron memberships; Board protects its mailing list and approves library purchases; Board adopts amended bylaws and plans library anniversary; The Hermosa Beach Library is 30-something!; Beach Reporter — Library anniversary celebration; Board reports successful anniversary celebration; Board addresses honor sale losses and library requests. All 26 records from 1992.
Members elected Al Valdes president on January 20 and agreed to grant membership for qualifying donations of $25. In March the Thomas Parkinson family gave 1,000 books. With County service cuts approaching, the board agreed June 16 to create a separate fund for the library. Charlotte Malone reported unsold children's books given to Logan Street School and about 50 boxes sent to the University of Angola through Serge Vita. On July 17 approximately 45 community members joined the board at an emergency meeting on reduced hours and possible closure. The first ten gifts to Save Our Library, dated July 17 to 21, totaled $770. In September the Friends asked the City to study the costs and legalities of withdrawing from the County and of partnerships with neighboring libraries. In December members voted to "actively study" independence. At year end Save Our Library held approximately $2,165 and the Belasco account $21,660.06.
Sources: Al Valdes elected president and annual budget approved; Board reports gifted books and approves collection funding; Board creates a separate library rescue fund and reports book donations; Emergency community meeting on threatened library closure; Save Our Library donor register — first sheet; Board asks City to study withdrawal and possible library partnerships; Board refines independence recommendation and approves juvenile subscriptions; Annual report for operations, Save Our Library and Belasco. All 23 records from 1993.
Members reelected Al Valdes on January 19 and discussed County costs and alternatives. On March 15 they amended the bylaws to change the meeting schedule and voted to stamp materials bought with Friends funds since March 1993. They set aside $1,000 for summer reading if the library held a local program. In June the board endorsed a City subcommittee recommendation on library affiliation and discussed ownership of materials. On November 1 members heard the County had restored funding and planned expanded hours. In December Tim Ferguson and Charlotte Malone wrote in favor of planning for local independence. The board voted December 15 to move $7,500 to a higher-return account. Treasurer Clyde W. Malone Jr. then directed Smith Barney to combine it with $2,500 from the rescue account and buy a one-year $10,000 CD at 6.75% in the Save Our Library name. The Belasco fund closed the year at $18,390.
Sources: Annual election and library affiliation study; Board approves bylaw changes and marks Friends-owned books; Board endorses City subcommittee recommendation on library affiliation; Special meeting on restored county funding and ownership of gifts; Hermosa must choose to fund its own library; Board votes to invest $7,500 and debates the rescue fund’s purpose; Clyde W. Malone Jr. instructs broker to purchase a library CD; Annual report — operations, library reserve and Belasco fund. All 16 records from 1994.
Tim Ferguson succeeded Al Valdes as president on January 19. Members considered a health reference center and CD-ROM technology, and they withheld California Collection funds pending clarification of ownership. In March they visited a school technology center, saw educational CD-ROMs and raised general dues effective in 1996. In June the board approved up to $6,000 in concept for a networked computer system, subject to conditions, and discussed working with Kiwanis on a wine tasting. In September the H.B. Library Fund held $10,280.09 and the Belasco fund $19,235.37. In October the Friends authorized another $5,000 from General for a six-month CD, and the Woman's Club gave $1,000 toward a city library independent of County decisions. In December members reported the wine tasting had raised $5,873 toward two PCs, a printer and networking software.
Sources: Tim Ferguson elected president and California Collection funding held; Board visits school technology center and raises dues; Board plans two networked computers and a wine tasting; Board approves computer purchase and reports reserve balances; Woman’s Club gives $1,000 toward city library independence; Wine tasting and computer installation reported. All 11 records from 1995.
Members elected Charlotte Malone president on January 18. They authorized a three-month Internet trial and approved moving $5,000 into a CD. In March the board moved its general checking to California Federal and backed staffing arrangements for the library's computers. On June 20 Malone announced a $1,200 grant from the Beach Cities Health District for health CD-ROMs, and the June sale brought $2,117.55. In September the board set a $25,000 target for the Belasco fund. It voted to deposit $2,000 more and to direct December sale proceeds to the fund if possible. In December Malone cited lower sale receipts and fewer book donations, and the Friends agreed to try three sales in 1997 in place of four. The year closed with $22,274.64 in the H.B. Library Fund and $22,607.65 in the Belasco fund.
Sources: Charlotte Malone elected president and library Internet trial approved; Board changes bank and discusses computer support; Board reports health district grant and funds library materials; Board adopts $25,000 target for Belasco and directs sale proceeds to it; Board switches from four yearly book sales to three; Treasurer’s annual report for operations and the two library funds. All 19 records from 1996.
The Friends elected Tim Ferguson president on January 22, with Charlotte Malone, Betty Starr, Rosalind Bender and Bill Malone as officers. Members discussed recruiting parents and a city web page. The March sale brought $2,825.45, aided by books from publisher's representative Stevie Stewart, and the board approved $1,000 from the Belasco fund for summer reading. In July members discussed a $25,000 principal target for the fund and directed November sale proceeds toward it if possible. On November 19 Jack Belasco presented a $1,000 check, and the treasurer projected $24,594.23 after the November sale and amounts owing.
Sources: Annual election of Tim Ferguson and new membership proposals; Daily Breeze announces the 1997 Friends officers; Spring sale, Belasco reading program and Internet access; Board discusses preserving Belasco principal and using its interest; Jack Belasco contributes $1,000 toward the memorial endowment. All 6 records from 1997.
On January 7 Al Valdes asked residents to give magazine subscriptions from a list of titles the librarian sought. On January 22 the Friends reported the Belasco endowment fully funded at $25,486.54 and expected to use its interest for children's materials. Members elected Valdes president and approved a budget of $15,100 in income and $10,075 in expenses. In March the Beach Reporter profiled Bill and Charlotte Malone and their leadership of the Friends. In April the board approved $1,000 from the fund for summer reading and $300 for children's books. The midsummer sale raised $2,408, and members debated Internet access and library parking. In November the board designated $1,925.30 of sale proceeds for Belasco. The treasurer reported $8,069.98 in cash and approximately $26,750.37 in the fund.
Sources: Al Valdes appeals for magazine gift subscriptions; Board reports Belasco fully funded and elects Al Valdes; Beach Reporter profiles Bill and Charlotte Malone; Board funds summer reading and children's books from Belasco; Board reviews midsummer sale and library computer access; November sale proceeds designated for Belasco; Treasurer’s report through November 19. All 12 records from 1998.
Members reelected Al Valdes on January 28. They reported a $1,000 gift from Fred Huebscher for library materials and technology and matching funds from Allied Signal. Rain canceled the March sale. The board approved $1,000 from the Belasco fund for summer reading and $200 for children's books, and Betty Evans gave the library an autographed Charles Hillinger volume. In April Charlotte Malone wrote to city manager Steve Burrell about longer hours and the timing of a separation from the County. The July sale raised $2,041. Members approved up to $1,000 for a proposed 40th anniversary event with a Raymond Chandler theme, and Huebscher suggested exploring eBay sales. The County reported a fiscal 1998–99 service cost of $447,642 for the Hermosa library.
Sources: Annual election, $1,000 Huebscher gift and corporate matching; Spring sale canceled and children's summer reading funded; Charlotte Malone to Steve Burrell on library hours and possible separation; Summer book sale, county advocacy and 40th anniversary plans; County operating statement for Hermosa library fiscal 1998–99. All 7 records from 1999.
On January 20 the Friends elected Al Valdes and the 2000 officers. When the Library closed for refurbishment, the Friends moved their books to a warehouse on Bard Street in mid-February, with help from City staff. They asked to hold the March sale at two sites, on Bard Street and in front of the library, and held their first Bard Street sale on March 25. The Board then suspended future allocations pending storage costs. In July it approved selected library purchases and reported 11 new members. In September a Beach Reporter column by Garrison Frost weighed withdrawal from the County library system after the City Council voted to seek a consultant. Charlotte Malone and Bill Malone answered with letters calling for a study before a decision. In November the Board allocated $1,458.55 in sale receipts to the Belasco fund, and Jack Belasco added a $1,500 matching gift.
Sources: Annual meeting elects officers and discusses library renovation; Friends request a split-site March book sale during renovation; Friends explain the move to the Bard Street warehouse; Board reviews first Bard Street sale and suspends new allocations; Board reviews members presale and restores selected library allocations; Garrison Frost weighs withdrawal from the County library system; Charlotte Malone calls for a library feasibility study; Board allocates November proceeds to Belasco and discusses computers. All 17 records from 2000.
On January 18 the Friends elected Charlotte Malone president. At the same meeting Jack Belasco stated the perpetual memorial fund and its gifts remained Friends property. Patricia A. Gazin died on February 27; her memorial program honored her civic service and her 1990 poem "Hermosa Beach." On March 29 the Board established a memorial book fund in her name for biographies and poetry, using March sale proceeds and General Fund money. By August the Gazin fund had spent $385.81, with about $4,560 remaining. Early in the year the Friends surveyed patrons on the Library's 35-hour weekly schedule, and on April 24 Charlotte Malone submitted the results from 39 responses. On November 26 County administrator Jean Alexander declined to change the hours, citing patron counts and funding limits. Facing fewer donations and uncertain Bard Street storage, the Board planned two sales for 2002.
Sources: Annual meeting records Belasco ownership statement and elects officers; Celebration of life for Patricia A. Gazin; Board establishes a Patricia Gazin memorial book fund; Board reviews Gazin purchases and continues members presales; Blank library-hours survey distributed to patrons; Charlotte Malone submits library-hours survey results; County administrator declines to change library hours; Board reduces 2002 sale schedule and approves library purchases. All 15 records from 2001.
On January 24 the Friends elected Charlotte Malone, Toni Empringham, Elaine Doerfling, Cathy McCurdy and Bill Malone and appointed Naoma Valdes to the website role. From April to November the City studied withdrawal from the County library system. LSSI first quoted a $429,600 management fee and a $35,000 materials budget, then submitted a full proposal to operate an independent Hermosa library. City Manager Stephen Burrell requested County service and cost data on April 30, and the County answered in August. After an October 22 hearing, Charlotte Malone urged residents to attend the November 26 council meeting and support an independent library. City staff gave the Council three options for the meeting: remain, withdraw effective July 2003, or investigate further. The Board reported a $6,000 transfer to the library investment account in June and $2,047 transferred to the Belasco fund in November.
Sources: Annual meeting elects officers and reviews separate funds; City subcommittee proposes a hearing on County withdrawal; LSSI preliminary library-management cost proposal; LSSI comprehensive proposal to operate an independent Hermosa library; City requests County service and cost data; Charlotte Malone urges attendance at the withdrawal decision; City staff outlines County withdrawal options for November 26; Board discusses withdrawal hearing and memorial sale allocations. All 24 records from 2002.
The March 1 sale raised more than $2,700, helped by 150 boxes from Hank Levy's estate. In March the Board assigned June proceeds to the California Collection and September proceeds to reference and nonfiction, approved $1,200 for summer reading and considered opening the warehouse as a regular bookstore; in June it set aside $800 for the crowded California Collection pending study. The Board also read thanks for its donations from Markham Middle School, Roosevelt Elementary and Davis Middle School in Compton.
Sources: Annual meeting elects officers and assigns sale proceeds; March sale publicity credits Hank Levy estate and book donations; Board revises sale allocations and considers a regular bookstore; Board earmarks California Collection money and recognizes school donations. All 7 records from 2003.
On July 24 Linda Dickerson explained the County's $34,845 materials charge for fiscal 2002–03: it covered local and centrally purchased resources and databases. On August 3 the City Manager compared 2003–04 library taxes of $579,496.72 with 2002–03 County service costs of $522,025, a $57,421.72 difference measured across two fiscal years. The Treasurer closed the year with a report listing operating cash and separate Belasco, Library Investment and Gazin fund balances.
Sources: Linda Dickerson explains County materials charges; City Manager compares library taxes and operating costs; Treasurer's 2004 operating report and separate fund balances; Seven-year comparison of sales memberships and library gifts. All 6 records from 2004.
The County reported a $3,071 surplus of Hermosa library taxes over service costs for fiscal 2003–04. On June 6 the City Manager asked the Friends for an opinion on the surplus and on a proposal to buy books. On June 7 Margaret Donnellan Todd of the County reported a $601,382 tax contribution and a $598,310 service cost, both for fiscal 2003–04. On June 20 Naoma Valdes and Charlotte Malone recommended returning the surplus to a City library fund and creating a Library Commission. A City staff report for June 28 weighed a refund, book purchases and a library reserve. The September 21 Board agenda listed Marcie Hines's Alibris program and possible book donations for Hurricane Katrina casualties. Betty Evans died on December 12; Whitney Youngs's obituary recalled her cooking, writing, garden and work with the Friends.
Sources: County comparison of 2003–04 library taxes and operating costs; City Manager asks Friends how to use the library-tax surplus; County reports matched-year library costs and tax contribution; Friends request City control of surplus library tax funds; City considers surplus tax uses and a library reserve; Annotated board agenda discusses Alibris and Katrina book donations; Whitney Youngs remembers Betty Evans and her civic work; Treasurer's report through December 6 with fund positions. All 13 records from 2005.
In 2006 the Friends ran a bookstore on Bard Street under a Hermosa Beach Friends of the Library sign. Shoppers browsed its shelves and tables. A Charlotte Malone's Bestsellers Collection sign and plaque honored her service. In November the Treasurer recorded transfers to the Charlotte Malone and Betty Evans memorial accounts. Bill Malone thanked Toni Empringham for membership support with a 2007 card, the sale schedule and notice of Monday warehouse hours. By December 31 the Friends had transferred $10,000 to Smith Barney for five fund accounts: Belasco, Gazin, Library, Charlotte Malone and Betty Evans.
Sources: Exterior of the Bard Street Friends bookstore; Shoppers inside the Bard Street bookstore; Charlotte Malone bestsellers collection sign and memorial plaque; Treasurer's November 2006 report and memorial transfers; Bill Malone thanks Toni Empringham for membership support; Year-end 2006 report records five-fund investment transfer. All 8 records from 2006.
On April 16 the Treasurer reported a Charlotte Malone memorial transfer to Smith Barney. On July 19 the Board appointed Gillian Miller warehouse chair and Marilyn Shaw publicity chair and discussed Internet sales, bags and summer reading. In September the County thanked the Friends with a certificate, signed by Elmita Brown and Carolyn Reed, for supporting the Get a Clue summer reading program. In October the Board handled a donation of 550 boxes with rented storage and paid moving help. It also planned a membership party and the 2008 sales. The Treasurer's year-end report listed warehouse and Internet sales as separate lines beside presale, regular and interim sales.
Sources: Treasurer's April 2007 report with memorial accounts; Board appoints warehouse and publicity chairs; County thanks Friends for Get a Clue summer reading support; Board manages a large book donation and revises sales; Treasurer's October 2007 report separates warehouse and Internet sales; Treasurer's 2007 year-end operating and fund report. All 8 records from 2007.
On January 23 the Board confirmed its officers, with Diane Craig replacing Marci Hines as corresponding secretary. It ended Wednesday presales, set Saturday sales and approved a children's appearance by Oliver Chin. In February it accepted five paintings from Bob Barnes and approved $2,000 for each of its five funds. In May Robert Simpson gave $5,000 to establish the Etta Simpson memorial fund for general-interest books and audiovisual materials, and the Board appointed an investment committee. In August the Friends redistributed books to four County libraries: Hawthorne, Carson, Lawndale and A. C. Bilbrew. Library staff sent a Thanksgiving card of thanks in November. On November 19 the Board approved $3,000 for combined library needs and proposed officers for the January election.
Sources: Board confirms officers and ends Wednesday presales; Board accepts paintings and approves contributions to five funds; Board records the Etta Simpson memorial gift and investment committee; Friends redistribute books to four County libraries; Library staff thank the Friends at Thanksgiving; Board approves library requests and proposes the 2009 slate. All 10 records from 2008.
On January 13 the Friends elected Dorothy Yost president, Naoma Valdes vice president, Diane Craig secretary and Carol Lawson treasurer. Anniversary planning ran from February through July. In May the Board proposed an anniversary gift of up to $5,000, and in July Toni Empringham asked for historical photographs and corrections for an anniversary pamphlet. In September the Friends celebrated their fiftieth anniversary at the Library. The City of Hermosa Beach marked the occasion with a certificate crediting the Friends with almost $500,000 in gifts, and The Beach Reporter ran an article by Eric Michael Stitt on their history on September 17. The Friends also sent books to Gardena, and in October Willowbrook Library thanked them for six boxes of books and VHS material. In November the Board added bank signatories and proposed bylaws revisions.
Sources: Officer election meeting; Board meeting and book redistribution; Board meeting and fiftieth anniversary plans; Toni Empringham requests material for anniversary pamphlet; Fiftieth anniversary celebration at the Library; City recognition of the fiftieth anniversary; Friends celebrate fifty years of support; Willowbrook Library thanks Friends for six boxes. All 19 records from 2009.
At a special meeting on January 20, 2010, the Friends adopted revised bylaws, elected officers and moved future elections to the final meeting of the year. Year-end 2009 cash stood at $31,125.34. In February, five gifts totaling $235 honored Fred Huebscher's fiftieth birthday, and Elmita Brown requested $1,844.09 for the Library, including $1,500 for six summer performers. The Library and the Friends co-sponsored the Make a Splash summer reading program from June 25 to July 30. Memorial gifts included $200 for children's books in memory of Mary G. Portnoy and a $5,000 Simpson memorial gift. On September 20 the Board replaced four large annual sales with monthly third-Saturday sales and voted to disband the California Collection. In November it reported a $1,000 County Library Foundation grant for Teen Territory, to be matched, and planned the opening for January 2011.
Sources: Special meeting adopts bylaws and elects officers; Board meeting and summer program funding; Library supplies and summer reading request; Summer reading sponsorship caption; Mary G. Portnoy memorial gift instructions; Simpson memorial donation check; Special meeting votes to disband California Collection; Board meeting approves Teen Territory matching support. All 28 records from 2010.
The California Collection stayed at the Library into 2011, pending County action; by May some of its books were going to other libraries. In February the Board approved Teen Territory purchases, replaced worn Belasco books and authorized a shredder. In May it asked for written funding requests and an inventory of Friends-owned Library equipment. In August, answering a $13,000 request, the Board approved $6,500 for July through December and noted $27,000 already spent for the Library. Teen Territory's grand opening was set for September 8, with a magic show by Jeff T.G. The opening program credited the Friends and the County Library Foundation for furnishings, the sign, books, magazines and refreshments. On September 12 a special meeting decided which records to keep, set 2012 sale dates and postponed shirts for lack of funds. Elaine Seeger gave $500 in November.
Sources: Board meeting and California Collection disposition delay; Board meeting requests written funding requests and asset inventory; Board meeting limits initial Library allocation to six months; Teen Territory grand opening and magic show; Special meeting sets record retention and sale dates; Elaine Seeger gift acknowledgment. All 11 records from 2011.
On March 17, 2012, Treasurer George Ceman asked for written trust purposes, allocation definitions and approval procedures for the Friends' funds. Four days later the Board approved the budget and a $6,500 Library allocation. Toni Empringham then asked whether a memorial-fund transfer had also been approved. Carol Lawson recalled approval of the $6,500 and said memorial funds would move only if operating funds ran out. The Board sought guidance from the Gazin family, and on July 18 it reported Cathy Gazin's consent to a $2,500 allocation from a fund of $10,617.32. The same meeting approved adult programs and headphones. On July 31 the Friends met with police about a proposed bookstore relocation. In November the Board elected Howard Seeb president and raised book and DVD rental prices effective January 2013.
Sources: Treasurer requests clarity on fund purposes and spending authority; Board meeting approves budget and Library allocation; Toni Empringham queries draft minutes and fund transfer approval; Carol Lawson clarifies allocation and conditional fund use; Board meeting seeks Gazin family guidance; Board meeting reports Gazin allocation consent; Police and Friends discuss proposed bookstore relocation; Board meeting sets prices and elects 2013 officers. All 24 records from 2012.
On January 23, 2013, the Board adopted a 2013 budget and reported an operating balance of $15,475. Elmita Brown requested a $7,500 book allocation for the Library, and DVD rentals carried a new $1.50 charge. In April Treasurer George Ceman reported a $5,000 gift from Chevron, and the Board approved six summer programs at $1,580. President Howard Seeb asked Steve Napolitano for a County discretionary grant; in August he acknowledged receipt of $1,000 and described intended bookstore improvements. In July the Board noted increased Library use during the Manhattan Beach closure. A planning note proposed a smaller bookstore space of 60 by 16 feet. The Gazin Trust gave $1,250 in the fourth quarter. On November 20 the Board elected Bob Luthardt president, Dorothy Yost vice president, Diane Craig secretary, George Ceman treasurer and Carol Lawson assistant treasurer.
Sources: Board meeting adopts 2013 budget; Library request for 2013 books and programming; Treasurer explains Chevron gift and first-quarter results; Board meeting approves summer programs and revised budget; County grant acknowledgment and proposed relocation use; Board meeting on summer attendance and bookstore move; Proposed smaller bookstore space and subject reductions; Board meeting elects 2014 officers and discusses member recognition. All 25 records from 2013.
In January 2014 the Board prepared to move the bookstore, discussing packing, police help and storage for memorabilia. By April 30 the move to another Bard Street building was essentially complete, and the Board met there. At that meeting it sought a historian and a home for its archives, appointed Betty Starr website chair and allocated website funding. A July notice advertised the bookstore's hours. In July the Board also discussed Elmita Brown's transfer to Gardena and interim staffing at the Library. In October the Friends' tax preparers, Wayland and Vukadinovich, ended their filing service. In November Treasurer George Ceman reported the September transfer of investment assets from Morgan Stanley to Fidelity and proposed a mix of maturities. In December Diane Craig acknowledged a Gazin family gift in memory of Patricia A. Gazin.
Sources: Board meeting prepares bookstore relocation; Board meeting confirms bookstore move substantially complete; Bard Street bookstore invitation and hours; Board meeting discusses librarian transition and finances; Tax preparers end annual filing service; Treasurer reports completed transfer to Fidelity; Gazin family memorial gift acknowledgment. All 23 records from 2014.
The 2015 budget, printed in March, projected revenue of $22,200 and expenses of $18,705. On March 25 the Board reported a $500 donation from Athens and discussed newsletter plans and a proposal to use Facebook. The Read to the Rhythm summer program scheduled five performances from July 10 to August 21 at a stated cost of $1,550. On November 18 the Board authorized bookstore volunteers to set sale prices by majority. It reported a campaign-fund gift from Michael DiVirgilio and a laptop donated by David Lombard, and it elected Howard Seeb president for 2016.
Sources: 2015 annual budget and historical comparisons; Board meeting on funding, newsletters and marketing; Read to the Rhythm performer schedule; Board meeting sets pricing discretion and elects officers. All 9 records from 2015.
On March 16, 2016, the Board set membership fees at $10 single, $25 family, $50 patron and $500 lifetime. By July 20 the reseller Josh paid for books when he took them, ending consignment, and $363 settled the prior inventory. On July 8 Sergeant Jaime Ramirez of the Police Officers Association asked for gates and restricted access on Bard Street after the Dallas attack. That month police assessed city-owned sites for a bookstore move. Supervisor Knabe and the County Arts Commission provided $3,200 for summer family programs, including a Latin band, a bilingual children's show and a theremin demonstration. The Friends sent books through Manny to children in the Philippines. In October the Friends considered sending book, DVD and subscription allocations to Library headquarters for the Donation Trust Fund. In November Linda Demmers presented on new Library planning, and the Board moved to three meetings a year.
Sources: Board meeting changes membership fees and discusses reseller payments; Treasurer confirms switch to immediate reseller payment; Police Officers Association requests Bard Street closure; Police assessment of possible bookstore relocation sites; Board meeting on County programs and overseas book donations; Draft meeting on Library allocations and Donation Trust Fund; Board meeting hears new Library planning presentation. All 24 records from 2016.
The bookstore's future location occupied the Board through 2017. At a special meeting on February 8, the Board rejected the offered shed, records room and prospective classroom, citing transport and operating concerns. In March Gabor Kossuth set out the bookstore's needs: 1,000 square feet, adequate height, light, electricity and access. The March 28 Last Resort proposal called for a prefabricated unit, a ten-year lease and improvements paid by the Friends, subject to City agreement. In July Howard Seeb summarized a discussion with Captain McKinnon, stating a preference for the new shed among the offered options and asking for a role in planning. The Board reached consensus on a presentation to the City Council and noted Kay Wantuch's arrival as children's librarian. In November it elected Pat Roberts secretary, succeeding Diane Craig, and reported the relocation unresolved. In December LTL Attorneys LLP gave $715 for Library programs.
Sources: Special meeting rejects proposed relocation options; Gabor Kossuth specifies bookstore space requirements; Last Resort relocation proposal; Howard Seeb summarizes discussion with Captain McKinnon; Board meeting prepares relocation position for Council; Board meeting elects Patricia Roberts secretary; LTL Attorneys donation acknowledgment. All 29 records from 2017.
The Friends closed 2017 with an operating balance of $50,368.18 and $141,224.85 at Fidelity. The Treasurer credited lower Library spending for part of the increase. The 2018 plan balanced at $14,800. In July the Board reported higher membership receipts from envelopes sent with the newsletter, along with successful BARK programs. It also reported the bookstore move was not happening at that time. In November the Board reported at least forty people at a Friends-funded Star Wars event and four $20 bookmark awards, and it elected officers for 2019.
Sources: Final 2017 annual summary; 2017 year-end Treasurer review and 2018 outlook; 2018 annual plan with prior-year comparisons; Board meeting reports bookstore move is not happening; Board meeting reports Star Wars support and elects officers. All 8 records from 2018.
On March 20, 2019, the Board approved an initial $1,000, or 25 percent of the book budget, through the Library Donation Trust Fund for Baker and Taylor purchasing, and tied further installments to reports separating Friends-funded materials from County General Fund purchases. After planning in March and July, the Friends celebrated their sixtieth anniversary, which the Board reported as a success on November 13. At that meeting the Board also discussed twice-yearly newsletters and deferred elections to January 7, 2020.
Sources: Board meeting conditions Library trust funding on expenditure reports; Board meeting plans sixtieth anniversary and equipment; Board meeting reviews anniversary and defers election. All 5 records from 2019.
