Timeline
Key events in the history of the Friends and the Hermosa Beach Library, each linked to the records it rests on.
Each event carries a label for what its records show: Recorded, Decided, Planned or proposed, From a later account, Estimated, Not confirmed or Canceled. A plan in the minutes did not always come about, so check the records for the outcome.
1910s
1912From a later account
Community library origins
The 1933–1934 report credits Mary Montgomery and the Woman’s Club with a community library in 1912, long before the Friends began.
Records: Hermosa Library has Interesting Background — 1933–1934 report extract
1913From a later account
County affiliation
Historical accounts agree on 1913 County affiliation but differ in month and first-staff details.
Records: History of the Hermosa Beach Library — retyped version; History of the Hermosa Beach Library — pamphlet-file version; Hermosa Library has Interesting Background — 1933–1934 report extract; Historical Notes — the library’s 65th year
1930s
January 13, 1938From a later account
Fire at the pier library
Two versions of the library history and the 1978 overview recount a fire reported by a twelve-year-old reader.
Records: History of the Hermosa Beach Library — retyped version; History of the Hermosa Beach Library — pamphlet-file version; Historical Notes — the library’s 65th year
1950s
December 28, 1955Recorded
County catalog described in the press
Daily Breeze describes access to books through the County catalog before HBFoL’s founding.
Records: Loose Leaf System Adds Scope to County Library — Daily Breeze
August 1, 1957 to September 30, 1957From a later account
Move from pier to former post office
Later accounts put the move in August or September 1957. Exact month unresolved.
Records: History of the Hermosa Beach Library — retyped version; History of the Hermosa Beach Library — pamphlet-file version; Historical Notes — the library’s 65th year
March 1, 1959 to March 31, 1959Estimated
Municipal campaign roster
A campaign roster of Belasco, de Groot and Gazin, probably from the March 1959 city election.
September 2, 1959Recorded
County Library Council appointments
City Clerk Bonnie Bright records appointments of Pat Gazin and alternate Frank Sasine, Jr.
Records: Bonnie Bright letter naming Regional Library Council representatives
September 29, 1959Recorded
Friends organizing meeting
Meeting at Pat Gazin’s home launches the group; later secretary’s report names Helen Tracy temporary president and Naoma Valdes temporary secretary–treasurer.
Records: September 29, 1959 organizing meeting and associated membership notes; Secretary’s report — founding and first membership drive
October 9, 1959Recorded
First ledger receipts
Ledger begins recording membership receipts.
Records: Treasurer’s ledger, October 1959–January 1961; Balance sheet No. 1 — dues through January 20, 1960
October 13, 1959 to October 17, 1959Recorded
First membership drive
Volunteer roster and secretary’s report agree on October 13–17, 1959. The roster’s later 1960 annotation is incorrect.
Records: Secretary’s report — founding and first membership drive; Membership-drive volunteer roster — October 13–17, 1959
October 15, 1959Recorded
County welcome to Gazin
County Librarian John D. Henderson welcomes Gazin to the advisory role.
Records: John D. Henderson letter welcoming Patricia Gazin to the advisory council
November 1, 1959 to November 7, 1959From a later account
Hermosa Beach Book Week
The February 1960 secretary’s report says Mayor Belasco designated November 1–7 as Book Week.
Records: Secretary’s report — founding and first membership drive
November 5, 1959From a later account
Get Acquainted coffee
William S. Geller speaks about what the Friends and County Library can do for the community, according to the secretary’s report.
Records: Secretary’s report — founding and first membership drive
1960s
February 1, 1960Recorded
First annual meeting and officers
Helen Tracy, Naoma Valdes, Kenny de Groot and Barbara Dennis elected; bylaws adopted/amended and library plans discussed.
Records: First regular meeting, officer ballot and bylaws; First annual meeting — officers, bylaws and library plans
March 1, 1960Recorded
New-library building program
Facility brief proposes a 20,000-volume library intended for decades of service.
April 20, 1960Recorded
Harvard Classics purchase recorded
Ledger and cumulative balance sheet record $149.06 for Harvard Classics. June minutes confirm books purchased and installed.
Records: Treasurer’s ledger, October 1959–January 1961; Board meeting — Harvard Classics, patio and summer reading; Balance sheet No. 2 — cumulative receipts and expenses
June 10, 1960Recorded
Senior patio and summer reading planning
Board discusses the patio, volunteer reading and County summer program; book-binding group remains a suggestion for the following year.
Records: Board meeting — Harvard Classics, patio and summer reading
July 26, 1960Recorded
County–City building consultation
Gazin records Henderson’s building and lease/purchase proposals; funding source remains unresolved.
Records: Meeting with County Librarian John Henderson — new-library financing
August 1, 1960Recorded
Volunteer reading reported in newspaper
Clipping describes Thursday story hours and the Treasure Seekers reading program.
Records: Library Reports Many New Books / Reading Program Popular
August 26, 1960Recorded
Library project advanced by City Manager
Harris writes to Henderson, Stoshitch and Rev. Parker about agreements and next steps.
Records: Walter H. Harris to Rev. Parker — civic-center library proposal; Walter H. Harris to John Henderson — authorization to advance library plans; Walter H. Harris to Savo Stoshitch — architectural-services agreement
September 1, 1960Recorded
Children’s reading celebration planned
August board minutes plan a September 1 party with an author guest. The November newsletter confirms a children’s party that year, but does not independently give its date.
Records: Board meeting — reading celebration and holiday fundraising; Newsette — Christmas party, book donations and senior patio
December 1, 1960Recorded
Christmas book party and radio drawing
November newsletter announces the gathering. January 1961 minutes report $75 cleared on the raffle for the senior patio.
Records: Newsette — Christmas party, book donations and senior patio; Annual meeting — Bea Bond elected president
January 31, 1961Recorded
Bea Bond becomes president
Annual meeting introduces new officers and reports radio-raffle proceeds, new furnishings and Janie Miho’s contest win.
March 1, 1961 to March 3, 1961Estimated
Membership-renewal volunteers
Roster schedules March 1–3 shifts; renewal draft probably belongs to this campaign.
Records: Membership-drive volunteer roster — March 1–3, 1961; Membership-renewal announcement — Harvard Classics and senior patio
May 11, 1961Planned or proposed
Senior patio coffee planned
April minutes report furniture ready and schedule a May 11 opening coffee; no record of the outcome is known.
July 6, 1961 to September 7, 1961Recorded
Summer story-hour schedule
Roster runs weekly through September 7; September minutes report the program was successful and an end-of-summer party drew more than 25 children.
Records: Board meeting — summer results, bake sale and construction bids; Summer story-hour volunteer schedule — July–September 1961
October 14, 1961Recorded
Bake sale
November minutes report the sale netted $34.25.
Records: Board meeting — groundbreaking, globe and proposed book sale; Treasurer’s ledger — May 1961 through January 1962
November 17, 1961From a later account
New-library groundbreaking
Official program specifies 2:30 p.m. and credits City, County, advisory groups and Friends participants.
Records: New public library — official groundbreaking program
December 2, 1961Canceled
Book sale planned, then canceled
November minutes proposed a sale outside City Hall; the January memorandum reports it canceled because of rain.
Records: Board meeting — groundbreaking, globe and proposed book sale; Reconstructed memorandum — January 3 board meeting
January 3, 1962From a later account
Globe fund recommendation
Reconstructed memorandum recalls a recommendation to reserve $100 for a globe and revisit a spring book sale.
January 31, 1962Recorded
Mary Edgerton elected; bylaws changed
Annual meeting elects new officers, approves globe allocation and changes board composition.
Records: Annual meeting — Mary Edgerton elected and globe fund approved; Treasurer’s annual report and bylaw-change ballot
February 27, 1962Recorded
Beach Bowl membership kickoff
Report describes luncheon, fashion presentation, radio appearance and book-shaped cake.
Records: Board meeting — membership campaign and benefit fashion show; Membership kickoff luncheon — Beach Bowl
April 14, 1962Recorded
Used-book sale
March minutes schedule the sale; May minutes report $43.21 profit. Ledger records related April receipts.
Records: Board meeting — book sale and Titles in Fashions plans; Board meeting — fundraiser proceeds and dedication gifts; Treasurer’s ledger — 1962 and January 1963
May 7, 1962Recorded
Titles in Fashions benefit
Program and accounts document the benefit; financial statement and May minutes report $264.07 net.
Records: Board meeting — fundraiser proceeds and dedication gifts; Titles in Fashions — benefit program; Titles in Fashions — financial statement
May 22, 1962Recorded
Dedication gifts authorized
Board authorizes globe, Twentieth Century Views and Book Review Digests and plans dedication support.
Records: Board meeting — fundraiser proceeds and dedication gifts
June 12, 1962Recorded
Dedication program coordination
Henderson asks Chace’s office to handle the program for August 10 at Gazin’s request.
Records: John Henderson to Burton Chace — dedication arrangements
August 10, 1962Planned or proposed
Library dedication and open house
Printed program specifies 2 p.m.; Friends provide refreshments and receive recognition for gifts. August 27 minutes record post-event appreciation.
Records: Board meeting — dedication follow-up and globe questions; Hermosa Beach Library — dedication and open-house program
August 27, 1962Decided
Summer story hour deferred
Post-dedication minutes decide there is too little time before school to hold a story hour that year, despite earlier planning.
Records: Board meeting — dedication follow-up and globe questions
December 4, 1962Recorded
Globe explanation accepted
Board accepts the maker’s explanation that the globe was printed in 1959 and cannot remain continuously current.
Records: Board meeting — globe response, Christmas tea and nominations
January 31, 1963Recorded
Kay Pontius elected president
Annual meeting elects Kay Pontius, Lorraine Hales, Sako Miho and Kolma Flake and considers a book-discussion interest survey.
January 31, 1963 to December 31, 1963Estimated
Chronicles of America gift and open house
Undated newspaper caption names Pontious as president and the new library location. Probably 1963; the exact issue date is unknown.
Records: Chronicles of America donation and library open house — probably 1963; Annual meeting — Kay Pontius elected president
June 3, 1966Recorded
Bernice Brown library and garden visit
First Lady Bernice Brown visits the library and its garden. The program includes a California history book and the presentation of a South Bay Arts Association scholarship.
Records: Gazin invitation to Mrs. Brown — June 3 public reception; Gazin invitation to Councilman Quentin Thelen; Mrs. Brown visit — revised publicity release
August 9, 1966Recorded
Pat Gazin Californiana fund — origin attested
Pat and Myron Gazin announce a perpetual $50 donation for books for cultural advancement, with categories to follow.
Records: Board meeting — children's programs, Gazin gift and record collection proposal
December 14, 1966Recorded
Frederic W. Flake Memorial fund and record collection — origin attested
Minutes report $160 memorial receipts for records, County supplementation, and a motion for $50 from the treasury.
Records: Board meeting — Flake memorial records and Great Books funding
1967From a later account
F. W. Flake Memorial Record Collection
Nina Wilson’s 1978 account attributes organization and support of the record collection to the Friends in 1967.
March 15, 1967Recorded
Pat Gazin Californiana fund — allocation
Committee selects California books with annual $50 donation.
Records: Board meeting — bylaws, Gazin collection and Libations
April 8, 1967From a later account
Frederic W. Flake Memorial fund and record collection — dedication
The March minutes schedule the dedication of the Frederic W. Flake memorial record collection; a later history dates it April 8.
Records: Board meeting — bylaws, Gazin collection and Libations; Friends' gifts and activities — retrospective chronology through 1967
January 29, 1969Recorded
Pat Gazin Californiana fund — annual gift
Minutes call the $50 gift its third year and perpetual.
1970s
1970Recorded
Frederic W. Flake Memorial fund and record collection — balance
1970 statement separates $25 Flake balance from Gazin and general amounts.
Records: Annual financial statement — 1970
1970Recorded
Pat Gazin Californiana fund — balance
1970 statement identifies Gazin cash subbalance.
Records: Annual financial statement — 1970
1971Recorded
Home library service
Board records discuss service for homebound readers.
Records: Board minutes — free films and home library service; Board minutes — gifts, contest and home library service
1972Recorded
Vesta W. Bruner Scholarship Fund — external award
Press report records $100 scholarship award to the County system’s Vesta W. Bruner fund.
Records: Mounted clippings — films and library-science scholarship
April 25, 1973Recorded
Bylaws adopted
The record includes the revised organizational rules and the minutes adopting them.
Records: Bylaws revised April 25, 1973 — annotated complete copy; Board minutes — bylaws adopted, scholarship gift and films ended
July 31, 1975Recorded
Kathryn Dittmar retirement
Retirement-day report corroborates July 31 breakfast date; public party separately planned for August 3.
Records: Hermosa librarian to close career — Los Angeles Times article
June 1, 1977 to June 30, 1977Recorded
Books redistributed beyond Hermosa Beach
Newsletter reports distribution to Point Barrow, South Central Los Angeles and Mira Costa.
Records: June newsletter on Libations and book redistribution
August 1, 1978 to August 31, 1978From a later account
Library’s 65th-year historical overview
Nina Wilson signs the overview in August 1978; it identifies current staff, Friends president Delma Peery and past gifts.
1980s
May 1, 1980 to May 31, 1980Recorded
Twentieth-anniversary celebrations
Anniversary materials and a later history record a twentieth-anniversary celebration in 1980. The Friends were founded in 1959.
June 5, 1980From a later account
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — agreement reference
1986 minutes quote a June 5, 1980 matching letter, up to $10,000.
Records: Board minutes — June 18, 1986
June 18, 1980Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — establishment attested
Minutes report establishment of the Evy Fund with $425; December sale designated for it.
Records: Board minutes establishing Evelyn Belasco memorial fund
September 17, 1980Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — separate fund
Minutes distinguish $1,822 plus interest from operating cash.
June 17, 1981Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — administration
Annual recommendations for use to involve president, treasurer and librarian.
Records: Board minutes defining memorial-fund distribution process
September 16, 1981Recorded
Greeting from Art Seidenbaum
Letter to Patricia Gazin mentions the 19th. It does not identify the occasion.
Records: Art Seidenbaum to Patricia Gazin — greeting for the 19th
November 20, 1981Recorded
Articles of incorporation filed
State filing stamp is distinct from October execution and later IRS recognition.
Records: Certified articles of incorporation
March 1, 1983 to March 31, 1983Planned or proposed
Honors-system book sales
Newsletter introduces ongoing book sales in library.
Records: March newsletter introducing year-round library book sales
November 17, 1984Planned or proposed
Leonard Wibberley portrait presentation
Newsletter announces first-anniversary tribute; its date also fixes the date of a photograph of the event.
Records: Newsletter — Wibberley dedication and December sale
December 18, 1985Decided
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — allocation boundary
Board’s $1,500 library request is expressly not to be charged to Belasco funds.
Records: Board minutes — December 18, 1985
June 14, 1986Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — matching extension
June 18 minutes record acceptance of Jack Belasco’s letter extending matching through 1990.
Records: Board minutes — June 18, 1986
June 18, 1986Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — administrators
Bill Malone, Jack Belasco and current president identified as fund administrators.
Records: Board minutes — June 18, 1986
December 17, 1986Decided
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — library allocation
Board authorizes $1,000 from memorial for children’s programs alongside separate $1,000 general allocation.
Records: Board minutes — December 17, 1986
January 1, 1987 to January 31, 1987Recorded
Lorraine Hales memorial gifts — gifts attested
Acknowledgements document gifts in Lorraine Hales’s memory; later reports allocate money to California Collection.
Records: Letter to Hales family — Carol Tanner memorial gift; Letter to John Hales — Kratz and Malone memorial gifts; Thank-you letter — Paul Kratz; Treasurer's report — April 13, 1987
January 28, 1987Decided
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — temporary advance
General funds to advance showcase purchase until memorial CD matures; later report identifies $671 outstanding.
Records: Annual meeting minutes — January 1987; Treasurer's report — April 13, 1987
June 17, 1987Recorded
LePac purchase advance approved
Board authorizes up to $3,500 pending City reimbursement; later report records two purchases.
Records: Board minutes — June 17, 1987; Treasurer's report — 1987 year end
September 16, 1987Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — account closure
County auditors require closing librarian-held account; $468.23 Belasco and $65.47 Friends to return.
Records: Board minutes — September 16, 1987
April 1, 1988 to May 31, 1988Recorded
Carlotta Hoye memorial fund — establishment attested
Memorial established following April 26 death; newsletter reports more than $200, initially for English history.
Records: Newsletter — May 1988
September 14, 1988Recorded
Carlotta Hoye memorial fund — purpose permission
Minutes report Pearl Hoye’s permission for history books or other library needs; $350 available.
September 14, 1988Planned or proposed
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — investment proposal
Transfer to Shearson Lehman proposed.
December 10, 1988Recorded
First authors’ boutique
Captioned photographs and later press coverage record the first authors’ boutique.
Records: The Beach Reporter — The write stuff; Photographs — first authors' boutique
December 14, 1988Recorded
Frederic W. Flake Memorial fund and record collection — collection change
Record bins being phased out; memorial plaque to be retained.
Records: Board minutes — December 14, 1988
December 14, 1988Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — matching terms correction
Minutes correct September matching ratio to 1:3 for December sale.
Records: Board minutes — December 14, 1988
December 14, 1988Recorded
Lorraine Hales memorial gifts — balance
Minutes report $30.25 remaining.
Records: Board minutes — December 14, 1988
December 14, 1988Recorded
California Collection allocations — balance
Minutes report $0.75 remaining separately from Hales.
Records: Board minutes — December 14, 1988
January 18, 1989Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — investment management
Annual minutes discuss Shearson management; March minutes report fund separately.
Records: Annual meeting minutes — January 18, 1989; Board minutes — March 15, 1989
October 11, 1989Recorded
California Collection allocations — combined report
Minutes combine Hales/California available balance as $43.
Records: Board minutes — October 11, 1989
November 1, 1989 to November 30, 1989Recorded
Veterans hospital book redistribution
Newsletter describes paperback leftovers reaching Long Beach Veterans Hospital through Jim Taylor.
Records: Newsletter — November 1989
1990s
January 15, 1990 to January 23, 1990Planned or proposed
Automated circulation installation
Newsletter announces closure January 15–20 and reopening January 23.
Records: Newsletter — annual meeting and automated circulation closure
March 7, 1990Decided
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — principal policy
Board records objective achieved: $20,000 to CD; interest and $671.22 available for library gifts.
Records: Minutes — Belasco fund objective achieved and mural commissioned
March 7, 1990Decided
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — revenue redirection
Future December sale receipts redirected to general fund after memorial objective achieved.
Records: Minutes — Belasco fund objective achieved and mural commissioned
March 7, 1990Decided
Children’s mural commissioned
Board authorizes $925 for Vicki Timmons mural; half on start and half on completion.
Records: Minutes — Belasco fund objective achieved and mural commissioned
June 6, 1990Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — investment confirmed
Minutes report $20,000 invested in a CD earning 7.7%.
Records: Minutes — Belasco investment, library allocations and 1991 sale dates
September 12, 1990Decided
Donation forms and history booklet approved
Board approves standardized gift receipts, bookmarks and $170 for 400 history booklets.
Records: Minutes — library security, history booklet and mural progress
December 7, 1990Recorded
Children’s mural presented
December 12 minutes record presentation; artist and library acknowledgements follow.
Records: Minutes — mural dedication and Belasco transfer explanation; Appreciation letter — Vicki Timmons mural; Library acknowledgement — children's mural gift
December 12, 1990Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — transfer explanation
December 1989 Belasco receipts held in operating account were transferred in first quarter 1990.
Records: Minutes — mural dedication and Belasco transfer explanation; Cumulative financial report — four quarters through December 12, 1990
January 16, 1991Decided
John Hales succeeds Charlotte Malone
The membership elected John Hales president and kept Bill Malone as treasurer. Charlotte Malone continued to chair book sales, Betty Evans the California Collection and Pat Gazin regional affairs. In May, Gazin signed a booklet that preserved her account of the library and the people who organized the Friends.
Records: Annual election of John Hales and appointment of committee chairs; Legacy of a Library and a History of a Library’s Friends
March 6, 1991Decided
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — reimbursement authorized
Board assigns the children's rug to Belasco after General had paid for it. The annual schedule later lists $213.83 for the rug.
Records: Board authorizes Belasco reimbursement for the children's rug; Operating fund annual report and Belasco account schedule
March 6, 1991Decided
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — allocation
Board allocates $300 for children's books recommended by the school district. June minutes clarify that this allocation was for books.
Records: Board authorizes Belasco reimbursement for the children's rug; Board reviews record sale and children's collection purchases
June 12, 1991Recorded
The June book sale draws new volunteers
The board called the June sale its strongest yet. The minutes put receipts at $2,047.40 and the annual ledger at $2,047.41. In July, Hales thanked Mira Costa High School for sending three students and invited them back. A membership list included 126 people, some with dues outstanding.
Records: Board reviews record sale and children's collection purchases; Thanks to Mira Costa students for book sale service; Operating fund annual report and Belasco account schedule
September 11, 1991 to December 11, 1991Decided
Decisions on leftover books
Following requests from other organizations, the board authorized the president to decide where surplus books should go. In December, Charlotte Malone reported plans to send leftover books to El Camino College. A bookstore in Mexico had expressed interest in purchasing stock. The minutes distinguish the proposed gift from the potential sale.
Records: Board delegates decisions on surplus book requests; December sale, proposed El Camino donation and California purchases
September 11, 1991Decided
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — allocation
Board authorizes $200 for seasonal programs, $327 for children's books and $100 for children's magazines.
December 11, 1991Recorded
California Collection allocations — purchases reported
Betty Evans reports 24 books purchased in 1991 for the California Collection. The operating statement separately reports $250 in that category.
Records: December sale, proposed El Camino donation and California purchases; Operating fund annual report and Belasco account schedule
December 31, 1991Recorded
Children’s acquisitions and the separate memorial schedule
The annual Belasco schedule records $1,055.62 for a children’s rug, programs, magazines, books, videos and performances. It shows $1,643.12 available for further gifts alongside the $20,000 CD. In the operating report the treasurer tracked $7,117.09 in quarterly book sales and $2,388.02 in interim sales.
Records: Board authorizes Belasco reimbursement for the children's rug; Board reviews record sale and children's collection purchases; Operating fund annual report and Belasco account schedule
December 31, 1991Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — investment and spending
The statement lists a $20,000 CD and a separate money market schedule with $1,055.62 spent and $1,643.12 available for gifts.
Records: Operating fund annual report and Belasco account schedule
January 15, 1992Decided
Members retain $2 dues and create sponsor and patron levels
Under Hales, the membership retained $2 dues on a 6–3 vote. It added sponsor and patron levels of $25 and $50. By March the membership chair reported 26 basic memberships, 16 sponsors and three patrons. The board opted to distribute an author-series pamphlet at a sale rather than release the membership list.
Records: Annual election and new sponsor and patron memberships; Board protects its mailing list and approves library purchases
June 17, 1992Decided
Members sign updated bylaws and plan an anniversary reception
The Friends signed amended bylaws in June. They also authorized shelving for books left from the sales and set aside up to $100 to mark the library building’s thirtieth birthday.
Records: Board adopts amended bylaws and plans library anniversary
August 8, 1992Recorded
Friends celebrate thirty years in the civic center building
The Friends marked the building anniversary with historic displays, a souvenir history and a reception. The program recalled former librarians, Friends presidents and the hosts of Libations. A contemporary photo shows Norma Burt congratulating Pat Gazin. In September the board described the celebration as well attended and covered a $42.07 overage.
Records: The Hermosa Beach Library is 30-something!; Board reports successful anniversary celebration; Easy Reader — State budget cuts may threaten area libraries; Beach Reporter — Library anniversary celebration
September 16, 1992Decided
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — allocation
Board approves $400 for children's magazines.
December 16, 1992Recorded
California Collection allocations — purchases reported
Betty Evans presents the inventory of 1992 additions. The annual cash report contains a $200 California Collection line.
Records: Board addresses honor sale losses and library requests; Operating fund annual report with Belasco reimbursements
December 31, 1992Recorded
Sales and memorial reimbursements support library purchases
Operating receipts included $6,560.20 from book sales, $2,666.03 from interim sales and $1,925.19 reimbursed by Belasco. Betty Evans reported $195.68 spent on California Collection acquisitions. The board also discussed losses from the honor sale and a possible Rotary sale.
Records: Board addresses honor sale losses and library requests; Operating fund annual report with Belasco reimbursements
January 20, 1993Decided
Al Valdes elected president
Al Valdes succeeded John Hales. The Friends approved an $11,250 budget and granted membership to people donating at least $25 to the library or Friends. By March, they had also received 1,000 books from the Thomas Parkinson family.
Records: Tentative annual budget and available Belasco funds; Al Valdes elected president and annual budget approved; Board reports gifted books and approves collection funding
June 16, 1993Recorded
Friends create a rescue fund and send unsold books to new readers
Facing cuts to County library hours, the Friends agreed to create a separate Save the Library fund. Charlotte Malone also reported that unsold children’s books had gone to Logan Street School in Los Angeles, and about 50 boxes of other books had gone to the University of Angola through Serge Vita.
Records: Board creates a separate library rescue fund and reports book donations
July 17, 1993 to July 21, 1993Recorded
Residents contribute to Save Our Library
Approximately 45 interested community members joined the July 17 emergency meeting. The donor sheet records seven contributions dated that day and three more on July 21, totaling $770. The first entry is Caroline R. Short’s $300. By year-end the treasurer estimated the account at $2,165.
Records: Emergency community meeting on threatened library closure; Save Our Library donor register — first sheet; Annual report for operations, Save Our Library and Belasco
July 17, 1993Recorded
Save Our Library / H.B. Library Fund — community response
Emergency meeting discusses collecting and managing money. A dated register shows the first seven entries on July 17, then three more on July 21.
Records: Emergency community meeting on threatened library closure; Save Our Library donor register — first sheet
September 15, 1993 to December 8, 1993Decided
Friends ask the City to investigate library independence
The Friends voted in September to ask the City to investigate the cost and legal steps of withdrawal, including possible arrangements with neighboring libraries. December minutes record the decision to “actively study” independence, disagreements over particular recommendations, and approval of juvenile magazine subscriptions from Belasco.
Records: Friends ask City to study library independence; Board asks City to study withdrawal and possible library partnerships; Board refines independence recommendation and approves juvenile subscriptions
December 31, 1993Recorded
Save Our Library / H.B. Library Fund — balance
Annual report lists the Save Our Library account at Smith Barney Shearson at approximately $2,165.
Records: Annual report for operations, Save Our Library and Belasco
December 31, 1993Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — balance
Treasurer lists the Evy Belasco Memorial account alongside the separate Save Our Library account.
Records: Annual report for operations, Save Our Library and Belasco
March 15, 1994Decided
Board amends its bylaws and marks Friends purchases
The Friends changed their meeting schedule and directed that books purchased with their funds since March 1993 be stamped as Friends property. In June, members debated who would own materials after any separation from the County and pursued the City’s study of library affiliation.
Records: Board approves bylaw changes and marks Friends-owned books; Corporate bylaws amended March 15, 1994; Board endorses City subcommittee recommendation on library affiliation
June 14, 1994Planned or proposed
California Collection allocations — ownership question
Members want early minutes to establish whether California Collection books must remain in Hermosa. The board records missing minute books.
Records: Board endorses City subcommittee recommendation on library affiliation
November 1, 1994Recorded
Special meeting examines restored service and conditions on gifts
The library expected longer hours after the County restored funding. The Friends discussed conditions under which gifts purchased with their money could remain in Hermosa. In December, the librarian could not guarantee the same protection for the California Collection.
Records: Special meeting on restored county funding and ownership of gifts; Board votes to invest $7,500 and debates the rescue fund’s purpose
December 15, 1994 to December 28, 1994Recorded
A $10,000 CD combines rescue donations and a transfer from General
After the board authorized a $7,500 transfer to earn a better return, treasurer Clyde W. Malone Jr. instructed Smith Barney to combine the money with $2,500 in the Save Our Library account and purchase a $10,000 CD. He specified that $43 in interest would remain in the money market. The year-end report lists both positions separately from the $18,390 Belasco balance.
Records: Board votes to invest $7,500 and debates the rescue fund’s purpose; Annual report — operations, library reserve and Belasco fund; Clyde W. Malone Jr. instructs broker to purchase a library CD
December 15, 1994Decided
Save Our Library / H.B. Library Fund — investment authorized
Board approves moving $7,500 to earn more interest. Charlotte describes unsolicited July 1993 donations and the separately held rescue account.
Records: Board votes to invest $7,500 and debates the rescue fund’s purpose
December 15, 1994Not confirmed
California Collection allocations — ownership question
The librarian cannot assure the Friends that the California Collection would be returned upon separation, despite a prior understanding. The minute books have reappeared.
Records: Board votes to invest $7,500 and debates the rescue fund’s purpose
December 28, 1994Recorded
Save Our Library / H.B. Library Fund — investment instruction
Malone directs purchase of a one-year CD with $2,500 from the rescue account and $7,500 from the Friends. The letter names Save Our Library as CD holder and directs retention of $43 in its money market.
Records: Annual report — operations, library reserve and Belasco fund; Clyde W. Malone Jr. instructs broker to purchase a library CD
December 31, 1994Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — balance
The annual report lists $18,390 net and separately identifies $509.90 available for gifts. The available amount is a component.
Records: Annual report — operations, library reserve and Belasco fund
January 19, 1995 to March 16, 1995Recorded
Tim Ferguson takes office and the board studies library technology
New president Tim Ferguson pursued CD-ROM reference service and sought terms under which the Friends would retain ownership of equipment. In March, members visited the school technology center. They raised general dues to $5 beginning in 1996 and retained a $2 rate for students.
Records: Tim Ferguson elected president and California Collection funding held; Board visits school technology center and raises dues
January 19, 1995Decided
California Collection allocations — funding held
The board withholds further California Collection funds pending clarification of ownership if the County ceases to administer the library.
Records: Tim Ferguson elected president and California Collection funding held
September 21, 1995Recorded
Computers, a wine tasting and the library reserve
Members reviewed a county supervisor’s response allowing a long-term loan of computers with Friends ownership. Kiwanis offered to guarantee up to $2,000 toward wine-tasting costs. An addendum reports that officers invested $5,000 from General in a six-month insured CD. The Woman’s Club separately sent $1,000 in October for an independent city library.
Records: Board approves computer purchase and reports reserve balances; Woman’s Club gives $1,000 toward city library independence
September 21, 1995Recorded
Save Our Library / H.B. Library Fund — balance
Treasurer reports $10,280.09 under the H.B. Library Fund name.
Records: Board approves computer purchase and reports reserve balances
September 21, 1995Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — balance
Treasurer reports the fund separately from the H.B. Library Fund and General.
Records: Board approves computer purchase and reports reserve balances
October 1, 1995 to October 31, 1995Recorded
Save Our Library / H.B. Library Fund — investment
Elected officers withdraw $5,000 from General and invest it in a six-month insured CD at 5.75%. The annual report records the investment in the H.B. Library Fund.
Records: Board approves computer purchase and reports reserve balances; Certified annual financial report for 1995
October 28, 1995Not confirmed
Save Our Library / H.B. Library Fund — related gift
Woman’s Club designates its contribution for a city library independent of County decisions. Where the money was deposited is not confirmed.
Records: Woman’s Club gives $1,000 toward city library independence; Certified annual financial report for 1995
December 14, 1995Recorded
Computers arrive and the Friends report the tasting’s proceeds
Ferguson reported that two PCs had arrived. The minutes attributed $5,873 toward a $7,101.93 equipment and software purchase to the wine tasting. The annual statement separately reports $7,832.50 in tasting receipts and $1,970.62 in expenses. Those lines imply $5,861.88 on the statement’s basis. The difference remains open.
Records: Wine tasting and computer installation reported; Certified annual financial report for 1995
December 31, 1995Recorded
Save Our Library / H.B. Library Fund — balance
The 1995 certified report cites the December 1994 and September 1995 minutes next to the H.B. Library Fund balance.
December 31, 1995Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — balance
The 1995 certified statement shows $19,967.25 net value.
January 18, 1996 to June 20, 1996Recorded
Charlotte Malone leads the Friends as the library goes online
Members elected Charlotte Malone president and funded an initial Internet access trial. In June she announced approval of $1,200 from the Beach Cities Health District for health-related CD-ROMs. By September the board reported 16 titles purchased with grant funds.
Records: Charlotte Malone elected president and library Internet trial approved; Board adopts $25,000 target for Belasco and directs sale proceeds to it; Board reports health district grant and funds library materials
January 18, 1996Recorded
Save Our Library / H.B. Library Fund — investment authorized
Board authorizes another $5,000 CD purchase. The treasurer’s annual schedule attributes its H.B. Library Fund line to this vote and the two earlier decisions.
Records: Charlotte Malone elected president and library Internet trial approved; Treasurer’s annual report for operations and the two library funds
September 26, 1996Recorded
Board sets a new $25,000 memorial fund target
The Friends reported that $3,000 had restored Belasco to $20,000. They authorized another $2,000 and voted to dedicate the December sale proceeds if possible, with a new target of $25,000. The cash statement later records $3,000 and $1,775 on the transfer line. The separate $2,000 authorization has yet to be matched to a posting.
Records: Board adopts $25,000 target for Belasco and directs sale proceeds to it; Treasurer’s annual report for operations and the two library funds
September 26, 1996Decided
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — allocation to principal
Board votes to deposit another $2,000. The annual outflow line records $3,000 and $1,775. It does not separately show the $2,000 vote as posted.
Records: Board adopts $25,000 target for Belasco and directs sale proceeds to it; Treasurer’s annual report for operations and the two library funds
September 26, 1996Decided
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — funding policy
Board sets a $25,000 target and dedicates the December sale if possible. December proceeds later appear as $1,775 on the treasurer’s transfer line.
Records: Board adopts $25,000 target for Belasco and directs sale proceeds to it; Treasurer’s annual report for operations and the two library funds
December 12, 1996Decided
Friends agree to try three book sales the next year
Charlotte Malone described volunteers’ workload and conflicts with a neighboring sale. The Friends agreed to try three sales in 1997. The year-end report lists $22,274.64 in the H.B. Library Fund and $22,607.65 in Belasco.
Records: Board switches from four yearly book sales to three; Treasurer’s annual report for operations and the two library funds
December 31, 1996Recorded
Save Our Library / H.B. Library Fund — balance
The year-end H.B. Library Fund position is $22,274.64. Later disposition remains open.
Records: Treasurer’s annual report for operations and the two library funds
December 31, 1996Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — balance
Annual report separates $22,607.65 net value from the H.B. Library Fund and operating cash.
Records: Treasurer’s annual report for operations and the two library funds
January 22, 1997 to March 26, 1997Recorded
Ferguson returns to the presidency and the spring sale sets a record
Tim Ferguson returned as president in January and sought more members among parents. In March the Friends credited books from publisher’s representative Stevie Stewart with helping their sale bring in $2,825.45. They approved $1,000 from Belasco for summer reading.
Records: Annual election of Tim Ferguson and new membership proposals; Spring sale, Belasco reading program and Internet access
July 23, 1997 to November 19, 1997Recorded
November book sale and Jack Belasco’s gift support principal
In July, members discussed using only the interest on a $25,000 endowment for children’s books. The November sale brought in $2,613.75, and Jack Belasco presented $1,000. The treasurer projected a $24,594.23 position after amounts owing to General. This is a projection, rather than a reconciled closing statement.
Records: Board discusses preserving Belasco principal and using its interest; Jack Belasco contributes $1,000 toward the memorial endowment
July 23, 1997Decided
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — principal policy
Members describe building principal to $25,000 and using interest for children's books. November sale proceeds are to go to the fund if possible.
Records: Board discusses preserving Belasco principal and using its interest
November 19, 1997Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — gift
Jack Belasco presents a $1,000 check. The treasurer projects $24,594.23 with the November sale and amounts owing to General taken into account.
Records: Jack Belasco contributes $1,000 toward the memorial endowment
January 7, 1998 to January 22, 1998Recorded
A magazine appeal and a fully funded endowment
A January 7 letter asked residents to sponsor magazine subscriptions. On January 22 the Friends reported that Belasco had reached $25,486.54 and anticipated using earnings for children’s materials. Members elected Al Valdes president and approved budgeted income of $15,100 and expenditures of $10,075.
Records: Al Valdes appeals for magazine gift subscriptions; Board reports Belasco fully funded and elects Al Valdes
January 22, 1998Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — fully funded
Board reports the endowment fully funded at $25,486.54 and expects earnings to support requested children's materials.
Records: Board reports Belasco fully funded and elects Al Valdes
April 2, 1998 to July 23, 1998Decided
Summer reading and computer access
The board approved $1,000 from Belasco for summer reading and $300 for children’s books in April. In July it approved another $500 for juvenile books and discussed how best to meet demand for Internet access. The spring Beach Reporter profile of Bill and Charlotte Malone documents the labor behind these fundraisers.
Records: Board funds summer reading and children's books from Belasco; Board reviews midsummer sale and library computer access; Beach Reporter profiles Bill and Charlotte Malone
April 2, 1998Recorded
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — balance
Minutes give a $25,766.70 balance and authorize $1,000 for summer reading and $300 for children's books.
Records: Board funds summer reading and children's books from Belasco
November 19, 1998Recorded
November sale adds to the memorial fund
The Friends designated $1,925.30 of November sale proceeds for Belasco. The treasurer’s approximate value of $26,750.37 already includes those proceeds. The statement reports $8,069.98 in operating cash that day. January 1999 minutes give a separate December 31 operating balance of $6,443.87.
Records: November sale proceeds designated for Belasco; Treasurer’s report through November 19; Annual election, $1,000 Huebscher gift and corporate matching
January 28, 1999 to March 25, 1999Recorded
A patron gives $1,000 and rain cancels the spring sale
The January meeting reported $1,000 from Fred Huebscher for videos, software and periodicals and a corporate match connected with Susan Fuchs. Rain canceled the March sale. The board nevertheless approved $1,200 from Belasco for summer reading and children’s books.
Records: Annual election, $1,000 Huebscher gift and corporate matching; Spring sale canceled and children's summer reading funded
March 25, 1999Decided
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — allocations
Board approves $1,000 for children's summer reading and $200 for children's books from Belasco.
Records: Spring sale canceled and children's summer reading funded
April 8, 1999Planned or proposed
Members and city manager discuss library hours
Charlotte Malone’s memo to city manager Steve Burrell records an informal meeting without a quorum. Her historical comparison put the low point at 14 hours a week in 1993. She reported a preference for longer hours and suggested that the City seek County support.
Records: Charlotte Malone to Steve Burrell on library hours and possible separation
July 22, 1999Recorded
Summer sale, video partnership and anniversary plans
The July 17 sale raised $2,041. The Friends hosted Marina del Rey’s video collection during a renovation, keeping $72.80 of $182 in fees in the first reporting period. Members approved up to $1,000 for a fortieth anniversary event with a Raymond Chandler theme. Huebscher proposed exploring eBay for book sales. The July minutes record the proposal; the event’s outcome is not documented.
Records: Summer book sale, county advocacy and 40th anniversary plans
July 22, 1999Decided
Evelyn Harris Belasco Perpetual Memorial Fund — allocation
Minutes authorize $300 for children's books while adult books, CDs, videos and labels are approved separately.
Records: Summer book sale, county advocacy and 40th anniversary plans
2000s
February 1, 2000 to February 29, 2000From a later account
Book storage moves to Bard Street
June letter states books had been stored at 1309 Bard Street since mid-February during Library refurbishment.
Records: Friends explain the move to the Bard Street warehouse; Friends request a split-site March book sale during renovation
September 1, 2000 to September 30, 2000Planned or proposed
Library independence debated in local press
Opinion, rebuttal letters and a corrected tax figure accompany calls for a feasibility study.
Records: Bill Malone challenges the Beach Reporter library-independence column; Charlotte Malone calls for a library feasibility study; Garrison Frost weighs withdrawal from the County library system; Readers debate library independence and the paper corrects a tax figure
March 29, 2001Recorded
Patricia Gazin memorial fund established in the record
Board records sale proceeds and a General Fund addition for biographies and poetry.
Records: Board establishes a Patricia Gazin memorial book fund
April 1, 2002 to November 30, 2002Planned or proposed
Independent Library operating options studied
LSSI proposals, County cost figures and City staff reports weigh options for leaving the County library system. The records show the study, not a decision.
Records: LSSI preliminary library-management cost proposal; LSSI comprehensive proposal to operate an independent Hermosa library; City subcommittee proposes a hearing on County withdrawal; City staff outlines County withdrawal options for November 26
June 12, 2003Decided
California Collection funding held for review
Board earmarks $800 while questioning space, use and ownership arrangements.
Records: Board earmarks California Collection money and recognizes school donations
June 20, 2005Planned or proposed
Friends seek local control of Library tax surplus
Letter requests City action on surplus tax funds and a Library commission.
Records: Friends request City control of surplus library tax funds
December 31, 2006Recorded
Five named investment funds reported
Year-end statement lists Belasco, Gazin, Library, Charlotte Malone and Betty Evans balances separately.
Records: Year-end 2006 report records five-fund investment transfer
February 20, 2008Decided
Contributions to five funds authorized
Board approves $2,000 for each fund; the deposits themselves are not confirmed.
Records: Board accepts paintings and approves contributions to five funds
September 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009Recorded
Fiftieth anniversary celebrated
Photographs and City recognition accompany anniversary planning and newspaper coverage.
Records: Fiftieth anniversary celebration at the Library; City recognition of the fiftieth anniversary; Friends celebrate fifty years of support
2010s
September 20, 2010Decided
Board votes to disband California Collection
Special minutes record the vote and discussion of County disposal and possible recipients.
Records: Special meeting votes to disband California Collection
September 8, 2011Planned or proposed
Teen Territory opening advertised
Program and August minutes place the opening on September 8 after earlier planning dates.
Records: Josh Spencer expands the Last Bookstore; Teen Territory grand opening and magic show
July 18, 2012Recorded
Gazin family allocation consent reported
Treasurer reports family agreement to a $2,500 allocation and willingness to continue support.
April 24, 2013Recorded
Thirty boxes shared with Philippine library project
Minutes report sending books to help establish a library in the Philippines.
Records: Board meeting approves summer programs and revised budget
April 30, 2014Recorded
Bookstore relocation substantially completed
Minutes report the move to another Bard Street building is complete, with work still discussed.
Records: Board meeting confirms bookstore move substantially complete
September 1, 2014 to September 30, 2014Recorded
Investments transferred to Fidelity
November Treasurer commentary reports the September transfer and future investment allocation plan.
July 1, 2015 to August 31, 2015Planned or proposed
Five summer performances scheduled
Read to the Rhythm schedule totals $1,550 across five performances; actual payments are not confirmed.
July 20, 2016Recorded
Reseller arrangement changes to immediate payment
Treasurer reports payment when books are taken and a $363 settlement of prior inventory.
Records: Treasurer confirms switch to immediate reseller payment
February 1, 2017 to July 31, 2017Planned or proposed
Bookstore relocation options contested
Minutes and drafts discuss the shed, storage and alternative sites; Last Resort remains a proposal.
Records: Special meeting rejects proposed relocation options; Version three of bookstore relocation response; Gabor Kossuth specifies bookstore space requirements; Last Resort relocation proposal; Howard Seeb summarizes discussion with Captain McKinnon; Undated draft response to relocation proposals
July 25, 2018Recorded
Board reports proposed move is not happening
Minutes address gate access and communication after earlier relocation discussions.
Records: Board meeting reports bookstore move is not happening
March 20, 2019Decided
Library funding tied to expenditure reports
Initial DTF funding and conditions separate Friends-funded materials from County General Fund purchases.
Records: Board meeting conditions Library trust funding on expenditure reports
November 13, 2019Recorded
Sixtieth anniversary reviewed
Minutes report a successful celebration; July planning had identified a September date.
Records: Board meeting plans sixtieth anniversary and equipment; Board meeting reviews anniversary and defers election