1959

The Friends Organize and Recruit Members

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.

Drawn from: 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.

Summary written by Claude from this year's records, for review by the board. Read every year.