1978

Delma Peery and the Proposition 13 Cuts

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.

Drawn from: 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.

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