SEAL BEACH : Library Gets a Boost From Its ‘Friends’

During the past 18 years, the organization has provided the Seal Beach Mary Wilson Library on Electric Avenue with books, computers and other equipment that the facility otherwise would do without.

“Almost anything that the head librarian asks for, we try to get if it’s feasible,” said outgoing President Robbie Watkinson, 68, of Seal Beach. “Our head librarian is the envy of all other librarians” in Orange County.

Watkinson is stepping down as head of the more than 100-member all-volunteer group after serving three years as president. He is succeeded by Ruth Eschbach, a Leisure World resident and Friends of the Library member for eight years.

Eschbach was previously coordinator of the group’s popular silent auction, in which people place written bids on donated books and other items displayed at the library. Once a month, the bids are collected and the items are sold to the highest bidder.

The group also operates a bookstore inside the library for the sale of donated books. Last year, the group collected about $12,000.

The group has sponsored a variety of different children’s events at the library, including puppet shows and storytelling programs. Research books and a dictionary of music were recently purchased with help from the organization.

“We just hope to continue to help the library and provide (librarians) with the things they need,” said Eschbach, a retired interior designer.