Newport library receives $144,000 in funding

Kris O’Donnell

The Newport Beach Library Foundation donated $144,507 to the Newport

Beach Public Library system for future upgrades, programs and events

on Tuesday.

The foundation’s President, Tom Edwards, presented the check to

the Newport Beach City Council on Tuesday night.

The foundation boasts more than 2,000 members who financially

contribute to the .

“Through fund-raising events like the ‘Distinguished Speakers

Series,’ our members enable us to support a variety of programs,”

said Tracy Keys, the foundation’s executive director.

The programs supported include two performances of the Pacific

Symphony, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, at the Central

Library at 1000 Avocado Ave.

Funding will also help the library participate in the countywide

Imagination Celebration of Orange County that promotes and presents

quality visual and performing arts programs. The funding will also

support the Corona del Mar Christmas Walk, programs that brings teen

and adults together as reading partners and the literacy program that

assists adults struggling with basic communication skills.

Renovation efforts for first-floor public restroom remodeling and

the teen center relocation at the Central Library are also targeted

for funding.

Previous gifts provided funding for tolerance and literacy

programs, as well as a collections enhancement.

In total, foundation members have raised more than $2 million --

first to build the Central Library and then to support all four of

Newport Beach’s libraries.