Press Release

Date:            May 5, 2009
Contact:       Katherine Mielke
Phone:         (949) 717-3816
E-mail:         kmielke@city.newport-beach.ca.us           

Corona del Mar Branch Library Celebrates 50 Years in July

Newport Beach, CA (May 18, 2009) - 1959 was a memorable year!  Barbie was born, the first astronauts were introduced, the inaugural Grammy Awards held, two new states were admitted to the Union and here in Newport Beach - the Corona Del Mar Branch Library was built!

The Corona Del Mar Branch Library will be commemorating its 50th Anniversary with a weeklong celebration set for July 28 through August 1, 2009. The festivities will mark the opening of the Corona Del Mar Branch Library at its present location on Marigold Avenue, July 28, 1959, and honor the community that has faithfully used and supported it.

The library, which cost $29,262 including $5,000 for furnishings and services, was built on four adjoining lots with ninety percent of the building costs donated by community organizations and individuals.  This was accomplished by selling two lots donated to the City and a major fundraising effort by the newly established Friends of the Newport Beach Public Library. The one-story building was 2,100 square feet and initially housed about 7,000 books.  An additional 1,000 square feet was added to the building in 1968. 

Fifty years later the Corona del Mar Branch Library still plays an active and important role in the lives of residents and visitors to the community.  The 50th Anniversary Celebration will not only honor the library’s history but will also celebrate the library’s future.  For a complete schedule of events during the celebration week, go to www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call the Corona del Mar Branch Library at (949) 644-3075.

Share your memories of the Corona del Mar Branch with the community!
 Pick up a Golden Memory page from the library and write down your favorite reminiscences about the Corona del Mar Branch Library or visit the CDM Anniversary webpage at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. A drawing for special gift baskets will be held for those submitting a memory page.  Adults and children are encouraged to participate.

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