The library seemed to glow in the dark on Friday night, with every light burning brightly out onto the quiet streets of Coronado. Inside the glass doors and behind big windows, passersby watched an elegant fundraiser unfold: the third annual Night at the Library. Meanwhile, guests entering the library anticipated a catered meal, local wines and beers, a diverse silent auction, and readings from local authors.
In the lobby, Friends of the Library Board Members greeted guests and then directed them to the bar, which was located — ironically but conveniently — where one usually checks out books and movies. Ken Pecus of Ascent Realty donated wine, and Coronado Brewing Company supplied beer. Outside the entrance to the Children’s Library, Coronado Taste of Oils prepared appetizers, layering thick pesto and fresh Parmesan cheese onto crackers.
In the Winn Room, Smokin’ Aces BBQ served a generous meal of salad, rolls, sausages, pastas, sauces, and juices. Guests mingled at sit-down tables, sharing stories of the library over the years. I ate with Susan Marrinan and Nancy Hutchinson, two Friends of the Library patrons who have lived in Coronado since the 1970s.
“From Day 1 in Coronado,” says Nancy, “the library was a big thing for me. I’m an English teacher, and for years I directed the gifted and talented program, so I needed to buy a wide range of reading material for my students. At the library’s annual book sale I would buy a $5 flat of books for my students to put out in the teachers’ lounge. Pretty soon the helpers at the book fair figured out why I was buying all these books, and they would bring books to me and carry the flats, too. They always helped me every year at the library.”
Susan Marrinan, a retired judge of the San Diego Superior Court, has had different but equally positive experiences over the years at the library.
“The library was the first place I ever used a computer to look up a book. I come from the Dewey Decimal System, you know, and used that even for legal research all my life. The first time I used that computer to find a book, it was like a world opening up for me. They had to drag me away. That is when,” she added with a smile, “I knew I’d love the internet.”
Speaking of computers, Nancy Hutchinson also related a more recent story of how the library has helped her. “I was having trouble with the Uber app on my phone. I came into the library to get technology help, and this young woman — she looked like she was about 12 — fixed me right up in the conference room.”
Stories like these filled the library that night as patrons and friends mingled and enjoyed one of their favorite places in town. At 7:00, the crowd moved from the Winn Room to hear Carol Pastor’s welcoming remarks.
“Once again we welcome you to a Night at the Coronado Library, our third annual event. We hope that you will find it both enjoyable as well as enlightening,” she said. “This year we will again celebrate local authors, but have chosen only those who have published within the last three years. We have planned a program where you will not only meet these authors, but will have an opportunity to enjoy a presentation from each, giving you a better understanding of their writing.”
Authors hosted simultaneous readings in three locations throughout the library: the Spreckels Room, the Teen Area, and in front of the Canasta Mural. These interactions were casual and friendly, with authors enjoying questions and conversation with the audience. In one room, David Crowley described his career change from physician to pilot in his memoir, while in another Suzette Valle read from her colorful new guide 101 Movies to See Before You Grow Up. Other authors’ books covered self-help, military non-fiction, poetry, and spiritual thriller. The authors in attendance that night were: Elliott Garber, David Crowley, Suzette Valle, Bill Doran, Joyce Chapman, Frank Wadleigh, Jennifer M. Franks, Laura McNeal, David Knop, George Galdorisi, Sam Tangredi, Taylor Kiland, and F. Denver McGarey.
Meanwhile, guests browsed the diverse silent auction in the lobby. Susan Stark, a long-time volunteer at Second Hand Prose, donated her collection of art from around the world to the Friends of the Library. Proceeds from the sale of “Susan’s Treasures” at the silent auction went to the Susan Stark Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a graduating senior whose love of travel, art, family, and reading parallels that of Susan Stark. Susan had collected artwork from as far away as China and as close as Coronado, and local shops (Tartine, Second Hand Prose, Blue Bridge Hospitality) contributed to the silent auction with local items that complemented Susan’s collection.
The last reading finished, and guests lingered to talk a little longer and eat a final cupcake. “What a lovely evening,” commented one guest as she walked out the door. “We’re so lucky to live in a town with a library like this one.”
Marsi Steirer, coordinator of the event, agreed. “More than 130 people enjoyed an evening with 12 Coronado authors who spoke to attendees about their recently published books. Proceeds from this fundraiser benefit on going special library programs.” She concluded, “A fun night was had by all at the Third Annual Night at the Library.”
