Do you love the Coronado Library? Most locals could wax eloquent about the many ways the library enhances their quality of life in Coronado, from the children’s story time to free wifi to Brown Bag Piano Concerts. However, the library couldn’t offer many of its programs and resources without the hardworking Friends of the Library, a non-profit organization of library lovers who contribute more than $50,000 each year to support a variety of programs and activities at the library.
Beginning this Sunday, Friends of the Library (FOL) will be hosting several events this spring to raise funds and thank supporters of the Coronado Library. The FOL welcomes the community to participate in these activities and help make the beloved Coronado Library a nurturing and creative space long into the future.
On Sunday, January 10, the Friends will host the Friends of the Library Life Member Appreciation Reception from 2 – 4 PM. The event is intended to thank Lifetime Members and culminate the celebration of the 125th birthday of the library. The FOL Board will share plans for the Friends of the Library, the Annual Book Fair, and Second Hand Prose. Library Director Christian Esquevin will also lead a private tour of The Treasures of Our Magnificent Library, refreshments will be served, and Lifetime Members will receive a special gift of appreciation.
On February 5, 2016, from 6:15 – 9:00 PM, Friends of the Coronado Public Library will present a fun and social evening with several Coronado authors at the third annual fundraiser, A Night at the Library. They invite the community to enjoy special readings with local authors and explore the library during the evening. Tickets are $50 per person in advance ($60 at the door) and include hosted food, wine and beer, and priceless entertainment.
This year the FOL will highlight the Silent Auction which will benefit the Coronado Public Library and fund the new Susan Stark Scholarship. Susan Stark was a volunteer for Second Hand Prose from 2008 until her death in September 2015. She was an exceptional individual as well as a traveler, an avid reader who found joy in working with the books that surrounded her in the Second Hand Prose shop, and an art lover whose extensive collection has been donated to the Friends of the Coronado Library.
Susan’s Treasures — art and collectible items — will be featured at the Silent Auction with the proceeds establishing a scholarship to be annually awarded to a graduating senior whose love of travel, art, family, and reading parallels that of Susan Stark.
Lastly, FOL is looking forward to the Annual Book Fair connected to the Coronado Flower Show on the weekend of April 16-17, 2016. This year, says FOL Membership Chair Brenda Jo Robyn, “We’re changing it up! For instance, the children’s area is going to be up front with blankets, a pop-up tent for shade, and book readings for children. We are hoping to have it gated so parents can go in and out and not worry about their kids running away.” She also said that for the first time there will be an entrance between the Book Fair and the Flower Show, in addition to the separate entrances to the two attractions.
The FOL welcomes the community to join in these events as participants or as volunteers. For questions about these events or reservations, please contact Marsi Steirer at 619-865-7485 or [email protected], or contact Brenda Jo Robyn at 619-890-6148 or [email protected]. More information is also available on the FOL’s website.
