After 30 years with the Coronado Public Library, Christian Esquevin has announced his retirement as director effective December 31.
As Library director, Esquevin oversees a department of 11 full-time employees, as well as a team of part-time employees and volunteers who help create and manage programs, and maintain the Library’s extensive collection of books, magazines, newspapers, videos and special collections. Esquevin was hired in 1988 as director. He ushered an expansion and remodel of the current 40,000 square foot facility that created a more functional and aesthetically pleasing Library. During the renovation, Esquevin worked to add two murals by Mexican painter, muralist and educator Alfredo Ramos Martinez to the Library’s art collection. The monumental fresco murals, including one over the counter in the main lobby, took one year to acquire, restore and install. The murals add to the beauty of the facility.
“It has been my pleasure to serve the residents of Coronado as the City’s Library director and to help guide its mission over the years,” said Esquevin. “I’m proud to have contributed to the history of Coronado in my work to provide a first-class experience to Library patrons.”
Under his tenure and in keeping pace with technology, the Library completed a digitization project that placed its collection of local newspapers from 1887 to 2013 online, including hundreds of historical images along with background information on each. The items provide broader access to the cultural and social history of Coronado. As director, Esquevin helped introduce to the Coronado Library e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines, Wi-Fi, web courses, streaming videos, and e-publishing and genealogy resources. Among his biggest technological achievements was introducing free internet access at the Library 23 years ago and providing discounted 1 gigabit internet speed for all users after securing grant funding three years ago.
Esquevin introduced the Library Summer Festivals 19 years ago and the perennial favorite, the Holiday Animated Window, 26 years ago. In 2016, Esquevin was named “Coronado Citizen of the Year” by the Coronado Private Bank. In 2008, he was awarded the “Jewel in Our Crown” award by the Coronado Historical Association.
Esquevin and his staff work year-round to plan book and music programs, cultural activities and events, rotating exhibits as well as programming for families, children and teens. Esquevin, who is an aficionado of Hollywood costuming, also has been actively involved with the Coronado Island Film Festival and related events held at the Library. A recruitment schedule for the position is being prepared.
Related: The Man Behind the Coronado Library: Christian Esquevin
