Dignitaries, community members celebrate Avalon’s renovated library
Los Angeles County Library Director Sky Patrick called it “the little library that could,” as she emceed the ribbon-cutting celebration to re-open the Avalon Public Library on Monday.
Packed with guests and filled with dignitaries, the Avalon Library re-opening was a welcomed event and the rebuilt facility is back and better equipped to serve the Catalina community in many ways.
The $1.4 million renovation project was funded through the efforts of Los Angeles County Board of Fourth District Supervisor, Janice Hahn, who was also on hand for the ceremony. The renovated, 1,256 sq. ft. library has more than 12,000 items in its collection. Hahn noted that while there are 85 libraries in the LA County system, Avalon’s is a little special.
“There is something very special about this library, it may be small but is has over 30,000 annual visitors,” Hahn said.
Not only is the library building improved, so are the ways in which it can serve the public. There are five public access computers, free Wi-Fi, self-check stations and now 10 grab-and-go Chromebook computers that can be used within the library.
The library now has its own LA County Library golf cart to deliver books to resident. The cart will be used to deliver books to residents who can’t make it to the library, as well as to residents at places like Two Harbors, who would have a much longer distance to travel to get there.
There is also a secure phone charging station outside the library, as well as a new program to the library system called Open+, which allows library members to access the building during extended hours before it is staffed.
“The newly renovated Avalon Library will provide the community with the resources, programming, and technology needed to meet and exceed educational and personal goals,” Patrick said.
As for the building itself, it was fully refurbished to comply with the American’s for Disability Act, has all new furniture and a cell tower for better signal reception. In addition, three Little Free Libraries were installed around the island. They are small boxes with books inside where people can simply take a book, read it and return it at their leisure, or leave a book if they so choose.
Mayor Anni Marshall also spoke at the event, thanking several people, including the Friends of the Library, Community Library Manager Paul Birchall and Library Assistant Suzanne Moscoso for their efforts in making the library a busy place. She noted that Paul regularly updates the council on what is happening at the library and said that when he gets up to speak, it is the only time everyone in the council chamber is smiling.
Marshall also reiterated the effort and support the library got from Supervisor Hahn and her staff in securing the $1.4 million to upgrade and improve the library.
“That’s a big chunk of change that they have put into the city of Avalon for its residents,” Marshall said.
Judy Grear, the President of the Friends of the Library in Avalon, was also asked to address the attendees. Grear said that letter writing to request help in renovating the library came at the urging of Lion’s Club Member Burney Ramming. Grear noted that it took a lot of time, money and effort but that along with a new library building, they now have a patio area that makes for a beautiful setting for events. She added that, while the library is for all to use, the main focus remains on giving children a place they will enjoy visiting.
“Our goal is to get children to come to the library,” Grear said.
