News from PG Friends
In today's "The Buzz" column, the Monterey County Weekly called out the City Council's decision to move forward with the Library Renewal Project and temporary relocation to the Holman building:
GOOD:
It’s taken Pagrovians more than 13 years to get up enough money to renovate the 111-year-old Pacific Grove Public Library but they finally did it, after Friends of the Pacific Grove Public Library and the Library Foundation made a major appeal last year. More than $2.6 million was raised to return the library to its 1908 glory. The city put the project out to bid, and as often happens, the bids came back higher than hoped, leaving a potential $292,500 deficit. On Aug. 21, P.G. City Council was faced with possibly making cuts, but the Friends and Foundation made an offer: We’ll fundraise and kick in half, if you kick in half. The council agreed, voting 7-0 to accept a bid from Avila Construction to build the project as designed. The council also approved a rental agreement for $11,400/mo. to move the library into the Holman Building during the year-long construction project.
Dear Friends of the PG Library,
At their last Wednesday meeting, the Pacific Grove City Council unanimously approved the Award of Contract for the Library Renewal Project, and a lease with The Holman for temporary Library services during construction!
The move to The Holman should take place in early October, with the start of Library construction to follow.
Many thanks to all Friends members, current and past donors, contributors, helpers, the Capital Campaign Committee, the present and past City Council, Library Board, Library Foundation, Friends Board, Library, Public Works and City staff, who worked together to make this extraordinary Library Renewal Project possible.
Kim Bui
Friends President
The Friends have begun selling a selection of unique and interesting books on Amazon. Click here to shop our store and support the Library!
At the April 3, 2019 City Council meeting, Mayor Peake proclaimed April 7 - 13 National Library Week in the City of Pacific Grove:
City of Pacific Grove
National Library Week 2019
WHEREAS, today’s libraries are not just about books but what libraries do for and with people;
WHEREAS, libraries have long served as trusted and treasured institutions where people of all backgrounds can be together and connect;
WHEREAS, libraries and librarians empower their communities to make informed decisions by providing free access to information;
WHEREAS, libraries support democracy and effect social change through their commitment to provide equitable access to information for all library users regardless of race, ethnicity, creed,
ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socio-economic status;
WHEREAS, the people of Pacific Grove have a long tradition of generously supporting their public and school libraries, the latest example being the nearly $2.6 Million dollars donated for the Pacific Grove Public Library’s Renewal Project; and
WHEREAS, libraries of all types are at the heart of cities, towns, schools and campuses;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I Bill Peake, Mayor of the City of Pacific Grove, proclaim April 7-13, 2019 National Library Week in Pacific Grove. I encourage all residents of our City to visit their library this week, explore what is new there, and engage with your librarians.
Bill Peake, Mayor
The Friends invite the community to “Lend a Hand/Lend a Paw” to the Library Renewal Campaign. With a $25 donation (per hand or paw cutout) the name of your favorite person (two or four-legged), family, or business will be displayed behind the Checkout Desk in the Library until September. Donations can be made at the Library by cash, credit card or check made out to the Friends of Pacific Grove Library.
The May 19th Secret Garden fundraiser for the Pacific Grove Public Library Renewal Project was enjoyed by over 50 people, and raised almost $4,000. Many thanks to Ken and Margaret for the beauty of “The Orchard”, Weekend Plans Event Co. for the rustic chic decor and refreshments, Fionna Floral for the lovely arrangements, Monterey Bay Master Gardeners, Denise and her hammered dulcimer, and especially Kelley Williams for the photographic memories.
Built for Books, a four-month celebration of libraries, learning and philanthropy, honoring the 110th anniversary of the founding of the Pacific Grove Public Library in 1908, opens with a juried art exhibit and reception on Friday, April 6, 2018, at the Pacific Grove Public Library.
Special events throughout April, May, June and July include monthly architecture walks and talks at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds, a community poetry creation event with noted poet and Herald columnist Patrice Vecchione, a lecture by Asilomar historian Aubrie Morlet and a birthday celebration for all ages at Jewell Park on the date of the Library’s grand opening in May.
“Books are our best, our wisest and most faithful companions. They instruct, they entertain and console us…they are the bridges that span the centuries” proclaimed Horace Platt at the dedication ceremony to begin construction of the Pacific Grove Public Library.
The citizens of Pacific Grove have greatly benefitted from philanthropy, in legacies lasting more than a century, contributed by Andrew Carnegie to found a free public library and Phoebe Hearst to found Asilomar, and supported by many citizen donors and volunteers over the years. A Pacific Grove Library Renewal Project is underway, with contributions from a public-private partnership being raised to renew, renovate and restore the historic Carnegie library. A recent partnership at Asilomar has restored historic features and the return of the original Julia Morgan outdoor deck design to the Phoebe Hearst Social Hall.
“We are looking back with appreciation and forward with anticipation,” explained series co-creator Cathleen Gable. “We are celebrating our history, heritage, and a renewed commitment to continue these legacies at the Library and Asilomar.”
Series sponsors are the Pacific Grove Public Library, the Friends of the Pacific Grove Public Library, the Pacific Grove Public Library Foundation, California State Parks and the Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds.
Friday April 6 - Friday July 6 Juried Art Exhibit
Pacific Grove Public Library
550 Central Ave. Pacific Grove
Juried art work provides multi-dimensional, unique visions of creativity inspired by books and words.
Friday, April 6, 5:30 to 7:30 pm Artist Reception
Pacific Grove Public Library
550 Central Ave. Pacific Grove
Free, opening reception for juried art show. Refreshments and Award Ceremony.
Asilomar Conference Grounds
800 Asilomar Ave. Pacific Grove
Free. Meet at the flagpole.
One of three monthly tours focused on the lasting legacy of learning and architecture at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds.
Friday, April 27, 5:30 to 7 p.m. A Poem in Your Pocket with Patrice Vecchione
Pacific Grove Public Library
550 Central Ave. Pacific Grove
Free to Friends of the Pacific Grove Library members/$10 charge to non-member
Celebrate National Poetry month before it’s gone with poet, nonfiction author and teacher Patrice Vecchione. Patrice will perform a selection of poems from around the world and chat about the value of poetry in our lives. You’ll leave the evening with poems to carry you through your joys and challenges. And you, too, can be a poet! Patrice will lead the group in the writing of a group poem to celebrate the library.
Saturday, May 12, 1 to 3 pm Library 110th Birthday Bash in Jewell Park in Pacific Grove
Central Avenue, next to the Pacific Grove Public Library, 550 Central Ave. Pacific Grove
Celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Pacific Grove Public Library with birthday cake and lemonade, art projects and fun events for all ages. Meet Architect Karin Payson, of Karin Payson architecture + design, who is overseeing the Library Renewal Project. Tour the Library and hear about plans for the renewal of the historic Carnegie rotunda, renovation of public spaces and restrooms to ensure ADA compliance, improve accessibility and usability.
Asilomar Conference Grounds
800 Asilomar Ave. Pacific Grove
Free. Meet at the flagpole.
One of three monthly tours focused on the lasting legacy of learning and architecture at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds.
Pacific Grove Public Library
550 Central Ave. Pacific Grove
Free to Friends of the Pacific Grove Library members/$10 charge to non-member.
Learn about Asilomar's history of architecture and philanthropy from Asilomar’s historian and resource manager.
Asilomar Conference Grounds
800 Asilomar Ave. Pacific Grove
Free. Meet at the flagpole.
One of three monthly tours focused on the lasting legacy of learning and architecture at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds.
Friday, July 6, 5:30 to 7:30 pm Closing Reception
Pacific Grove Public Library
550 Central Ave. Pacific Grove
Free, closing reception for juried art show. Refreshments and music.