The new City of Santa Maria Public Library opened officially with speeches and a ribbon-cutting on the morning of Aug. 23, but on the night before, major donors and guests were treated to a “sneak and peek” preview.
What a great party. What a great evening. The pre-opening celebration was held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the second-floor patio. The collective mood was jubilant.
Wayne Peterson, president of the Board of Trustees of the library, greeted early arrivals at the main entrance. I immediately veered to the right, to the gift shop, with its many shelves of attractively arranged used books for sale, along with cute new merchandise.
As long as I have been using the city library, the nonprofit Friends of the Library volunteers have been selling donated books and magazines. I couldn’t help myself—I bought a book on Kyoto for a whopping $2 and was told at the cash register that I was the first gift-shop customer. I don’t think that that gets my name on a plaque!
As the more than 150 guests wended their way upstairs to food and wine, they could ooh and aah over the tasteful rugs, the handsome staircases, and the lovely upholstered chairs. Everyone—staff, volunteers, city officials, and guests—was all smiles. Head Librarian Jack Buchanan’s emotions were transparent. He was beaming.
The new library has so many wonderful surprises. What caught my eye were the 77 computers for public use.
There is, in the Children’s Library, a large, enchanting, life-size, faux tree in a semi-circle enclosure. The mural on the semicircular wall was painted by Glenda Stevens and paid for by the Altrusa Central Coast Foundation. Altrusa was thrilled to be able to donate $60,000 to the new library. A $30,000 gift bought them naming rights for the Altrusa Children’s Theatre. Another $30,000 went toward furnishings for the Children’s Library.
The Rotary Clubs of Santa Maria pitched in $50,000 for naming rights to the Literacy Center. Among individual donors, the high rollers are Dr. Dennis and Mrs. Franziska Shepard, who were on hand for the party. They gave $100,000 to name Shepard Hall, a large room on the first floor that boasted an art and pottery exhibit.
Upstairs on the patio, a string quartet from the Santa Maria Philharmonic played music. Testa Catering served appetizers, including humongous coconut shrimp, fruit, and quiches. Their base of operations was the large, well-equipped kitchen nearby.
A Friends of the Library member, the stalwart Dee Greenawald, served champagne punch, while wine was available at another table.
Chris Gallas (attending with husband Joe) orchestrated this lovely event as chairperson of the Grand Opening Committee.
City Council members were on hand for the celebration: Mayor Larry Lavagnino, Bob Orach, Alice Patino, Leo Trujillo, and Hilda Zacharias.
Revelers included Hindi Beaman, Dan Davis, Pam and George Risher, former County Supervisor Tom Urbanske with wife Barbara, Nancy K. Johnson, and Nancy Stewart.
The Saturday opening, I hear, was mobbed. In a Sunday afternoon, after-the-fact telephone conversation, board president Wayne Pearson joyfully reported, “The library has gotten off to a rousing start.”
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Aug 28 – Sep 4, 2008.