Newport Beach Library Celebrates 25 Years

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Newport Beach Public Library will mark the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Central Library this July with week of special programs and festivities July 7-13.

"The 25th Anniversary year gives us the opportunity to look back at the history of the library, acknowledge the individuals and organizations that pursued the dream, and celebrate the future of the Newport Beach Public Library," Library Director Tim Hetherton said.

The library will host a week of special programs that capture the essence of the library and its place in the community, as it continues to serve the City with children’s activities, author lectures, cultural arts programming and other valuable resources.

Events scheduled for the week of July 7-13 include:

Concert on the Green: SMITH
Sunday, July 7, 6-7:30 p.m., Civic Green
SMITH, a six-piece pop country band, kicks off the weeklong celebration with country classics and lots of energy. Come celebrate the library and its role as a gathering place for the community!

Magic Show with David Skale
Tuesday, July 9, 11 a.m., Central library
Thursday, July 11, 2 p.m., Central Library Friends Room
Magician David Skale entertains the family in two “Show Me the Bunny!” performances. Funded by the Friends of the Library.

Library Anniversary Program
Featuring Guest Speaker Jim Abbott
Thursday, July 11, 7 p.m., Central Library

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the library with legendary Angels pitcher and author, Jim Abbott.

Jim Abbott, legendary Angels pitcher, author of New York Times Bestselling book, "Imperfect: An
Improbable Life," Newport Beach resident and Library patron.

Abbott, who remarkably overcame the challenge of being born without a right hand to fulfill his dreams of playing baseball at the highest level, delivers a message championing adaptability, determination, and perseverance. That message should resonate with the audience of library supporters, who in 1994 worked hard to make their dream of a Central Library come true. Free admission. First-come, first-served seating, limited by room capacity.

Books And Bunnies Festival for Kids
Saturday, July 13, 10:30 a.m., Central Library
The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation hosts its sixth annual Books and Bunnies for Kids Festival with storytimes, crafts and outdoor activities.

The Library will also honor its volunteers and supporters during the week. All programs are free admission.

For more information, visit www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call 949-717-3800.