"I'm very honored to be a part of the Library Foundation," says Sargent. "My background in education has shown me why our library system is so important. A lot of society's challenges are caused by low literacy, so that's why it's essential to have a resource such as our Redondo Beach libraries."

Mr. Fink, an attorney and Redondo Beach resident, first became involved after attending the kickoff event for the North Branch Library Capital Campaign last summer.

"I realized after visiting the North Branch Library and talking to many of my fellow North Redondo residents that a new library is critically needed. Since the location is a gateway to Artesia Boulevard, the new North Branch library should be a landmark much like our South Redondo branch," says Fink.

Both Sargent and Fink look forward to working with the Library Foundation on the North Branch Capital Campaign in the coming months. Sargent envisions space for literacy programs and Fink hopes to generate interest in the everyday users to further the efforts of the campaign.

Donations are still being sought for the $4.5 million campaign to rebuild the North Branch Library. For more information about the Redondo Beach Library Foundation and the North Branch Capital Campaign, please call (310) 937-6676, visit the website at www.rblf.org, or send an e-mail to info@rblf.org.

The fair also featured special guest author Claudia Ballinger, who read from her books A Promise is a Promise, Uncle Q's Birthday Surprise, and The Spider at My Window. In addition, Claudia distributed free copies of a coloring book she created specially for the Redondo Beach North Branch Library.

What great fun for the kids: they received balloons, participated in sing-alongs, had their faces painted, and danced with Clifford the Big Red Dog. Their excitement was a confirmation of the power of reading, and another step in instilling a lifelong love of reading. Adults enjoyed it too, as over 50 terrific prizes were raffled.

The event created a great sense of community. Attendees were eager to show their support for a new library and to let their friends, neighbors and elected officials know how much it will mean to them and their children. Many parents came more than once so that their children could take part in the readings or the dancing, and get a picture with Clifford.

Many, many thanks go to Joan Stolba, Book Fair chairperson, as well as Sheila Kutkus, Claudia Ballinger, Diane Cagle, Sharon Savage and over two dozen volunteers, without whom this event would not have been possible. And many thanks to the attendees, who are helping to build a new library in our community!

Update: We've compiled a list of the businesses and individuals who donated prizes for the book fair raffle. Thanks to everyone for their generous support!

AAMCOM, Albertson's, Amber Collection, Ameci Pizza & Pasta, Animal Medical Clinic, Annie's Gifts and Collectibles, Appleville Productions, Arco Service Station, Artesia Market, Bead Studio, Billy's, Bogie's Sports Bar, Box Bros., Carl's Jr., Carol Kwan, Caryn Dates, Cici's Nails, Cindy's Nails, Cool Scene, D. M. DeLoach, D. W. Hooper, Denny's, Designs by De Stephen, Disc Is It, Dr. Pendergraft (Chiropractic), E Z Lube, Emerald Garden, European Car Stereo, Hanna Hair & Nails, Hawaiian Breeze, Hermosa Beach Playhouse, Hollywood Video, Home Style Fluff & Fold, Java Man, Josette Givens, Las Brisas or Calimex Cafe, Louis Burgers, Marie Callender's, Minuteman Press, Ocean Diner, Pacific Tire & Motorsports, Paul's Market, Pep Boys, Pizza Man, Pollo Grill, Redondo Mini Market, Rite Aid, Sharon Savage, So. Bay Vac & Sew, Something About Hair, Soul Performance, Starbucks, Stats, Stormys Barber Shop, Taco Bell, The U.P.S. Store, Total Beauty, Vina's Hair & Nails

Three major donors have made pledges in recognition of the need for this new facility. Northrop Grumman has pledged $100,000, Anastasi Development $200,000, and Linda La Kretz Duttenhaver, a North Redondo Beach resident, has donated $200,000. Other North Redondo Beach residents, including former Redondo Beach City Manager Lou Garcia, have made noteworthy contributions. In addition, Chevron, the North Redondo Beach Business Association, Friends of the Library, Scott Anastasi Realty and the North Redondo Beach MOMs Club have presented checks to the Library Foundation in support of this cause.

Marilyn White and Paul Connolly, Co-Chairs of the North Redondo Beach Library Rebuilding Project, are excited about this positive response from local businesses, organizations and individuals. Said White, "A new library is so important for our community and especially our children, who deserve to know that we value them and are showing it, with modern equipment, in a modern facility."

Why a New Library is Needed
The North Redondo Beach Library, located at the southeast corner of Artesia Blvd. and Green Lane, is an aging structure that was not designed for the heavy usage of new millennium users. It does not have air conditioning, paint is cracking on the walls and ceiling, and the facility's outdated electrical system does not support modern technology or sufficient computers. In addition, bookshelves are overflowing--for every new title acquired by the library, another one must be removed. Space is also badly needed for quiet reading and study areas, a modern meeting room, expanded children's services, improved access for disabled persons, and a larger materials collection.

The proposed new library will be nearly three times the size of the current building and feature expanded technology and computers, a larger collection of books and audiovisual materials, children's programs, a story area, and much more. An architectural firm has already developed preliminary plans for the new facility.

The new library is especially important because the northern area of Redondo Beach now houses the majority of the city's youth and senior population. Since the library's opening, the population in Redondo Beach has almost tripled. North Redondo Beach is home to 71% of the new population growth in the city since 1990, and includes more than 60% of the city's children.

Fundraising Continues
A total of approximately $4 million is needed for construction funding. The monies raised to date will augment funds from the city of Redondo Beach and other sources. Once this funding is secured, ground will be broken; construction should take approximately 18 months.

To support the fundraising activities, the Redondo Beach Library Foundation has launched a new website at www.rblf.org. Details on the proposed new facility, news updates, and a pledge form are available at the site. In addition, the Foundation has placed collection cans for donations in many local businesses along Artesia Blvd.

For more information or to make a contribution, please contact the Redondo Beach Library Foundation at (310) 937-6676, visit the website at www.rblf.org, or send an e-mail to info@rblf.org.