The North Branch library was built in 1949 and has not undergone major renovations since 1960. The new facility will feature a larger collection of books and audiovisual materials, children's programs, story area, and expanded technology, including the computer center.

"Our commitment to increase opportunities in the area of literacy goes hand in hand with our deployment of new technologies," added Uribe.

To date, the North Branch Capital Campaign has raised almost $2.4 million of the $4.7 million needed to build the new library.

In July, the City received $1,128,422.81 representing the State's repayment of VLF moneys borrowed in FY03-04 (VLF Gap Loan). According to the City's Statements of Financial Principles, one-time revenue such as this should be used for one-time expenditures and, most appropriately, for capital improvement.

Replacement of the aging North Branch Library (built in 1949), and adjacent community center is a top priority on the City's list of capital improvements. According to Redondo Beach Mayor Mike Gin, "This has been an important project to me for a long time. The North Branch Library no longer meets the needs of the community because of its small size, insufficient technology and poor infrastructure."

Councilman Steve Diehl agrees. "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," states Diehl. "The proposed new library will be nearly three times the size of the current building and will better serve the population of Redondo Beach, which has more than tripled since the library was built."

$1,000,000 of the VLF repayment funds will be appropriated to the North Branch Library and Hayward Center Capital Improvement Project. The money, along with the $895,500 the City has already committed to the project and the $600,000+ raised to date by the Library Foundation, will bring total funding closer to the $4.7 million needed to build the new library and community center.

Meanwhile, area residents and businesses continue to show their support for the project by donating to local fundraising efforts. A recent fundraiser dinner dance, "Puttin' On the Ritz," was co-sponsored by the Friends of the Redondo Beach Public Library and the Library Foundation. The event raised approximately $14,000. A large portion of the proceeds will go to the North Branch Library fund.