By Emily Koncki
Staff Writer
The Manhattan Beach Library hosted a May 1 celebration for their one year anniversary.
The celebration featured many performances from local entertainment such as the MC orchestra and special guests in the library meeting room made for a special occasion. The only speeches given were by Manhattan Beach Community Library Manager Melissa McCollum and librarian Laura Ishizaka, who just spoke to the musical acts and performances to welcome them.
“I worked with the Mobile Mural Lab at the West Hollywood Library last year, and I remembered how much people enjoyed painting the van,” McCollum said. “In addition, I love the idea of collaborative art that can be shared widely – in this case to raise awareness about the Manhattan Beach Library and residents’ love of reading.”
The Mira Costa Chamber Orchestra performed in the library’s Meeting Room and Tears for Fears drummer Jamie Wollam and Special Guests performed outside. They were also giving away free books for kids and partnered with the Mobile Mural Lab to paint a van that drove around the streets of Manhattan Beach.
“It’s wonderful that the library is so well-used by all ages, but we’ve been very busy,” McCollum said. “I think having a new, modern, and welcoming library encourages customers to come more often and stay longer, and customers regularly comment about how grateful they are to have the Manhattan Beach Library in our community.”
Many members including librarian Laura Ishizaka, children’s librarian Michael Mackavoy, McCollum, staff members Kelly Hulbert and Charlotte Natale, and local musicians Jamie Wollam, Koko Powell, and Mark Cardinal helped make the event a success for the library by playing fun music, creating a cheerful environment.
“Ishizaka worked with the Mira Costa musicians and teen friends of the library in the meeting room, Mackavoy worked with the Mobile Mural Lab, Hulbert and Natale distributed free books to kids, friends of the library members were in charge of refreshments, I worked with Wollam, Powell, and Cardinal,” McCollum said.
The Friends of the Manhattan Beach Library Organization have worked to raise money for the library through book sales, traditional and online. They have supported the library in many ways and even sponsored the one-year celebration, providing music, food, art and more.
“In addition for paying for library programs, such as music, art, yoga, meditation, book clubs, and dozens of Summer Reading performances, they also purchase items for the collection, equipment for the facility, and refreshments for special events,” McCollum said. “We are a much better library because of their generosity.”
The new library has made for a more efficient work place and productive use of time for visitors. Even librarians have noticed a drastic change and find the new library a much more enjoyable place to work and spend time.
“I worked at the old Manhattan Beach Library in 2005 and 2006 but stopped after that,” McCollum said. “I’m glad to be back working in the new library!”
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