March 2011

5-Story Parking Structure Opens to the Public

Over 50 guests joined the city of West Hollywood for their dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the 5-story parking structure on Saturday, February 26, 2011. Among those in attendance were Paul Arevalo - City Manager, Jeff Huffer - Economic Development Manager, Fran Solomon - Deputy to the Mayor and from the West Hollywood Library Fund (WHLF) were Christopher Rice and Chris Bonbright.

Mayor John Heilman was joined on the stage by council members Abbe Land and Lindsey Horvath, Darren Gold (Chair of The Avenues of Art and Design), Chris Bonbright (WHLF Board Chair) and Dr. Stephen Golightly (Public Facilities Commissioner).

The Mayor recognized members of the city staff, the architect and the contractors for their great work in getting the parking garage ready and open almost six months ahead of schedule. He then introduced Darren Gold, who spoke of the great need for parking in the area and announced a $2,500 gift to the WHLF, with a pledge to double the contribution to $5,000 before year's end.

Mayor Heilman then introduced Chris Bonbright, who commended the city council on their efforts in listening to their constituents and delivering on their parking needs, and then discussed fundraising levels and opportunities still available with the library.

The crowd was then led to the dedication plaque for its unveiling and then Mayor Heilman cut the ribbon to the garage, officially opening it to the public.

The garage features over 300 parking spaces, a state of the art automated “Pay on Foot” technology, and is now open from 8:00am to 2:00am every day.  It also features three rooftop tennis courts, which are slated to open later this summer.

 

 

$6 Million Raised

This past month, the West Hollywood Library Fund passed the $6 Million mark in funds raised to date. With the library scheduled to open in the fall of 2011, the campaign has entered its final stage of fundraising. Production of donor recognition signage is underway. Community members who would like to see their name on the donor wall when the library opens should make their gift or commitment by March 31, 2011. With everyone's help, we'll reach our $10 million goal to support a “place like no other” for all to enjoy.

 

Parents of West Hollywood School Children Raise Over $80,000 to Support the New Library

Over 170 parents and friends of the West Hollywood Library Fund gathered at Soho House West Hollywood on January 31, 2011 to learn more about the new Library and resources it will offer to our community and to children in particular. Guests were also able to receive a copy of the newly completed Local Literary Lions booklet that has been produced.  

Event Host Lindsay Berger Sacks and the host committee rallied for support from their friends and colleagues, including celebrities Will Ferrell, Billy Crystal, Fred Savage and John O'Hurley.

During the program, Lindsay Berger Sacks thanked Soho House and the Mani Brothers for their support of the event, then introduced Mayor John Heilman, who talked about West Hollywood's development and the great potential a new library will offer to the city. Nine year old Graham Berger Sacks gave a wonderful and articulate testimonial about his love of books and reading, and why libraries are an important and vital part of the community.  

Guests also heard from Reveta Bowers, Head of School for the Center for Early Education (CEE) and member of the WHLF Board of Trustees, who asked guests to consider making a donation to the library as part of an exclusive CEE opportunity to become magicians and wizards of the children's theater.

The West Hollywood Library Fund thanks our sponsors, hosts and guests for helping to make our new library a place like no other.

Pictured Left: Viveca & Will Ferrell with event host Lindsay Berger Sacks
Pictured Right: CEE Head of School Reveta Bowers 

 

Live Talks L.A. Raises Over $5,000 for the New Library

The West Hollywood Library Fund served as the charity partner for two Live Talks Los Angeles events at the Colburn School, one on September 30, 2010 featuring author Ken Follett and another on January 6, 2011 featuring author Anne Rice in discussion with Christopher Rice.

At the events, VIP guests were able to enjoy a private reception with the authors before the talks while learning more about the WHLF and how they could get involved.

For the September event, Karen Grigsby Bates of NPR and author Ken Follett discussed his early years, his work as a journalist and how he began writing novels to earn extra income. They then took questions from the audience.

In January, Christopher Rice then led a lively and entertaining discussion about writing and the writing process with his mother, author Anne Rice. After the discussion, Anne and Christopher signed copies of their books for the attendees.

The net proceeds of the events raised over $5,000 for the fund and the WHLF would like to thank Ted Habte-Gabr and Live Talks Los Angeles for their generous support.

Pictured Left: Author Ken Follett discussing his work
Pictured Right: Author Anne Rice signs a copy of her book

 

Construction Report

The library is now 91% completed and with the 5-story parking garage open, all work is being focused on finishing details inside and out.

City Council chambers	The corner of the library	An example of the new shelves

Join Us

Stay up-to-date on the latest library news and be part of the conversation as our campaign progresses.

For more information about the campaign and how you can help, please contact Campaign Manager LouAnne Greenwald via email at lgreenwald@weholibraryfund.org.