Summary
- First Meeting: 1964-02-26 (News p4)
- Attendees: 50 Residents
- Incorporated: 1992-06-09 becomes a 501c3 Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation, CA Corp No. 1822924
- Status: Active as of 2026
Library Opens
1963-01-00 Leisure World (Seal Beach) branch opens in the Leisure World Medical Building. First Librarian: Vera Christensen. In 1965, the library moves to Leisure World Shopping Center, then to a new building in 1973. The library leaves the Orange County system in 1995.
Friends is Created
News 1964-02-26 p4, FRIENDS OF LW LIBRARY GROUP ORGANIZED WITH 50 MEMBERS.
Dr. Norman C. Cooper was elected chairman of the Friends of the Leisure World Library at the organization meeting at Northwood Clubhouse. Fifty residents were present, and Miss Martine Hornburg of the Orange County Library officiated. Mrs. Irene Fuhlbruegge was elected vice chairman and Mrs. Nan Comstock secretary-treasurer.
The group was informed that Friends of the Library is a national organization affiliated with the American Library Assn. Membership is open to anyone who will help promote the Leisure World Library. Spokesmen said the LW club and library face an immediate problem as to library housing and space. The present facilities in the Medical Center are too small for the number of books needed for a population of 10,000 and more, it was said. More space for the reading room, larger coverage of magazines and home-town newspapers, and a larger staff were cited as needs. The possibility that the library may be displaced to make room for medical needs was discussed. Promise of county help in developing the Leisure World Library was conveyed by Miss Hornburg.
Fundraising Events 1965 - 1973
1965-05-20 ONE HUNDRED (100) ATTEND LIBRARY TEA AT NORTHWOOD.
More than 100 persons attended the Leisure World Friends of the Library Membership Tea May 12 at Northwood Clubhouse. News, p 22.
1965-07-15 BOOK REVIEW SLATED ON SILENT FILMS.
A book review on Silent Films of the past will be heard by members of the Leisure World Friends of the Library at a meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 22, in the lounge of Northwood Clubhouse. A social hour with light refreshments will follow. Book donations for the forthcoming book sale may be made at this meeting. Members are also urged to renew their membership for 1965. All Leisure World residents are cordially invited to attend. News p 9.
1966-12-22 FRIENDS OF LIBRARY BOARD SEEK GROWTH OF ACTIVITIES.
It becomes apparent we must acquire the cooperation of the Seal Beach City Council and the county to obtain a larger library, said Mrs. Lewis. A consensus of opinion arrived at was a program must be set up for arranging for speakers, sales of books, movies and group discussions, and the acquiring of more space for these activities will have to be found in one of our clubhouses. News p 8.
1966-04-21 BOOK SALE SCHEDULED.
Friends Of The Leisure World Branch Library will conduct a book sale Tuesday and Wednesday, May 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in front of the library at 13932 Bay Blvd (now Seal Beach Blvd), Seal Beach. News p22.
1967-03-09, Friends State Purpose and Objectives
- (1) Stimulate increased awareness and resulting use of the library.
- (2) Stimulate increased financial support public and private.
- (3) Coordinate efforts of all groups and individuals interested in the Library.
- (4) Promote greatest possible use of the Library.
- (5) Sponsor cultural and related programs for our community.
- (6) Enlarge our present library.
Friends of the Library in Leisure World actually procured the small room tucked away in the medical building despite a county rule not to locate in any walled area. Later, when it became obvious that our library was inadequate, it was the Friends, again, who activated and followed up a movement to obtain our present space ideally located in the shopping center.
Dedication of Orange County Library, Leisure World Branch, 1973-12-13
OFFICIALS HELP LAUNCH LIBRARY. The new Leisure World-Seal Beach branch library at 2300 Beverly Manor Road (now North Gate Road) was hailed as another launching pad for new growth and enlightenment" by Frank Lindhorst in the invocation at ceremonies to dedicate the facility Dec. 13. An estimated 500 people filled the lobby of Clubhouse No. 3 to listen to county and city officials who participated in the dedication. A half hour concert by the Leisure World Barbershoppers preceded the ceremonies. Dick Miller directed. Although the library has just opened officially, Mrs. D. Dale Davis, Friends of the Library president, told her ideas for the future. "We will continue fund-raising, but only through book sales, see about starting a speakers bureau and investigate home delivery for the disabled." Mrs. Davis, as well as the other speakers, congratulated Leisure World groups and individuals for their cooperation and the donations "large and small which enabled electric doors and a garden entrance to be installed at the library." According to Councilman Harold Holden. who substituted for Mayor Tom Blackman, the City of Seal Beach assumed $90,000 ($669,350.68 in May 2026) of the cost Holden said.
Author Ray Bradbury at the Friends of the Library 7th Annual Dinner, 1984-03-21.
BRADBURY CHARMS LIBRARY GATHERING. by Margaret Newhouse. If you were in the audience when Ray Bardbury, author, inventor, spell-binder spoke to the Friends of the LW Library Wednesday evening you have had your spring tonic. A debonair figure in a season-heralding white linen suit with a red boutonniere the noted writer recited from his works and punctuated with an occasional “huh” as if to say “don't you agree with me” posed his philosophy. His hearers agreed with him.
Library Scholarship, Power Assisted Front Doors, Garden Entrance, Shut-in Delivery
1974-08-22 LEAFING THROUGH THE LIBRARY. By Simone. We have, without doubt, the most effective and. Active Friends of. the Library group and their' list of accomplishments this year is impressive: $2,500 ($16,746 in May 2026) raised for the library's electric power assisted front doors; $5,000 ($33,491 in May 2026) for the recently dedicated garden entrance; donations to library scholarship programs; and programs sponsored for community enrichment. The Friends were also responsible for the overwhelming success of our formal library dedication in December and recently, the dedication of the garden entrance patio area. Now the Friends have started a delivery service to Leisure World shut-ins, initiated by the donation of the Book Buggy from Great Western Savings. We expect this to be one of the most remarkable programs ever undertaken and it remains difficult for us to show our appreciation for our “Friends”. Their efforts have been responsible for most of the special achievements in this branch's history. News 1974-08-22 page 23.
CONSTRUCTION ON FRIENDS BUILDING BEGINS,1988-08-15
LW LIBRARY BRANCH BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON AUXILIARY. by Earl Chessher.
Workers began Monday, Aug. 15, on preliminary dirtwork for the construction of a $100,000-plus ($279,132 in May 2026) facility which will house the Friends of the Leisure World Library and its weekly book sale. According to Marcy Key, Orange County Library and Friends intermediary, residents, businesses and other local supporters, made possible the $37,500 pledged toward the buildings construction. Friends of the Library hope to be able to move in by January 1989, according to Key. “Our part,” said Key, “the $37,500 ($104,675 in May 2026), came from Leisure World and the businesses around here. We're very proud of the support and efforts by our friends in making this possible.”
Friends Building Dedicated, 1988-09-13
LW LIBRARY FRIENDS TO DEDICATE BUILDING. By Walter Frisch. Some members of that community were skeptical when the board of the Friends of the Library presented the idea of financing a Friends Room and Bookstore adjacent to their Orange County branch library. But on Wednesday, Sept. 13, the dedication of the fruit of that labor will take place. An interesting program will be held at 2 p.m. in Northwood Clubhouse 3 Lobby. This will be followed by the serving of refreshments from the new Friend's Room building and all residents are invited. News 1989-08-31 page 3. Note: The Friends Building was opened for use on June 14, 1989, per News article 1989-09-07 page 1.
Library remodel, 1991-05-09
1991-05-09 LW LIBRARY CLOSES MAY 9 FOR FACELIFT. The Leisure World branch of the library will be closed beginning May 9 for a facelift. The library building was constructed in 1973 and has not been renovated since. According to Aleen Love, the original carpet wasn't any good and was replaced after a couple ofyears. After that, nothings been done. On Thursday, May 9, the library will dose to the public until all the work is finished. All the books, shelves, pictures, chairs, desks, carpet, everything will be taken out during the work. When it reopens there will be refinished furniture, new upholstery, a circulation desk to match the new reference desks, new carpet and tile in the entrance. The ceiling, walls and shelves will have a new face, bright and clean. News 1991-04-25 page 1. Note: The library was re-opened on 1991-06-24 per News 1991-06-20 page 1.
Library Acquistion from Orange County, 1995-07-20
1995-07-20 ADMINISTRATOR NARANG BRIEFS CLUB ON LIBRARY ACQUISITION by Penny Rlesland. On June 20, there was an auction on property in Orange County. The Seal Beach Library was one of the properties on the block. The GRF entered the only bid for the library, which was $225,000 ($487,520 in May 2026), and it was accepted. At this time, it is in escrow, which will close in 45 days. No books were included in the sale. The Foundation has offered the county $35,000 ($75,837 in May 2026) for the books and will receive about 40,000 books at a cost of less than $1 per book. At this time it is estimated it will cost between $70,000 to $75,000 ($162,507 in May 2026) to operate the library to the end of 1995, and between $150,000 to $175,000 ($379,181 in May 2026) for 1996. Another expenditure is a computer system which will probably cost $15,000 to $20,000 ($43,336 in May 2026). Page 10.
1995-07-20 FRIENDS OF THE LEISURE WORLD LIBRARY recently sponsored a farewell tea for the Orange County Library staff who worked at the LW branch. Residents had the opportunity to say good-by-e and express their thanks to the librarian and his staff who have served the community so well. Page 17.
Library Expansion 2007
2007-04-12. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING GOLDEN RAIN FOUNDATION. APPROVE LIBRARY EXPANSION. In response to Mr. Banes’ question, Mr. Barratt said that the Library and Physical Property Committees have debated ideas and possibilities of the expansion for several years. Mr. Scott added that alteration of the electricity and plumbing will be kept to a minimum. Residents’ carrying charges will not be impacted by the expansion due to the community contributing $70,840 ($112,820 in May 2026)for the Library Expansion Project via the Friends of the Library. News 2007-04-12 page 6. Note: It was reported by Tom Barratt that the total contributions were over $100,000 ($159,261 in May 2026) by project finish.
2007-07-20. Construction began to expand the Leisure World Library. A temporary library annex was established until the project was finished. News 2007-07-19 page 1. Construction was completed by 2007-11-15 and an open house was held for residents to view the remodel. News 2007-11-15 page 1.
