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History of the La Selva Beach Branch Library

The La Selva Beach Branch Library originally opened in the La Selva Beach Community Hall in May 1950, with Mrs. P.B. Curtice and Paula Menn in charge. By 1967, the La Selva Recreation District felt that the community needed a larger branch. A proposal to build an addition to the La Selva Beach recreation hall was approved and designed by civil engineer Ivan Parker. By October 1968, the building was completed and the library opened in it's new quarters on October 28th.

Shortly after the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, the branch was closed due to library budget shortfalls. Citizens of the area immediately began a successful campaign to get their branch reopened, which occurred in January 1979. The next year, budget problems continued to plague the entire library system, and the La Selva Beach branch could only stay open by being staffed by a group of dedicated volunteers.

In May 1988, after more than 8 years, paid staff once again was funded at the branch in a part-time status. Along with this renewed commitment, discussions began about expanding the branch. Through a variety of community fund-raising efforts, money from the county, LSB Recreation District, SCPL Friends, and other sources, the funding was procured, and a construction contract was awarded to Michael Kaping Construction in July 1995. Work began that same month, and a children's room and staff room was added. The final cost was $113,251 to add 600 square feet, and the branch re-opened on January 3, 1996.

In August 2002, a Young Adult section was added to the Young People's room, and in June 2003, the Barbara Lockhart Memorial Garden was finished. It contains a lovely bench, stepping stones, and many beautiful plants.

1950 Library constructed in the back of the clubhouse which then became part of SCPL system.
1967 The LSB Recreational District, lead by chair Dick Struck, borrowed $12,000 to open in a new building.
1978-79 Library closed after Prop 13. It re-opened in 1979 soley with volunteers and was all volunteer for 8 years.

In 1998, Dot Allen became the first paid staff member.
1991 The Board of Supervisors allocated $75,00 for a Children's Room expansion, on the stipulation that the

community raise $25,000 in matching funds.
1992 An addition is designed with $5,000 from LSB Improvement Association, $5,000 from LSB Recreational

District and $15,000 raised from community events.
1996 An addition constructed between the original building and the fire station opens after 2 months of

construction at a cost of $113,000.
2001-06 The interior is painted with library funds.

2019 -21 Using Measure S funds and with contributions from the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries,

the La Selva Beach branch location was renovated. Closed on Sept 1, 2019, the original reopening date

was pushed back due to the pandemic. Grand reopening was on March 20, 2021.

Please click for further details.