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History of Friends

Beginnings

September 1973, Anne Rumery (librarian), Phyllis Ackerman, Sean Flynn, Lucille Regan, Emmy Ruud and Annette Stephenson met specifically to discuss the need for a new library building. Sean Flynn was elected as the first President and Phyllis Ackerman, Leo Gattoni, Carol Haagenson, Lucille Regan, and Annette Stephenson became the first members of the Board of Directors.

From that time onward, members spent untold hours in gathering support, attracting new memberships and collecting signatures for petitions.

The future of the library was at stake in 1981 when land purchase fell short by $20,000. The Friends were able to raise the funds needed to complete the purchase by asking for contributions from individuals as well as organizations, unions and private businesses. The community came to the rescue with great generosity.

The Friends worked diligently to help secure the new Library, which was finally finished and dedicated on May 18, 1983. The fund raising committee consisted of: Anne Gusha, Carrie Stock, Joseph Zaninovich, Nicholas Zorotovich, Joseph Monti, Dorothea Gillingham and Phyllis Ackerman.

History of the stained glass window

The lovely stained glass window facing Gaffey Street was designed by Florence Unkeless in 1980 for a prize of $100. She was the wife of George Unkeless, President of The Friends. Photo by Pat Lynch.

An early activity

Phyllis Ackerman, pictured in a dark jumper, and her group of merry volunters started and serviced a program, “Service To Shut-Ins”, which was later changed to “Books On Legs.” Readers who were unable to visit the Library, were visited on a regular basis. The Volunteers brought, books, and magazines; all to please and meet the requests from the readers. Sometimes, homemade cookies were brought. But always they brought good cheer.

Our world-famous cookbooks

Friends have published two cookbooks, “Around The World-Around Our Town” (1986) and “Around The World-Around Our Town”(1998). The books are composed of recipes from local cooks in San Pedro and restaurants, which are mostly gone now. They are truly a piece of local history and if you are interested in purchasing them, they are on sale in the Library Bookstore at $8.00 or the two for $15.00. A true bargain and all the money raised goes toward supporting our programs at the Library.