HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-18 - BLT - 09 Newport Beach Historical Society at Balboa Branch Update_____________________________________________________________________________________
ABSTRACT:
The Newport Beach Historical Society (http://www.newportbeachhistorical.org/) collects, preserves,
and interprets the history of the City. In an informal arrangement, the Newport Beach Public Library
has partnered with the Historical Society to provide a local history display space at the Balboa Branch.
DISCUSSION:
The Newport Beach Historical Society (NBHS), a 501c3 non-profit organization, seeks to preserve the
history of Newport Beach, and intends to establish a repository of historical documents, photographs,
films, and memorabilia. Presently, the NBHS is actively looking for historical items to display in its
collection, and would like to maintain a permanent venue for its collections in a City facility.
In early 2015, City Manager Dave Kiff asked Department Heads from the Library, Recreation, and Public
Works if there were any possible spaces in City facilities for a temporary location for the NBHS. I offered
to allow the NBHS to set up a display area in the Balboa Branch in a relatively under-used room in the
building. The NBHS set up a temporary display area in the branch with the understanding that the room
will remain fully accessible to the public. NBHS President Bernie Svalstad agreed that the room provides
the Historical Society with the opportunity to demonstrate that a local history center can be a viable
entity in the new Balboa Branch slated for 2018. However, before the NBHS becomes a permanent
presence in the new Balboa Branch with a local history room, the Library will ask that the NBHS enter
into a Board of Library Trustees approved Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Newport
Beach. A local history space for the NBHS would also have to be integrated into the design of the new
building.
Currently, the NBHS room at the Balboa Branch has two display cases donated by the Sherman Gardens
Library. At their own expenses, the NBHS installed Plexiglas doors on a few of the shelves in the room.
The NBHS is also in the process of installing a flat screen monitor that will display historical photographs.
The NBHS continues to acquire interesting artifacts pertinent to Newport Beach history.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the Board of Library Trustees considers the item). ]
TO: BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
FROM: Library Services Department
Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
949-717-3810, thetherton@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Tim Hetherton
TITLE: Newport Beach Historical Society at Balboa Branch Update