Group Steps Up Efforts for Library

A grass-roots organization plans to step up its campaign this summer for a centrally located library by hosting workshops, raising money and appointing a new board of directors.

Members of the Costa Mesa Library Foundation said they do not consider county branches downtown and in Mesa Verde adequate. They are calling for a new library, possibly downtown, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and longer hours.

“We believe drastic and progressive changes in library services are called for . . . to fulfill the needs of the people,” said Ken White, chairman of the foundation.

White’s group is proposing a library that rivals central branches in Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. Cost estimates released last year were about $15 million.

Funding is expected to come from a variety of sources, including donations, the group said.

Members of the library foundation plan to discuss the issue in June when they meet and select members for the 1998-99 board of directors. A public meeting will be in July.

Information: (714) 650-4846.