Library Foundation of Newport Beach
OUR STORY
Founded in 1989, the Library Foundation of Newport Beach raised 2.2 million in private funds for a new Central Library which opened in July 1994, The Library Foundation of Newport Beach funds valuable library resources, programs and services, and engages the community through the creation and sponsorship of diverse literary, cultural, and intellectual programs. It presents six series annually: Witte Lecture Series, Library Live, Spotlight on Science, Medicine in Our Backyard, Financial Literacy Workshops, Book Discussion Group. It presents 47 programs annually, 35 of which are free to the public. IT also funds critical resources for the Newport Beach Public Library such as the Media Lab, Tech Toys for adults and children, A/V for the Stahr Children's Room, furniture, special databases for the eBranch, self-checkout computers and other capital projects. The Foundation just completed a campaign to fund 50% of the cost of construction for a library lecture hall, now named Witte Hall, which opened in July 2026.
Mission Statement
The Library Foundation of Newport Beach funds valuable library resources, programs and services, and engages the community through the creation and sponsorship of diverse literary, cultural, and intellectual programs.
Background Statement
Established in 1989 as a collaborative public-private partnership with the city of Newport Beach, California, the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation raised 2.2 million in private funds with grassroots efforts, demonstrating widespread community support for a new Central Library. In July 1994, the vision for a new Central Library was realized. The Foundation has since that time been an active partner with the Library, serving as its institutionally related foundation.
Impact Statement
Over the past decade, the Foundation has contributed more than seven million dollars to fund programs, technologies, and services for the 1.2 million people who use our four library branches annually.
Needs Statement
The library’s budget from the City has only 7% of funds allocated to materials, capital improvements, and programs; the Library Foundation annually supplements the budget with an average of $320,000 for educational programming, and direct funding of an average of $140,000. The Library Foundation raised $12 million to fund 50% of the cost of construction for a state-of-the-art library lecture hall, Witte Hall, which opened the weekend of July 10-12, 2026..
Geographic Areas Served
Newport Beach and surrounding communities.
Top Three Populations Served
- All Populations
- Households with limited English proficiency
- Seniors/Older Adults
Statement from the CEO/Executive Director
Libraries are non-partisan, non-sectarian, free choice learning institutions that serve a community. Strengthening these institutions is core to what makes a community healthy and strong. Libraries engage learners, inspire, and strengthen civic connections. The Library Foundation is dedicated to keeping the Newport Beach Public Library strong and vital by engaging volunteers, donors, and program participants in supporting the Library.
Statement from the Board Chair/President
By nurturing partnerships and maintaining a strong, sustainable financial base, we will ensure that our library continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing needs of our community, remaining an indispensable resource to the community for generations to come.
CONTACT
Library Foundation of Newport Beach
1000 Avocado Avenue
Newport Beach, California 92660
Jerold Kappel
jkappel@LibraryFoundationNB.org
Phone: 9497173890