The Newport Beach Library Foundation

The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation funds valuable library resources, programs and services, and engages the community through the creation and sponsorship of diverse literary, cultural, and intellectual programs.

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.

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.

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 is currently raising $12 million to fund 50% of the cost of construction for a state-of-the-art library lecture hall.

Newport Beach and surrounding communities.

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.

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.