CC Friends of the Library Launch 50th Anniversary Celebration, Mourn the Loss of Laura Frakes

While many of our local service clubs hold their annual ‘installation’ ceremonies in January, swearing in new board members and reaffirming by-laws, the Culver City Friends of the Library turned their meeting to triple duty; swear in the board, launch the 50th Anniversary, and remember Librarian Laura Frakes, who passed away late last year. On Friday, January 17, 2020, the Community Room at the Culver City Julian Dixon Library, tables were set to celebrate the Lunar New Year with red cloths and gold and white decorations, telegraphing the the theme of the the anniversary celebration, and the crowd enjoyed the performance of the AVPA Jazz Combo.

Dr. Tony Spano, the Director of the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, presided over the ceremony. The Officers and Board members sworn in included President Michael Laase, Vice President Marion Joy, Secretary Susannah Baxendale, Treasurer Wanda Anesh, Book Sale Chair Steve Wieber, Membership Chairs Diane and Paul Taylor, and Joanne Seltzer, and Program Co-Chairs, Aileen Zeidman and May Jung.

In a loving tribute to the late Laura Frakes, President Laase noted that “Laura had planned a lot of the events and activities for the 50th Anniversary, and we are really sad that she won’t be here with us – of course, she’ll be with us in spirit, and we are glad to be able to carry it on. Her passion and enthusiasm for our library will be missed, as will her creativity, insight, and compassion.”

Frakes father, George Frakes, also attended and spoke briefly about his daughter. “She loved her job, and this library was a very special place for her.”

The celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the library will feature a “One Book, One City” reading of On Gold Mountain, by Lisa See, culminating in an appearance by the author at the library on April 4, 2020 at 6:30 pm, followed by a reception.

There are events planned throughout March to celebrate at the library, including a demonstration of Chinese Brush Painting, Gong-Fu Tea, Street Foods of Hong Kong, and multiple library book clubs. For dates and times, go to www.ccfol.org. 

Laura Frakes choosing books at the Culver City Julian Dixon Library, photo credit CCFOL 

 

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