New board takes the reins at La Jolla Library

Seven residents, who share a passion and enthusiasm for the La Jolla Riford Library, were elected to the Friends of La Jolla Library board at the group’s March 22 meeting at the library, 7555 Draper Ave.

“Now more than ever, the library is way more than just a place to check out books,” opined incoming president Sue Wagener. “It’s a community center, it’s where we all come to learn. Branch manager Shaun Briley started the bio-lab, the 3D printing lab, the Memory Lab … which are all amazing resources. We, as a board, are the stewards of this organization and I think there are a lot of new things we can do (to make it even better).”

The new members were elected from a slate of returning directors, new directors and officers, which was approved unanimously. Library board members can sit for up to two, three-year terms. Outgoing president Sallie Warren called the board, with its new members, “vibrant,” “energetic” and “exciting.”

Wagener introduced the new members and asked them to say a few words.

Mohsen Aghazadeh, a real estate agent with Willis Allen, said: “This is the first time I am getting involved with La Jolla volunteer efforts and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

Samaiya Hassan, a mother of two children who attend La Jolla Elementary School said: “The library is our second home; my kids have practically grown up here. I see this board position as an opportunity to give back.”

Larry Tennenbaum, an attorney and longtime resident joked: “It’s been a long time since I’ve had the chance to give back and I have darkened the doors here when my son would have a term-paper due.”

Phil White, president of Pacific View Foundation (which provides support to non-profit organizations) opted to show rather than tell, and produced a copy of the first book he ever read from the library. He said he checked it out so much as a child, his mother bought him a copy.

Those not in attendance, but elected, include: Kelley Albence, Sarah Feeney and Jessica Rohm.

Albence, according to her bio, has volunteered with organizations such as the National League of Young Men, The Foundation of La Jolla High, Las Patronas, La Jolla Art & Wine Festival and the Friends of La Jolla Elementary.

Feeney grew up with father who was an avid reader, who didn’t believe in having a TV at home, which she said inspired her to “devour” books.

Rohm worked for IBM and Cendant, and established her own marketing and real estate companies. She is also involved with the La Jolla Music Society.

Officers elected include president Wagener, vice president Linda Dowly, treasurer Sue Schreibman, recording secretary Sally Corson and corresponding secretary David Bark.

Darryl Templer and Doug Dawson will serve their renewing terms. Outgoing library board members include Lisa Kay, Jim Stewart, Warren, Maura Walters and Mark Leinenweber.

In other library news:

Dawson reported that a City budget is forthcoming that will require cuts to the San Diego Library system in terms of hours of operation. “However, we were blessed, and continue to be blessed, by a former library patron who bequeathed her estate to the library,” he explained, noting that the City library administration established protocols for using those funds to keep full library hours during such times.

Briley said: “There will be a few libraries that will stay open on Sundays, but only those that have independent, non-city support.”

— La Jolla Library is open 12:30-5 p.m. Sunday; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. 7555 Draper Ave. (858) 552-1657. lajollalibrary.org