It’s that time of the year when Friends gather to reflect on a year past and a new beginning. So goes the evening of Jan.18, when the Culver City Friends of the Library opened 2019 with the installation of officers, the presentation of awards, and of course, good food and great music.
The passing of the gavel was made as Outgoing President Steven Wieber first thanked FOL members and guests for another great term at the helm. Incoming President Michael Laase and other officers were sworn in by Dr. Tony Spano, the CCUSD co-director of the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts.
AVPA’s Jazz Ensemble performed in the library for guests, and a buffet meal of Mexican food was the prelude to the FOL’s presentation of awards.
Former FOL President Elaine Hirohama received honors (from Nancy Kuechle) for her contribution to the Julian Dixon Library. The Actors Gang was recognized for its contribution to the community, and for its occasional visits to the library where actors would give readings.
Actors Cam Deaver and Zoë Hall, representing the Actors Gang, accepted the certificate from members Paul and Diane Taylor.
The Kirk Doulas Theatre was the third honoree, and Eric Sims accepted the theatre’s certificate. Sims, the associate general manager of the Center Theatre Group, annually donates theatre tickets to the FOL.