Long Beach Leaders are Readers: Olga Chavez, Empowering Community and Corporate Social Responsibility Leader
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.
In celebration of Mother’s Day and the power of community engagement, Long Beach Leaders are Readers proudly presents Olga Chavez, Corporate Social Responsibility Leader at Marathon Petroleum Corporation, highlighting her philanthropic journey and dedication to empowering Southern California communities.
Continue reading to learn more about Ms. Chavez’s book recommendation and the leader behind it.
La Edad De Oro (The Golden Age)
by
José Martí
Meet Olga Chavez:
What made you choose La Edad de Oro as your recommendation?
This book, La Edad de Oro, holds a special place in my heart because it embodies the spirit of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of knowledge despite adversity. José Martí, a Cuban icon of independence and freedom, first published this book in 1889. For me, this book was not just a collection of stories; it was a beacon of light during challenging times.
Martí’s words, penned in exile, spoke of a Cuba he longed to see—one where children were nurtured with love, educated with wisdom, and inspired to dream boldly. As a Cuban myself, La Edad de Oro reminded me of the importance of preserving my heritage, even when far from home. It taught me to cherish my culture, language, and history, no matter where life took me.
This book resonates with me because it represents the resilience of the human spirit, the power of education, and the beauty of dreaming beyond one’s circumstances. It reminds me that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope, a spark of inspiration that can ignite change and illuminate the path forward.
I believe La Edad de Oro can inspire others by showing them that literature is not just words on a page; it is a mirror reflecting our deepest aspirations and a window into a world of possibilities. It encourages readers to embrace their heritage, celebrate their identity, and strive for a better future, just as Martí envisioned for his beloved Cuba.
Where there any stand-out scenes?
There are several standout scenes and passages from La Edad de Oro that have deeply impacted my life. One of the most memorable passages is from the preface, where José Martí writes about the importance of children and the role they play in shaping the future:
“Los niños, los niños, los niños son. Los niños, los niños, los niños serán. Y entre ellos, en primer término, los pobres, a quienes no es lícito negar cuanto es posible darles: no para compensarles de la herencia de las lágrimas, sino para redimirlos de ella.”
Translated, this passage emphasizes the importance of children, especially those who are less fortunate, and the need to provide them with everything possible, not to compensate them for the inheritance of tears, but to redeem them from it. This passage has resonated with me deeply, reminding me of the responsibility we have to nurture and educate the next generation.
Another impactful scene is the story of “Los Zapaticos de Rosa” (The Little Pink Shoes). This story tells the tale of a poor Cuban girl named Rosa who, despite her humble circumstances, remains kind-hearted and generous. When a wealthy woman passes by and admires Rosa’s beautiful pink shoes, Rosa selflessly gives them to her, even though they are her only pair.
This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness, generosity, and empathy. It teaches us that true wealth is not measured by material possessions but by the goodness of our hearts. “Los Zapaticos de Rosa” has left a lasting impact on me, inspiring me to always be compassionate and considerate towards others, regardless of their background or circumstances.
What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?
I hope that other readers, like myself, will be inspired by the timeless wisdom and profound insights found in La Edad de Oro. I hope that they will see the importance of education, empathy, and kindness in shaping a better future for all. I hope that this book will encourage readers to cherish their heritage, celebrate their identity, and strive for a better world, just as José Martí envisioned for his cherished Cuba. Ultimately, I hope that La Edad de Oro will ignite a spark of curiosity and compassion in the hearts of its readers, inspiring them to dream boldly and act with courage and conviction.
Did someone read to you when you were a child?
Yes, my brother..
What was the last book you read?
The last book I read was Cien Años de Soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude). Find it at your local library branch here.
How relevant or relatable are the themes or messages of the book to your own life or to society today?
The themes and messages of La Edad de Oro are highly relevant and relatable to my own life and to society today. The book’s focus on the importance of education, empathy, and kindness resonates deeply with me. In today’s fast-paced and often divisive world, the message of nurturing the next generation, especially those who are less fortunate, is more important than ever.
Additionally, the book’s emphasis on the power of literature and storytelling to inspire change and shape a better future is something that I strongly believe in. In a world where information is constantly bombarding us, the ability to step back, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of language and storytelling is invaluable.
Do you prefer paperbacks or e-books?
I don’t have a preference myself, but many people enjoy the convenience of e-books, while others prefer the feel and experience of reading a physical paperback.
What are your favorite genres to read?
Poetry
Why do you think reading is important?
Reading is crucial because it enhances our learning, understanding of the world, and communication skills. It’s also an enjoyable way to unwind and escape reality. Reading enriches our vocabulary, critical thinking, and empathy, adding depth to our lives. Personally, I’m drawn to poetry because it provides a distinctive and compelling means of expressing emotions, ideas, and experiences.
If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be?
Embracing the Rainbow: A journey from Habana to Hope
Olga Chavez is the Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Relations Lead for Marathon Petroleum Corporation in Southern California, including the Los Angeles Refinery. For the past 12 years, Olga has been responsible for overseeing the management of a multi-million-dollar philanthropy budget to support local non-profits and the communities they serve. Olga works with the Marathon Leadership Team to develop and implement priorities and strategies for achieving balanced public policy and a consistent approach to ensure impactful community investment and outreach, and employee volunteerism.
Olga Chavez was born and raised in Cuba. She and her family immigrated to the United States 40 years ago. She comes from humble backgrounds, her father was a chef, and her mother a caregiver. Her beloved brother passed away not long after their arrival in the United States.
Olga has been very involved in the nonprofit world. Working within the energy industry has enabled her to establish several nonprofit organizations in the community. Some of the foundations formed by Olga are the Wilmington Coordinating Council, under the leadership of the late Shirley Atencio, Gulf Avenue Elementary PTO, and the Friends of the Rotary Club of Wilmington. Olga firmly believes in giving back to the community, and Marathon supports her efforts. She is engaged in several nonprofit boards, such as the Wilmington and Gardena-Carson YMCAs, the Rotary Club of Wilmington, and the San Pedro and Wilmington Chambers. Additionally, she is a member of the President’s Advisory Board – Special Advisors to the Battleship IOWA Museum.
Find “La Edad de Oro” at the library soon!
Long Beach Leaders are Readers: Cathy De Leon, City of Long Beach Director of Library Services
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.
In honor of National Library Month, we are featuring the City of Long Beach Director of Library Services, Cathy De Leon!
Continue reading to learn more about Ms. De Leon’s book recommendation and the leader behind it.
Hello, Universe
by
Erin Entrada Kelly
What made you choose Hello, Universe as your recommendation?
Erin Entrada Kelly is the first author of Filipino descent to be awarded the most prestigious award in children’s literature, the Newbery Medal, and she won it for this book. Hello, Universe tells the story of a shy Filipino boy named Virgil Salinas and three fellow middle schoolers whose worlds collide in unexpected ways. Published in 2017, this book resonated with me because it was one of the first times I ever saw myself–my culture, my family–in a book, as the stories and experiences of Filipino Americans are not often reflected in American literature. As a longtime children’s librarian, this book made me cry because of its candid and heartwarming depictions of Filipino American intergenerational family life. To me, this book embodies the power of telling diverse stories and how affirming and inclusive literature can and should be.
Where there any stand-out scenes?
There’s a scene where Virgil observes his grandmother, or lola, slicing mangos. The way that Entrada Kelly described this simple act really hit me because it’s something my lola did for me when I was a child and brought up a lot of powerful personal memories.
What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?
I never realized until I read Hello, Universe how starved I was to see these cultural aspects of my own experience on a page. Representation matters and I hope readers someday get to see themselves reflected in literature if they haven’t already.
Do you prefer paperbacks or e-books?
Paperbacks!
What was the last book you read?
Crying in H Mart. Find it at your local library branch here.
Long Beach Leaders are Readers: Billie Jean King, Long Beach Hometown Hero and Equality Champion
Top leaders of the world have the exceptional simple habit of reading. Whether for enjoyment or enrichment, reading stimulates the mind and fuels creativity. Long Beach Leaders are Readers features leaders in our community as they share their recommended reads.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are featuring a Long Beach hometown hero, legendary sports icon, philanthropist, New York Times bestselling author, and equality champion Billie Jean King.
Continue reading to learn more about Ms. King’s book recommendation and the leader behind it.
The Bluest Eye
by
Toni Morrison
What made you choose The Bluest Eye as your recommendation?
Some of the best learnings come from books that are tough to read. This is one of those books. In this book, her first novel, Morrison, takes a stark look at racism and a quest for equality and authenticity through the eyes of a young African-American girl in the depression era. We have to remember when it was written and how much things have changed, and how much things can still improve.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I love history. My parents got my brother and me library cards when we were in elementary school so we learned how to use them early. Randy and I loved to read. I really loved bios on people. Just like I love documentaries on streaming and television now. I still like true stories about people – people’s stories inspire me.
What do you hope other readers get from reading your book recommendation?
I had wanted to read this book for years and it took me a while to get to it and it was worth it. It is a heartfelt look at a difficult story. Never give up on a good book. As they say, it’s better late than never.
How old were you when you got your first library card?
I was in Elementary school at Los Cerritos Elementary in Long Beach when I got my first Long Beach Public Library card.
As a kid I asked if I could use my parents library card and the first library I remember going to was at Los Cerritos elementary school. We also went to Harte Library on W. Willow.
Reading for free was a privilege which our parents were very clear on. Also having a choice of what we were able to read was also a privilege.
Why do you think reading is important?
Information gives you knowledge and knowledge gives you power.
Finally, if you wrote a memoir, what would the title be?
All In
All In is an autobiography/memoir and New York Times Bestseller written by Billie Jean King.
“An inspiring and intimate self-portrait of the champion of equality that encompasses her brilliant tennis career, unwavering activism, and an ongoing commitment to fairness and social justice.” Visit www.PenguinRandomHouse.com for the full overview.
Billie Jean King won 39 Grand Slam titles and 3 World TeamTennis championships, founded the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Women’s Tennis Association and was the first female athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She founded the Billie Jean King Foundation and is part of the ownership groups of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Angel City FC and on the Advisory Board of the Professional Women’s Hockey League. A New York Times bestselling author, her memoir, All In, was released in 2021 and released in paperback in 2023.
Find “The Bluest Eye” at your local neighborhood library branch!
April is National Library Month – Here’s How You Can Help
April is Library Month!
Library Giving Day, April 4
National Library Week, April 23 – 29
We need your help to raise support for the 12 Long Beach Public Libraries! The Library’s dynamic literacy programs, STEM workshops, and one-on-one homework help are needed now more than ever to help kids succeed and thrive. Recently released student test scores show the pandemic’s continuing impact on student achievement. More than half of LBUSD students failed to meet state standards last school year, with about 52% failing to meet the standard for English and about 67% failing to meet the standard for math. Your support helps get them back on track!
Help us reach our $10,000 fundraising goal for National Library Month, which includes Library Giving Day on April 4 and National Library Week April 23-29. You can help by hosting your own fundraiser on Facebook or through email. We recommend setting a personal goal of $250 or more. You may inspire your friends to give if you kick things off with a donation of your own.
Please note that Facebook does not charge any fees for donations and, in fact, covers the credit card fees so the total amount donated directly supports the Library Foundation.
Facebook Fundraiser Toolkit
This toolkit includes:
- Step-by-step instructions to create a Facebook fundraiser
- Suggested copy for posts when sharing your fundraiser
- An email template if you choose to fundraise by email instead
________________________________________________________________________________
Creating a Facebook Fundraiser
If you choose to create a Facebook fundraiser, we recommend that you set it up by April 1 so that you can fundraise for Library Giving Day. This will give your friends and family time to see your fundraiser and help you reach your goal.
Sign into Facebook and click the link below to get started.
https://www.facebook.com/fund/LBPLFoundation/
- The window below will appear with “Long Beach Public Library Foundation” automatically set as the organization you are raising money for.
- Scroll through the “Details” section on the left and:
- Enter $250 or more for “How much money do you want to raise?”
- Enter April 30 for “When should your fundraiser end?”
- Add a message for “Why are you raising money?” such as:
April is Library Month! As a Long Beach Public Library cardholder and patron, I call on you to join me in supporting free educational resources for the Long Beach students and families who need help getting back on track.
The Library’s dynamic literacy programs, STEM workshops, and one-on-one homework help are needed now more than ever to help kids succeed and thrive. Recently released student test scores show the pandemic’s continuing impact on student achievement. More than half of LBUSD students failed to meet state standards last school year, with about 52% failing to meet the standard for English and about 67% failing to meet the standard for math.
At the 12 public libraries, the Library Foundation funds many early literacy programs in English and Spanish including Dive into Learning and the annual Summer Reading program. The Library Foundation also funds the Family Learning Center program which provides one-on-one tutoring for students of all ages and job search support for their families.
I hope you will join me in celebrating Library Month with a gift that will make a difference for Long Beach families! Visit LBPLfoundation.org to learn more about the programs your donation will support.
- Click “Create.” The fundraiser will automatically be shared on your Timeline.
- Invite your friends! This is the best way to tell all your friends about your fundraiser. Facebook gives you the option to invite either all of your friends or to select individual friends to donate to the fundraiser. Those who have been invited will receive a notification.
- Share your fundraiser and re-share throughout April to get more support.
Suggested copy for posts when sharing your fundraiser:
- Post on April 4: Today is #LibraryGivingDay and I am proud to support the 12 Long Beach public libraries as a library lover and patron. Help me reach my fundraising goal!
- Post on April 23: Today is the start of #NationalLibraryWeek and I am proud to support the 12 Long Beach public libraries. Help me reach my fundraising goal to support our libraries!
- Happy #NationalLibraryWeek! I’m fundraising to support the Long Beach Public Library Foundation’s work to provide resources to students, job seekers, families, and everyone who depends on the Library.
- Celebrate #NationalLibraryWeek by supporting the Long Beach Public Library Foundation! Our public libraries and their free programs are needed now more than ever.
Suggested Email
If you prefer not to use Facebook for your fundraiser, we encourage you to email potential supporters asking them to donate on our website or to send a donation through the mail. You might say:
Hi _____,
Happy National Library Month! As you may know, I proudly support the 12 public libraries in Long Beach. This week, I call on you to support free educational resources at the libraries by helping me reach my $250 (or more) fundraiser goal.
The Library’s dynamic literacy programs, STEM workshops, and one-on-one homework help are needed now more than ever to help kids succeed and thrive. Recently released student test scores show the pandemic’s continuing impact on student achievement. More than half of LBUSD students failed to meet state standards last school year, with about 52% failing to meet the standard for English and about 67% failing to meet the standard for math.
At the 12 public libraries, the Library Foundation funds many early literacy programs in English and Spanish including Dive into Learning and the annual Summer Reading program. The Library Foundation also funds the Family Learning Center program which provides one-on-one tutoring for students of all ages and job search support for their families.
I hope you will join me in celebrating National Library Month with a gift that will make a difference for Long Beach families! Visit LBPLfoundation.org to learn more about the programs your donation will support.
I hope you will join me in celebrating Library Month with a gift that will make a difference for Long Beach families! Visit lbplfoundation.org/donate to make a donation of any size. To support my fundraiser, please enter my name in the Comment section of the form. You may also mail your donation to Long Beach Public Library Foundation, 200 W. Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802. Please include a note with your donation to have it applied to my fundraiser.
Thank you for making a difference for our Libraries and the people they serve!
This is just one way you can help support our public libraries this April during National Library Month! Our Foundation has a goal of $10,000 and we hope you can help continue to ensure library programs like the Family Learning Centers, The Studio Maker Spaces, the Adaptive Center for Technology and the Dive into Learning programs continue to serve the Long Beach community.
To donate directly to our Foundation and these programs, please click here.
Grape Expectations Gala Exceeds Expectations!
The Long Beach Public Library Foundation raised more than $350,000 to support its work to enhance programs, technology, and resources at the city’s 12 public libraries on Sept. 18 at the 19th annual Grape Expectations gala at Hotel Maya.
400 guests gathered on the Vista del Mar terrace overlooking Queensway Bay to indulge in fine wines from six distinguished wine distributors led by Randy Kemner of The Wine Country and gourmet appetizers and mocktails donated by celebrated local caterers and restaurants, all as they were swept away by music from Trio del Alma. Following the wine tasting reception, guests enjoyed a fabulous four-course dinner with wine pairings and commentary by Randy Kemner.
Guests were greeted by Library Foundation Executive Director and CEO Veronica Garcia Dávalos, Board President Ryan Ballard, and Long Beach Mayor and Honorary Library Foundation Director Dr. Robert Garcia. Library Foundation Vice President of Fund Development Joan Van Hooten paid tribute to the memories of champions of literacy Kay and Tony Tortorice and Janis Krantz.
First Vice President and Corporate Real Estate Manager Farmers and Merchants Bank Christine Walker-Bowman accepted the Library Leadership Award recognizing F&M’s sponsorship of the Library Foundation’s 19th annual Dictionary Days program, giving every third-grade student in the Long Beach Unified School District a dictionary/thesaurus of their very own. F&M has supported the Foundation since 2005, enhancing Library programming including Black History and Latino Heritage Months.
Margaret and Charles Durnin presented the Durnin Family Award to Foundation Directors Emeriti Mary Hancock Hinds and Rick Alsagoff for their longtime service and leadership of a campaign that raised over $1 million to enhance the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.
Honorees were featured in inspirational short films produced and donated by Digital Revolution and presented with proclamations from Supervisor Janice Hahn and Mayor Robert Garcia.
Guests stirred on by auctioneer Randy Gordon raised their paddles to contribute more than $115,000 during the live auction and live ask, with auction items donated by the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, Taylor’s Cigar Lounge, Port of Long Beach, McCarty’s Jewelry, and Margaret Smith and Rob Bellevue. The crowd was charmed by Cordelia Howard, Director of Library Services from 1983 to 1998, who raised her paddle repeatedly during the live ask until she had contributed $20,000. To close out an evening to remember, Board President-elect and Special Events Committee Chair Sean Reilly drew the names of Anthony Puente and Randy Mizer as 1st and 2nd place raffle prize winners.
Distinguished guests included Long Beach Mayor Dr. Robert Garcia; Vice Mayor Rex Richardson; Councilmembers Stacy Mungo Flanigan, Suzie Price, and Roberto Uranga; LBUSD Board of Education President Megan Kerr and Board member Doug Otto, LBCC Board of Trustees President Uduak-Joe Ntuk and Trustees Vivian Malauulu and Sunny Zia; Long Beach Harbor Commission President Sharon L. Weissman and Secretary Bonnie Lowenthal; CSULB President Jane Close Conoley; representing the Hon. Janice Hahn, 4th District Supervisor, County of Los Angeles, Daritza Gonzalez; President of the Friends of the Long Beach Public Library Barbara Sosa; Grape Expectations Chair Sean Reilly; Co-chairs Barbara Long and M. Lissette Flores; and committee volunteers Diane Anglin, Cheryl Avirom, Ryan Ballard, Charlyn Bender, Celine Cordero, Mary Hancock Hinds, Mary Lamo-Putnam, Liz Munzer, Carmen O. Perez, Desiree Rew, Barbara Schwerin, Jeff Toelsin, and Joan Van Hooten.
Over the past 26 years, the Library Foundation has raised more than $26 million to support the city’s public libraries. Lead event sponsors included the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, Port of Long Beach, Lisa and Frank Chapman, Clark Construction, Margaret and Charley Durnin, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, and the Shadden Group at Morgan Stanley.
Announcing the Library Foundation’s 2022 Honorees – Celebrate at Grape Expectations
The Library Foundation is thrilled to announce the 19th annual Grape Expectations gala honorees:
Rick Alsagoff and Mary Hancock Hinds,
DURNIN FAMILY AWARD
Farmers & Merchants Bank,
LIBRARY LEADERSHIP AWARD
Rick Alsagoff and Mary Hancock Hinds are proud North Long Beach residents who co-chaired the Library Foundation’s campaign for the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, which raised more than $1 million for programs, technology, and resources at the new library. Longtime supporters of literacy and education, Rick served on the Library Foundation Board of Directors for nine years and Mary for 19 years.
Farmers & Merchants Bank has supported the Library Foundation since 2005, generously funding our work at the 12 public libraries. This year, Farmers & Merchants Bank was the lead sponsor of the Library Foundation’s Dictionary Days program, which provides a new dictionary/thesaurus to every LBUSD third-grade student. 5,000 books were provided this year to students thanks to F&M’s generous support.
Sponsorships, tables, and tickets are available for Grape Expectations! Learn more and preview the evening’s four-course gourmet dinner menu with fine wine pairings at the link below. Proceeds support the Library Foundation’s work to fund programs, technology, and more at the 12 Long Beach public libraries.
Long Beach Leaders are Readers — Mayor Robert Garcia
Long Beach Leaders are Readers is our new series in which leaders in our community share recommended reads. In celebration of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia has shared the following reading recommendation.
Superman: Son of Kal–El (Volume 1) by Tom Taylor, art by John Timms
I’ve loved comic books ever since I was a kid and Superman has always been my favorite character. As an immigrant to this country, seeing the story of someone who was also born somewhere else — on another planet — grow up to protect people and make the world a better place was something that really spoke to me. In this new series, Superman’s son takes up his father’s mantle and I think really takes the story in an exciting, progressive direction. One of the main ways this happens is through Jon Kent coming to terms with his LGBTQ+ identity. Even as an adult now, it still feels really impactful to see this kind of representation — especially through a medium I grew up with. I am excited to recommend this comic as a part of the Leaders are Readers program, and I hope people enjoy this heroic journey and new direction for such a classic franchise.
Glenda Williams, Champion of Literacy & Education
In November, the City of Long Beach announced that Director of Library Services Glenda Williams will retire with her last day as the head of the Long Beach Public Library set for December 30, 2021. We at the Long Beach Public Library Foundation are honored to have worked closely with Ms. Williams since her appointment to her current role in 2009. As a true champion of literacy, she has led the Library as it has become an innovative center of education. Under her direction, the Library evolved significantly to meet the many changing needs of the residents who depend on its services.
Ms. Williams has worked at the Long Beach Public Library for 40 years. Her incredible tenure began when she was hired as a page, one of the Library’s entry-level roles. Through the years she held various positions and worked at all of the City’s 12 public libraries before she was ultimately appointed Director of Library Services. One of the Library Foundation’s first major projects with Ms. Williams came in 2014 with the grand opening of the Studio at the Main Library. The new makerspace featured 3D printers, design software, and other design tools funded by our donors. With the Library Foundation’s support, the program would expand through the years with new advanced technology for additional STEM and arts educational opportunities. The Long Beach Public Library was one of the first library systems in this region to introduce a facility with advanced technology for patrons to learn in and enjoy. It was indicative of Ms. Williams’ determination to create a library system for the 21st century.
Under Ms. Williams’ leadership, two new world-class libraries opened in Long Beach; the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library in 2016 and the Billie Jean King Main Library in 2019. These libraries are outfitted with the latest educational tools and technology for all members of the community, no matter their age or abilities, to enjoy all that the Library has to offer. The Library Foundation is proud to support programs and resources at these libraries, by raising more than $1 million in a campaign for the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, and more than $3.3 million in a campaign for the Billie Jean King Main Library.
In 2017, the Long Beach Public Library was awarded the National Medal for Museum of Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries. The Library Foundation is honored to have been a part of making this award possible and helping to bring Ms. Williams’ vision for the Library to life.
We will miss working with Ms. Williams and wish her the best. All that she helped create at the Library will benefit Long Beach residents for generations to come.
Champion of Literacy, Vice Mayor Rex Richardson
For his dedication to libraries and literacy, the Long Beach Public Library Foundation was delighted to present Vice Mayor Rex Richardson with the 2021 Library Leadership Award at the 18th annual Grape Expectations gala on September 19. In the early 2010s, North Long Beach’s stunning Michele Obama Neighborhood Library was just a dream. Community members met with Library staff in the Jordan High School cafeteria to share visions for their neighborhood’s new library. By 2016, those visions had become a reality with the opening of the new Library’s doors. A significant key to that transformation was our honoree, Vice Mayor Richardson.
From those first meetings, Richardson was deeply involved, sharing ideas, resources, and, most importantly, his leadership skills, as demonstrated by the naming of the new library. Throughout the city, there was a wide range of ideas about what to name the new library. Its predecessor was simply called “North Library,” but this spectacular new structure needed a name to match its magnificence.
Many names were suggested with no consensus until Richardson came up with the ideal solution: ask the area’s young people what name would inspire them to visit and use this new resource. Jordan High School’s students resoundingly selected the First Lady.
With a new name in place, the Library Foundation was tasked with fundraising for enhancements such as the Family Learning Center, the Studio, furnishings, books, and technology. Richardson supported this effort with energy and enthusiasm as one of the fundraising campaign’s honorary co-chairs. The campaign raised more than $1 million, which will continue to benefit the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library for many years to come. Richardson has remained a steadfast supporter of the Library and the Library Foundation.
Champion of Literacy, Joseph F. Prevratil, JD
On September 19 at the Long Beach Public Library Foundation’s Grape Expectations gala, we were proud to honor Joseph F. Prevratil, JD, with the 2021 Durnin Family Award for his dedication to libraries and literacy. His leadership and guidance has been key to the Library Foundation accomplishing many goals and developing a sustainable future.
From 1995 to 2019, Joe led the Archstone Foundation in its mission to contribute toward the needs of the aging population as President and CEO. He was instrumental in moving the Archstone Foundation from a focus on general health to its longstanding focus on aging. During this time, the Archstone Foundation awarded over 1,100 grants totaling more than $117 million to many nonprofit organizations, including the Long Beach Public Library Foundation. These grants have supported the Library Foundation’s work on behalf of the 12 public libraries and the Library’s Homebound Readers delivery services for library patrons confined to their homes. Joe is also a founding member of Grantmakers In Aging (GIA).
Joe served on the Library Foundation Board from 2003 to 2014. During his term as President in 2013, the Library Foundation strengthened its endowment to lift the organization to a higher level of sustainability. The Library Foundation also raised funds for the Library’s first makerspace Studio stocked with the latest in digital learning resources. During this time, the Library Foundation took an active role in advocating for what would become the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library and Billie Jean King Main Library. In 2013, Joe was one of 25 leaders across the country invited to join a prestigious national Libraries, Museums, and Early Learning task force convened by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Through the years, Joe has helped strengthen Long Beach through his many leadership roles, including Chief Executive Director for the Port of Long Beach, President and CEO of the Queen Mary, and Chairman of the boards of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Downtown Long Beach Associates. He was a founding member of the CSULB Board of Governors and continues to be a member of the CSULB Research Foundation Board of Directors.
As a Director Emeritus, Joe has remained engaged in Library Foundation activities and serves on the Legacy Committee, bringing our organization to the attention of those who care deeply about the future of Long Beach’s public libraries. Through his leadership and generosity, Joe has provided crucial resources for the many who depend on the Library.