Shades of anger on library

Libraries are not usually the flash point of controversy. But this is Laguna.

The 33-year-old building is undergoing an overdue rehabilitation project that includes re-sealing the balcony deck, buying an awning for the building, re-landscaping the grounds, a new telephone system and painting. The color is the subject of some heated debate.

Village Laguna’s newsletter featured a picture of the newly painted building, captioned, “Yikes. Dana Point has invaded Laguna Beach,” a reference to the color palette of many of the buildings in the city to the south.

Former Mayor Ann Christoph is among those who don’t like the library’s new look.

“The idea of the color is not just a matter of personal preference,” Christoph said. “It has to do with the style of the building and the era in which it was constructed.

“A natural, woodsy approach to design was very important in the 1970s.”

A 2,200 square-foot facility built in 1953 had been outgrown by the 1970s, when the present 10,000 square-foot building was constructed.

“All over town these 1970s buildings are being painted when the wood stain loses its luster,” Christoph said. “And they are being changed to colors that are not appropriate to the original architecture. It shouldn’t be done.”

Supporters of the color change include Martha Lydick, president of the Friends of the Library.

“When you look at it from above, it just blends right into the ocean,” Lydick said.

Children’s Librarian Rebecca Porter called the new color a metamorphosis of sorts.

“It’s newer, fresher and it shows the children that we care about the library,” Porter said. “And new landscaping will make a big difference.

“I think it is really nice of the Friends to come up with the money they do for the community.”

The project is a collaborative effort in which city, the Chamber of Commerce, Design Review Board member Steve Kawaratani, Hearts of Montage, Athens Group, Laguna Beach County Water District and the Friends are participating.

“It’s been a real community effort,” Lydick said.

Laguna Beach Librarian Marianna Hof chose the color, a soft foggy grey-blue, with a darker trim. The Friends contributed $25,000 to paint the building.

Development Department Director John Montgomery signed off the painting because he was asked to ? although the county facility is not subject to the city’s design review process.

County projects are exempt from city regulations, as are projects by other “sovereign” agencies such as the Laguna Beach School District.

Exactly when the city library became part of the county system is unknown. The Laguna Beach Library Building Association, formed in 1955, later became the Friends of the Library.

The Friends annually donate money to the library to pay for book purchases and programs, funded by the bookstore under the library and donations.

For more information about the Friends, call (949) 497-7053.cpt.03-library-BPhotoInfoRR1OH3D320060303iu1bu9ncDON LEACH / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Rodrigo Gonzalez adds trim to the Laguna Beach Library, whose color change has stirred controversy.