Thursday, October 1, 2026
On Tuesday, April 12, The Friends of the Long Beach Library held a wine and food tasting fund-raiser at the Allegria Hotel.
There were more than 200 people in attendance as the group presented library board trustees Fran Adeleson and Warren Vegh a check for the Long Beach Public Library in the amount of $1,980 to purchase a wireless microphone and CD display.
Presenting the check on behalf of the Friends was Treasurer Peter Nelson, along with President Sam Rocca, Secretary Linda Alper and member Chair Diane Smith. This was the third event held by the organization, following fund-raisers held at Lola’s Kitchen & Wine Bar and Nick’s Tuscan Grill. Each one has been more successful then the previous, organizers said, and the group’s membership has increased from seven members two years ago to more than 50.
“It really started as an outreach for members,” said Alper. “It has since turned into an initiative to provide the library with additional resources.”
Alper said that as the library faces cuts to state aid, the events have provided the facility with things it might not be able to afford in tough economic times. The funding has allowed the library to purchase items such as new furniture for its children’s programs.
“It’s not in their budget, but they created a wish list and what we’ve been doing is going down the list and making decisions,” Alper said. “People need to know that these fund-raisers are really providing additional resources for the library.”
The next event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 11, from 5:30p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Mulberry Street, 157 East Park Ave.
