Donna Murray
Community Library Manager
215 Sumner Ave., P.O. Box 585
Avalon, CA 90704-535
Phone: (310) 510-1050

History
The Avalon library was established in February of 1914.

Led by the Mary Williams Club (now the Santa Catalina Woman's Club), and the Avalon Chamber of Commerce the townspeople came together to meet the offer that Los Angeles County presented to them "if the citizens could provide furniture, shelves, a space and volunteers to run it", Los Angeles County would furnish the books.

In February 1914, the first L.A. County Public Library "overseas branch", opened at the Grandview Hotel with 196 books, courtesy of the County, the number doubled by that summer.

In November 1915, a raging fire destroyed most of the town, including the library. H.W. Allen managed to salvage 100 books which he stored in his home until a new quarters could be found for the library.

The Sophia yacht club was the first in a series of locations which included City Hall, Kassar Building, Hotel Atwater Arcade, 211Metropole Ave, and 208 Metropole Ave.

In the Spring of 1962 the Avalon Library found a home in the new County Center at 215 Summer Ave.

Collection
The current collection has 23,584 books; 14 magazine and newspaper subscriptions; 1,031 audiocassettes; 1,972 videocassettes and other special materials such as local college catalogs, local telephone directories, pamphlets and local history books and clippings.

Services
The library offers reference services; online library catalogs that provide access to the entire County Library collection; public access Internet computers with printers; programs for adults and children including a summertime outdoor story time.

Facilities
1,256 sq. ft. on one floor.

Political Representatives

• U.S. Congressional District: 46th
  Dana Rohrabacher
  URL: http://www.house.gov/rohrabacher/

• State Senate District: 27th
  Alan Lowenthal
  URL: http://dist27.casen.govoffice.com/

• State Assembly District: 54th
  Betty Karnette
  URL: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a54/

• Supervisorial District: 4th
  Don Knabe
  URL: http://knabe.com/

Local Links

	California State University Dominguez Hills URL: http://www.csudh.edu/ This site offers class schedules, admission information, distance learning and other useful information about the California University System.
	City of Avalon URL: http://www.cityofavalon.com/ Information pertaining to the city located on Santa Catalina Island. Covers local officials, city departments, travel information, Harbor Committees and the Avalon municipal code.
	Internet Guide to Catalina Island URL: http://www.catalina.com/ Provides visitors with information about the Island.
	Los Angeles Harbor College URL: http://www.lahc.cc.ca.us/ Information about one of the local Los Angeles area junior colleges.
	The Catalina Island Conservancy URL: http://www.catalinaconservancy.org/ The Santa Catalina Island Conservancy was formed in 1972 to preserve and protect the native plants and animals, and biotic communities of Santa Catalina Island. Hiking permits and eco-tours of this beautiful island are available through the Conservancy, as well as a wealth of research based information.
	The Catalina Island Museum URL: http://www.catalinamuseum.org/ The Catalina Island Museum collects, preserves and presents the rich cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island and has a knowledgeable staff to help visitors understand the unique history of this special island.