Groups donate $407,800 to library

Editor’s note: This changes the California State Library’s money to a grant.

The Newport Beach Public Library received $407,800 from various groups recently.

Library officials revealed the money’s sources at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

“I have hit the jackpot today, so to speak,� Library Director Cynthia Cowell said at the council meeting. “I have received three very nice checks from two local support groups and our fans in Sacramento at the state library.�

The California State Library gave an $11,000 grant, the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation wrote a check for $156,000, and the Friends of the Library presented a final check for $240,800.

Cowell said they will use the $11,000 from the state for homework-help software, which provides live, online tutorials for students.

— Joanna Clay