Thomas J. Long Foundation visits Round Valley Library

Group of RV Supporters
Originally uploaded by Mendocino County Library

On Thursday morning, Oct. 2, The Friends of the Round Valley Public Library hosted a site visit with the Thomas J. Long Foundation of Walnut Creek. An application was submitted to the Foundation in August, requesting $75,000, to be applied to construction costs for the new library. The visit was part of the process of evaluation, although not every applicant is given this opportunity. The Foundation was represented by Bob Coakley, Executive Director and two trustees, Sidney Long and Hank Delevati, while the Friends were represented by most of the Executive Board, active members, community members and the County Head Librarian, Melanie Lightbody, and her new Assistant County Librarian, John Bishop. The Foundation folks asked many good questions pertaining to progress of raising the funding, construction plans and timelines, the status of an MOU with the County and the level of community support. Sidney Long, daughter of Thomas Long, who grew up in Covelo, enjoyed talking with the community about local history. The interaction was very positive and friendly, and the meeting ended with a clear statement from the two trustees, that they are impressed with our group and with the project. They will report their findings and opinion to the larger Board in late November when our request will be considered along with approximately 150 others. Notification is expected by mid-December.

~Diann Simmons