Friends of the Fullerton Public Library Book Sale. Photo by David Lynch

Fullerton Public Library before it became the Fullerton Library. Photo courtesy of Fullerton Public Library History Room

BOOK ‘EM

We were sent this photo of the Friends of the Fullerton Public Library Book Sale that took place on February 10th. Incredibly, The Friends have been supporting the library since way back in 1961. We hear they had record sales this time, which is great news since all proceeds go to Library projects. This is a huge help when it comes to Children’s Services, something we can all celebrate.

Fullerton Public Library, Carnegie II

Our first library took form at The Gem Pharmacy downtown, which was a traveling library supported by private donations. In 1907, the first library building was erected on the northwest corner of Pomona and Wilshire Avenues (pictured). That building was torn down, and a new library was built on the site, which is now the Fullerton Museum Center. You will recognize that building. Nice photo, taken at the opening and supplied to us via the Local History Room; thanks. The building we all know now at 353 West Commonwealth was dedicated in 1973, later expanded in 1999, and in 2011, it re-opened after expanding once again.

Did you know that our library holds over 200,000 books, has a Café, the local history room we mentioned, a conference center, group study rooms, a computer lab, a children’s room, and a redesigned teen area? It really is one of our downtown treasures. Stop by soon.

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TITANS BASEBALL

As of Thursday, the 22nd, the Titans record stood at 2-1 after taking the opening series against Stanford. Monday’s game in San Jose was canceled due to rain. Our annual report on this year’s team will be in our next issue, and by then, we will have a better idea of how our local team will fare this season. We have not had a downtown parade to celebrate their College World Series win in some time, so will this year be the return? Go, Titans, an incredible legacy right here in our town.

Barranca

Our info about local rain and how it travels through town raised some eyebrows and questions; one question was the use of the term barranca. Heck, when we were growing up, some of our favorite places to explore were drainage ditches, at least that is what we all called them. Barranca sounds a lot more palatable, especially since that term describes what winds behind some pricey Fullerton homes. Nobody seems to know how the name came to be used here, but technically, it refers to a steep-sided ravine, gully, or gorge of varying width and depth, and they are a common feature in Southern California. That might be as close to an answer as we will get. Golfers are certainly familiar with them, as they are key features of many Golden Age courses. Bad golfers who attempt the Fullerton Golf Course are most familiar with them, and wayward golf balls are washed all the way to the Duck Pond and beyond. Fore!

Photo Quiz

Send an answer to Mike at AllMedia@sbcglobal.net

Last time: There was a really obvious hint this time: congratulations to reader Jon, who won a $25 gift certificate to Allison’s Goods by emailing the correct answer; the bike rack is in front of Hopscotch on Commonwealth.

This time: Where is this building?