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Historian/State Librarian Lauds Julian In Talk
by Bobbi Zane
When people ask where’s Julian, let them come and see your new library."
That timely advice was offered by former California State Librarian and eminent historian Kevin Starr to a gathering of Friends of the Julian Library on April 2. The presentation held at the Junior Theater in the high school concluded a day in which Dr. Starr visited Julian’s historic sites, took a hard-hat tour of the Julian Library, now under construction at the high school, and shared his impressions of Julian with the community.
It’s fitting that Dr. Starr got one of the early walk-throughs of the library, scheduled to open in the fall. He chaired the State of California Bond Act committee that granted most of the money needed to build a new 9,500-square-foot library to replace the tiny schoolhouse that has served as the town’s library.
The Julian library will be the first to be completed under the State of California’s voter-approved Proposition 14 grant program. "Julian’s application was completed so beautifully that it rose right to the top," Dr. Starr reported. Julian received $3.8 million dollars along with a challenge to raise about $1.33 million locally for the construction. The goal was reached last summer.
An historian and author of nine books on California history, Dr. Starr praised Julian’s historic
presence. "Think of the history that incorporates the California experience," he urged, ticking off the names that are part of Julian’s story: DeAnza, the Spanish and Mexican governors, finally Julian as a mining center. "You find that history everywhere in the community, at Town Hall, the Pioneer and Automobile museums and soon to be in the public library. It continues to be important to pay attention to the history that’s found in those buildings in order to preserve memories."
Dr. Starr was equally enthusiastic about the spirit and determination he found among the Julian residents he met during his visit. "I can’t contemplate the fire losses (you experienced). I met people who suffered from the fire, but I was humbled by their determination to (come back). That fire was a moral challenge and I admire you for meeting it. You give us all reason to be proud for your courage, bravery and grace" in the aftermath of such a horrible disaster. "You are a model, an example, of how Californians respond to the challenges" no matter where they come from.
Supervisor Dianne Jacob introduced Kevin Starr, noting that through his leadership funds were found for additional libraries to be constructed in San Diego County. Also offering remarks were San Diego County Librarian Marilyn Crouch and Pete Larson, president of the Julian Historic Society, host of Dr. Starr’s tour of the town,
Sandra Dijkstra, literary agent for Dr. Starr and Pine Hills homeowner, made arrangements for the librarian’s visit to Julian. "Dr. Starr is a friend of Julian. He helped us get money for the new library," she said.
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