Betty Meltzer Reception
Betty had a stellar career as librarian and educator at Banning High School, then later she lectured as a celebrated co-author of books about the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Her circle of friends, colleagues and admirers continues to grow.
Before leaving The Pass, Betty gifted to Friends of Banning Library (FOBL) the art estate of her husband Robert Hiram Meltzer, AWS, who passed in 1987. Betty wishes for proceeds from the sale of Meltzer’s paintings to be used to support projects and programs produced by FOBL in our nonprofit work assisting Banning Library District.
FOBL is delighted with the task assigned to us by Betty Meltzer. We will be forever grateful to the entire Meltzer family for their gift of what we have titled The Meltzer Collection. FOBL and Banning Library District are now engaged in working with the paintings to fulfill Betty’s wishes.
FOBL is creating a permanent collection of paintings that will hang inside Banning Library for public view. Plans are underway to rotate Meltzer paintings on the Library walls. FOBL plans to develop a literacy curriculum with the paintings to launch our efforts to uplift fine art appreciation and art literacy in Banning and the surrounding San Gorgonio Pass.
Please come by Banning Library to view the painting of Betty now inside our special Meltzer Collection case. Stay to enjoy the services Banning Library offers and relax in the wonderful atmosphere of this newly renovated space.
- Gae Rusk, President
Friends of Banning Library
