Those who donate their time to the Friends of the Beverly Hills Public Library were honored last week at the group’s annual volunteer thank you luncheon. Friends President Charlotte Hill-Skura welcomed volunteers and board members, as well as Mayor Barry Brucker, Councilman, John Mirisch, City Manager Jeff Kolin, Director of Community Services Steve Zoet and Human Services Administrator Jim Latta. Marketing Supervisor Ellen Prager represented Whole Foods Beverly Hills , which has contributed to Friends through its “Community 5% Days” program. The Beverly Hills High School Madrigals  were on hand to entertain at the luncheon. Hunt-Coffey praised the Friends, adding that all monies raised by the bookstore and membership drives go dollar-for-dollar to programs, including the Friends Reading Group facilitated by Judith Palarz. Assistant Director of Community Services Nancy Hunt-Coffey also commended the City Council for its recent approval of funding for library renovations and an expansion of the children’s area.  It was, however, not all was good news at the event. Hunt-Coffey said that the library lost $175,000 due to recent state budget cuts—with the adult literary program losing $55,000. If you would like to volunteer with the Friends of the Beverly Hills Public Library to help raise funds for library programs, call 310-288-2286 for more information. Be sure to follow Beverly Hills Patch on  Twitter  and “Like” us on  Facebook . Read the rest here: Library Honors Volunteers at Thank You Luncheon