1973
A major East Salinas branch library is proposed in February while in May the John Steinbeck Library opens its newly constructed wing, which adds 30,000 square feet. The Soroptimists purchase the Tom Fitzwater statue of John Steinbeck, which has been on display at the library since December of 1971, and donate it to the library.
1974
In April the “Basement” for young adults opens in the lower level of the new annex and the Steinbeck statue is placed on library grounds.
1975-1976
Library Director John Gross requests money to buy Steinbeck manuscripts and memorabilia. The Library Volunteer Program is initiated, and outreach to the homebound begins. After the annexation of Santa Rita in 1975, the population reaches 71,630.
1977
The Steinbeck Foundation is formed on Steinbeck’s birthday, and on November 6th the Steinbeck Room opens to display material from the expanding Steinbeck Archives.
1978
A new library friends group, Friends of the Salinas Public Library, also known as FOSPL, is formed. The group will prove an important library partner, raising money for the library, and working to pass tax measures to fund the library. The new Santa Lucia Library opens, replacing the store front location on Market Street.
1980
The first Steinbeck Festival is held. The Friends of the Salinas Public Library open the Steinbeck Boutique at the John Steinbeck Library to help purchase The Pearl manuscript. Many area residents and organizations finally buy The Pearl Manuscript for the Steinbeck Archives, “piece by piece.”
1982
Gordon Joblin of the Friends of the Salinas Public Library persuades MGM to hold the Cannery Row movie premiere in Salinas, on January 29th. Actress Debra Winger (Suzy) is photographed kissing the Steinbeck statue. Mayor Barnes proclaims Salinas the “capital of Steinbeck Country.” The population figure for Salinas is 82,633.
1983
The Salinas Public Library Steinbeck Archives Collection receives recognition in American Studies International Newsletter, along with Steinbeck Collections at Stanford and the Pierpont Morgan Library. Salinas’s population is recorded as 84,485.
1984
The Salinas Public Library is one of the 27 public libraries in California to receive seed money from the California Literacy Campaign. One of the most successful literacy programs in the state is underway.
1989
The John Steinbeck Library is closed for repairs to damage from the Loma Prieta Earthquake in October.