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California Library Hall of Fame

Dr. Charles Monell, M.D.

Dr. Charles Monell, M.D. has demonstrated an exceptional record of leadership and dedication to California’s library community over more than four decades. He served with distinction as a member of the California Library Services Board from 1980 to 1994 — appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, Willie Brown — where he helped shape policy and funding priorities that strengthened library services statewide. He was also a founding board member of the California State Library Foundation, working to ensure that vital library programs, preservation efforts, and statewide initiatives would be supported for generations to come. At the local level, Dr. Monell chaired multiple building committees for the Rancho Mirage Public Library, leading efforts to plan, fund, and construct two modern library facilities, including the highly regarded library that opened in 2006. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in securing $2.7 million in state bond funding for the Cathedral City Library, directly expanding access for underserved residents in the Coachella Valley

The historical importance of Dr. Monell’s lifetime achievement is clear and lasting. His vision and strategic leadership have resulted in transformative library infrastructure that continues to serve thousands of California residents each year. By championing state funding opportunities and building strong partnerships with civic leaders, he helped demonstrate the impact that committed local advocates can have on securing sustainable support for public libraries. Beyond buildings and funding, Dr. Monell’s generous donations of his extensive personal collections — including rare Arthurian literature and U.S. Civil War history materials — to the Huntington Library and Rancho Mirage Library have preserved cultural treasures for public benefit and scholarly research. His tireless efforts have strengthened library services and inspired local communities to see libraries as essential community anchors.

Dr. Monell’s contributions have also had an important national impact. His work on the California Library Services Board helped develop state funding models and best practices that have influenced library infrastructure initiatives across the country. His leadership in forging public-private partnerships and promoting library philanthropy continues to serve as a model for library supporters nationwide. In recognition of his remarkable civic service, his accomplishments were honored in the Congressional Record with a senatorial special tribute in 2014 — a testament to his legacy beyond California’s borders.