Huntington Beach city leaders approve 'MAGA' plaque for central library's 50th anniversary

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- The Huntington Beach Community and Library Services Commission approved a new "MAGA" plaque design to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the city's Central Library.

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The plaque features the "MAGA" acronym, but in the design, it stands for "Magical. Alluring. Galvanizing. Adventurous."

It also describes the library as being "a beacon of education, a catalyst for dreams, and a sanctuary for children to feel safe, valued, and free to grow."

The city told Eyewitness News the item will be on next Tuesday's City Council agenda for their approval.

"MAGA" is widely associated with President Donald Trump. His "Make America Great Again" slogan was the basis of his presidential campaigns.

Meanwhile, the Friends of the Huntington Beach Library group, a nonprofit organization that helps raise money for the library, shared a letter it sent to the commission, expressing its "strong disapproval" of the proposed plaque, saying it "undermines the very principles our beloved library stands for."

"The Huntington Beach Public Library is a cherished institution in our community, dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Our library is a sanctuary for learning, creativity, and cultural enrichment, serving people from all walks of life, regardless of their political beliefs or affiliations," read the letter. "The proposed plaque, however, carries a highly partisan and divisive connotation that is antithetical to the Library's values of neutrality and inclusivity."

"Celebrating the Central Library's 50th Anniversary should be an occasion that brings our community together, not one that promotes division and discord. Installing a plaque that has become synonymous with political controversy will only alienate a significant portion of our community and undermine the library's role as a neutral and inclusive institution."

The letter said that "taking funds for this plaque from the library maintenance budget is unacceptable."

"The Friends of the Library would be happy to donate an appropriate plaque to honor the 50th Anniversary of the Central Library, ensuring that maintenance funds are preserved for their intended purpose," the letter said.