The event commemorated the Award winning San Juan Capistrano Library’s 30th Anniversary with Gold Medal Architect Michael Graves who designed it. Sponsored in part by the AIA Orange County, the event benefited the Friends of the San Juan Capistrano Library; a volunteer organization responsible for raising awareness and support of this beautifully designed building.
The Library was designed in 1983 by the world renowned American architect Michael Graves. His artistry is evident by the use 
of various geometric shapes and columns throughout the library. and his masterful use of natural lighting radiates the many rooms, galleries, and hallways that define the uniqueness of this one of a kind Library.
Graves is identified as one of The New York Five, and was known first for his contemporary building designs and some prominent public commissions, including Denver Public Library, Resort Ville in Sentosa Singapore, and Disney 
Worlds Dolphin Resort in Orlando Florida. Since designing domestic products sold at Target stores in the United States, he has become more widely known.
The evening began with a docent lead guided tour of the San Juan Library and a narrative of its history and unusual designs, followed by a horse drawn carriage ride through historic downtown San Juan Capistrano. A member of the local Historical Society graciously shared the history of the mission founded by Junapero Serra in 1797, and the rich stories of the many old buildings and adobes in the downtown area. The ride concluded with a tour of the Los Rios Historic District which is an example of neighborhood life at the turn of the century and before, and is continuing as the oldest 
neighborhood in California. The Rios adobe has been handed down by generations of the Rios family who have occupied the adobe since 1794, which makes it the oldest continually occupied home in the western United States.
After a cheese, wine and appetizer reception serving local award winning wines from The Hamilton Oaks Winery, the guests were treated to a lecture by Michael Grave. Graves presented a slide show of his many designs and the long and rich history of his success in architecture and design for over 6 decades.