Edison High dedicates library in memory of beloved former teacher, principal

More than 100 guests arrived at Edison High School on Monday for the dedication of the Brian F. Garland Library – named in honor of a revered teacher and principal.

Garland started teaching in Chicago in 1963 and, in 1969, became one of Edison’s first history teachers. He served as principal from 1988 to 2002 – earning the title as the state’s principal of the year midway through, in 1995. He took a break from Edison at one point to serve as dean of students at the former Wintersburg Continuation High School, but everyone knew him as a loyal Charger.

“Even after he was principal here, he still came to football games and would sit by the field in his letterman jacket and beanie,” said D’liese Melendrez, who became Edison principal in 2005. “On our lawn, he planted a pine tree that was once his Christmas tree. He gave so many of his books to our library. That was his love for this school.”

Melendrez described Garland as a man who loved students and whom the students loved in return.

He spent years in local politics as well. Garland served on the Huntington Beach City School District board of trustees from 1975 to 2002. He then joined the Huntington Beach Union High School District board from 2002 until his death at age 71 in 2012.

Melendrez and the Garland family discussed naming an Edison facility after the beloved educator. They agreed the library would be the most fitting.

“My husband loved books,” recalled his widow, Elaine Garland. “He thought kids should always have books.”

To have the facility renamed, Melendrez and the family put forth the request to the high school district. The board of trustees later approved the request unanimously. The library officially attained its new name on July 1.

Outside the library, the dedication began with speeches from Melendrez, high school district board President Susan Henry and Supt. Greg Plutko. Garland’s colleague and friend Michael Shimpock and Elaine Garland also spoke.

“This library will continue his legacy,” Henry told the audience.

Before guests entered the library for refreshments, a plaque with Garland’s name and portrait was unveiled outside the doors.

By the library’s entrance, a corner on the left became a new reading space dedicated to Garland. One of the corner’s walls presents one of his favorite quotes: “It’s not what he gains that measures the worth of a man — but what he gives.”

The corner is now home to three green chairs and a bookshelf. Representatives of the city and high school districts, as well as retirees, attended.

Family was well-represented at the event. Along with Garland’s wife, his son Scott Garland, two brothers and three grandchildren went to the ceremony.

Scott Garland said he sees his family as a true Edison product.

Elaine Garland also taught at the school. And Scott and his sister, Deborah Biancur, graduated from Edison.

“My dad was here when the school was first opened,” Scott Garland said. “His love and his passion was being an Edison Charger.”