Friends of the Alameda Free Library

Minutes of Meeting, June 20, 2005

President Molly Skeen called the meeting to order at 7:30 in room 360 of City Hall. Other members in attendance were Kate and John Quick, Chris Christopher, Archie Waterbury, Peter and Gert Woods, Jo Winzenread, Marc Lambert, Richard Kolberg, Lynda Graham, Donna Vaughn, Honora Murphy, Li Volin, Adair and Bob Jorgensen, Marilyn Ng, and Carol Stone.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the May meeting were read and approved. Molly asked for a volunteer to be the secretary for the September meeting, and Chris Christopher volunteered to do so.

Treasurer's Report

A copy of John Quick's complete report is attached to these minutes. Our net worth is about $219,000.

Membership Report

Pete Woods said that we have 226 members (including the Junior Friends) who have paid their dues through at least 2005, plus 60 who have paid only through 2004. We have 36 new members for 2005.

Junior Friends' Report

Jo Winzenread reported that the Junior Friends held a successful event at the BFI library on May 21. Five members were present, as well as about seven children. She may have found someone who can co-sponsor the group next year, but Molly pointed out that unless another co-sponsor is found, we may have to disband the group. Jo suggested that meetings be held after school rather than on Saturdays, which might increase attendance.

Book Sale

Adair brought a signup sheet for the coming sale, noting that no one has called her to volunteer, and this is a continuing problem. Molly said we may need to have a volunteer coordinator for future sales, as Adair and Gert should not have to bludgeon us into helping. Gert reported that more than 900 boxes of books are ready for the sale. Kate noted that the Alameda Sun said the sale would be at the Wood School, and that we need to put a sign and map there in order to direct people to the O Club. Molly said that Nancy Brandt has called the Sun to request a correction.

Library Building Team Report

Honora reported that the subcommittees are meeting and have appeared before the council. All work on the building is proceeding on schedule.

Newsletter Report

Marc requested that all material for the September newsletter be submitted by August 26. Molly plans to include a survey to find out what programs interest people, as she wants to increase participation. The survey will include a form for renewing membership. Donna suggested that addressed return envelopes be included.

BALIS Report

Nothing will happen at BALIS until September.

Library Director's Report

Susan Hardie could not attend but sent a report (a copy of which is attached). She noted that the council is unhappy with the policy for donations, and this is to be reviewed later. There have been no further reductions in the library's hours or budget.

Old Business

Jane Chisaki's request for funds for the summer reading program was brought up again. Honora said we need to have itemized budgets from everyone who requests funding. Gert moved we accept Jane's budget, Honora seconded, and all approved.

New Business

Jo suggested that we distribute materials at the book sale about our support of children's programs. Molly will provide a list of our projects, and Jo will make a poster for that purpose.

Chris reported on Internet book selling, which might be an addition to our regular book sales. Amazon or other sites can act as hosts, or we could have our own web site. Several members pointed out that for the Friends, there would be problems with sorting the books, posting the descriptions online, and filling the orders. We would need many volunteers and plenty of storage space. A long discussion of the pros and cons ensued, which Honora brought to a close by recommending that we consider this activity later, when we will have more storage space. Molly felt we should keep it in mind and not give up on the idea.

For the present, Chris suggested having a list of especially popular topics or books that could be set aside for possible online sale later. Li said this could be a way of dealing with many junk books, and some volunteers might be willing to spend time posting titles online.

Honora noted her alarm about a recent statement from the mayor, suggesting that a single person act as director of the library and of ARPD. Friends should lobby the council for a professional library director who has no other responsibilities. Donna also moved that Molly be allowed to attend any city meetings for this purpose over the summer. The motion was unanimously approved.

Notice of Coming Meetings

The next meeting will be on September 19.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Stone,
Former Secretary,
filling in one last time