Friends of the Alameda Free LibraryMinutes of Meeting, November 21, 2005President Molly Skeen called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm in room 360 of City Hall. Members in attendance were Molly Skeen, Gertrude Woods, Peter Woods, Marilyn Ng, John Quick, Kate Quick, Marc Lambert, Jane Chisaki, Richard Kolberg, Li Volin, Donna Vaughn, Shelley Reed, and Chris Christopher. Minutes of Previous MeetingCopies of the minutes of the October meeting were distributed and approved. Treasurer's ReportJohn Quick (Treasurer) presented the financial report for November 2005. A copy of the complete report is attached to these minutes. Our total net worth was reported to be $225,309.31. John is investigating (1) insurance requirements for members of non-profit, volunteer organizations who participate in group activities; and (2) audit requirements. Membership ReportPeter Woods (Membership Chair) reported that memberships paid through 2005 total 123 and 106 (8 new) through 2006. Five memberships are paid through 2007. Book SaleGertrude Woods (Book Sale Co-chair) reported that the October book sale was very successful. Approximately 800 boxes of books were brought to the sale. All books unsold at the end of Sunday were picked up by St. Vincent de Paul. The assistance of the Encinal High School students was extremely useful and much appreciated. The problem of the accumulation of so-called "second rate" books was discussed at some length. Donated books always include a significant proportion of paperback fiction, Book Club selections, and other types of books and items that the book sale coordinators consider not worth bringing to the sale. In the past, the Junior Friends members conducted periodic sales of these books, but now that this group is inactive, these materials are accumulating. A number of suggestions were advanced, including selling them in bulk in sealed
boxes. A number of such sealed boxes have been sold at the donation site on Oak Street.
This practice might possibly be expanded and even advertised. A suggestion that some
number of these books be sold in sealed boxes at each book sale got a mixed response.
The only other alternative seems to be sending them to a recycling center. The next book sale is scheduled for May 5, 6, and 7, 2006. Library Building Team ReportNo new information; visit web cam: http://www.ci.alameda.ca.us/library/webcam.html Newsletter ReportMarc Lambert reported that the January newsletter be issued Tuesday, January 3. BALIS ReportMarc Lambert reported that the BALIS (Bay Area Library Information System) group is
analyzing the implications of the special election and reminded us that Marc's term ends
in June 2006, at which time a new representative from Alameda will be needed. Library Director's ReportJane Chisaki (Interim Director of the AFL) reported on construction progress for the new library, which is still on time and budget. The roof decking is complete except for the barrel vault roofs. Brickwork is scheduled to begin in December. Jane also reported on Library Foundation activities. A "Sneak Peak Gala" fund-raiser is being planned. Tickets will probably be $100-$200. During the extensive discussion, several members in attendance expressed some concern about the Foundation's ability to fulfill its purpose successfully. The Grand Opening for the new library is currently scheduled for November 2, 2006 at
11:00am. Old BusinessChris Christopher reported on improvements made recently to the proposed new Friends web site and gave information about hosting and domain name services. Marilyn Ng reported on her extensive research into ordering a stock of Friends book bags, which could be sold at book sales and at the library. Marilyn and Molly Skeen volunteered to review all the possibilities and present a recommendation at the January meeting. Molly reported that Susannah Hnilo has volunteered to be the new library bulletin board coordinator. Peter Woods reported on the status of a new membership card mailer to be stocked at the library. Respectfully submitted, |
