Friends of the Alameda Free Library

Minutes of Meeting, January 23, 2006

President Molly Skeen called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm in room 360 of City Hall. Members in attendance were Molly Skeen, Archie Waterbury, Sheila Anderson, Gertrude Woods, Peter Woods, Marilyn Ng, John Quick, Kate Quick, Marc Lambert, Jane Chisaki, Richard Kolberg, Lynda Graham, Adair Jorgensen, Donna Vaughn, and Chris Christopher.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

Copies of the minutes of the November 2005 meeting were distributed and approved.

Treasurer's Report

John Quick (Treasurer) presented the financial report for November 2005 and reported on a number of minor issues he is investigating.

Membership Report

Peter Woods (Membership Chair) was unable to report exact membership figures due to a problem with his computer file, which he is hoping to resolve by the next meeting.

Book Sale

Gertrude Woods (Book Sale Co-chair) reviewed the Friends' tradition of awarding a $500 honorarium to the Alameda Park and Recreation Department for the use of the O'Club and to the Alameda Firefighters Association for assisting in moving books from storage to the O'Club. It was moved and approved that these honoraria be awarded for every sale without separate approvals at the monthly business meetings. Gert will notify John Quick to send the honoraria after each sale.

The accumulation of so-called "second rate" books was discussed again. The volunteers are selling sealed boxes of these books at the donation site on Oak Street. It was suggested that the availability of these books be advertised, at least to members.

The next book sale is scheduled for May 5, 6, and 7, 2006.

Library Building Team Report

No new information; visit web cam: http://www.ci.alameda.ca.us/library/webcam.html

Newsletter Report

Marc Lambert noted that the deadline for the February newsletter would be January 31.

BALIS Report

Marc Lambert reported that the BALIS (Bay Area Library Information System) group February workshop is up in the air because a location hasn't been finalized. The state-wide bond measure will total $600 million for library construction. He reminded us again that his term ends in June 2006, at which time a new representative from Alameda will be needed.

Library Director's Report

Jane Chisaki (Interim Director of the AFL) reported that construction progress for the new library is approximately 60% complete and still on time and on budget.

The "Day in the District" event is scheduled for February 3 and offers a chance to meet and speak with state representatives.

Jane also reported on Library Foundation activities. The "Sneak Peak Gala" fund-raiser is being planned and a variety of themes and approaches are being considered. One of the issues discussed concerned the suggestion that the Foundation and the Friends share responsibility and also the proceeds from the Sneak Peak event. After extensive discussion, it was decided that the Sneak Peak fund raiser should be the sole responsibility of the Foundation, while the Open House Gala should be sponsored by the Friends. Marilyn Ng volunteered to continue to represent the Friends at the Foundation meetings. President Molly Skeen also attends the Foundation meetings.

The Grand Opening for the new library is currently scheduled for November 2, 2006 at 11:00am.

Old Business

Chris 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 presented recommendations for the type of tote bag to be ordered, and colors and artwork were approved Chris Christopher volunteered to provide artwork for the bag.

It was noted that it is time to begin organizing volunteers to staff the Grand Opening event for the new library and the Café in the Library.

Respectfully submitted,
Chris Christopher
Acting Secretary