Friends of the Alameda Free Library

Minutes of Meeting, April 17, 2006

President Molly Skeen called the meeting to order at 7:30pm in room 360 of City Hall. Members in attendance were Molly Skeen, Peter Woods, Gert Woods, Beth Sibley, Kate Quick, John Quick, Lynda Graham, Claudia Fenelon, Liz Rogers, Adair Jorgensen, Bob Jorgensen, Sheila Anderson, Richard Kolberg, Marilyn Ng, and Chris Christopher.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

Copies of the February and March 2006 minutes were reviewed and approved with one correction. The next meeting will be May 15, 2006.

Treasurer's Report

John Quick (Treasurer) reported that he and Molly are still investigating the insurance issues. Molly reported that she and Richard Kolberg, as members of the Audit Committee met to evaluate the Friends financial procedures. They developed the attached recommendations which were distributed to everyone at the meeting. Molly suggested that a discussion of the recommendations be scheduled for the May meeting.

Membership Report

Peter Woods (Membership Chair) reported that the Friends have a total of 27 new members, with 207 paid through 2006.

Book Sale

Adair Jorgensen passed around a sign-up sheet for the May sale. Gertrude Woods reported that they have approximately 1000 boxes of donated books are on hand for the May sale. Adair also reported that contacted the firefighters about helping to transport books from storage to the O'Club. Molly reported that articles are being prepared for presale publicity.

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

Newsletter Report

Marc Lambert was not present, but advised members by email that the March newsletter deadline is Friday, 4/21/06.

BALIS Report

Molly Skeen reminded us of the upcoming workshop sponsored by BALIS and PLS SAB (Peninsula Library System System Advisory Board) entitled "Booksales and Beyond-Winning Ideas for Library Fundraising." The workshop will be held Saturday, April 29, 2006 from 9am to 11:30am at the San Francisco Public Library in the Latino Hispanic B Room (100 Larkin St.-enter through Grove St. door). Please RSVP to Kathy Krause (krause@plsinfo.org).

Library Director's Report

Jane Chisaki (Interim Director of the AFL) could not attend, but sent Molly a written report.

Library Legislative Day is April 26. The deadline for preregistration is April 19. Jane will be attending with Ruth Belikove and Dr. Alan Mitchell. Marilyn Ashcraft is trying to get a council member to accompany her.

The installation of the library medallions has been postponed due to the rainy weather. Yuki Nagase, our artist, hasn't been able to seal the stone, and the ground is too soft to support the forklift required for transportation and installation. The installation will be rescheduled for May. The construction schedule is progressing on schedule. The bids for furniture are due late this week. The first of three technology bids is also due this week. Proposition 81: The "Yes for Libraries" group is asking for endorsements from library support groups and other community groups. The members voted to send a letter of endorsement for

Prop. 81. Sample endorsement forms, promotional materials, guidelines for 501c3 groups can be found at www.yesforlibraries.com. The Library Board voted at their April 12 meeting to support Prop 81 and asked the City Council to vote for a Resolution of Support for the proposition, which will be on the May 2 Council agenda. There are only six weeks until the primary election.

The Library Director recruitment will open May 1 and be open for applications until the end of May. A selection will most likely be made by the end of June. Jane expressed thanks for the Friends' letter encouraging the expedited recruitment of a permanent Library Director.

Jane reminded us she will assist with sale setup at the O'Club on Friday morning, May 5. Jane will try to get one more plug for the book sale into her column the week of the sale. She also put information about the book sale on the front of the library web page including a link with directions to the O'Club. There is also a little blurb about the unsorted boxes of books for sale from the Children's Library basement..

Old Business

New Web Site: Chris Christopher reported on updates to the new web site and proposed improvements. Check it out: http://eonweb.com/library/index.htm.

New Library Gala: Marilyn Ng reported that the Foundation has organized several groups have begun work on planning for the Gala. Advance tickets will be sold for $75. Tickets at the door will be $100.

Grand Opening: Molly reported reported that the Grand Opening Event is scheduled for Thursday, November 2. There will be speakers, ribbon cutting, refreshments, and tours by docents. On Saturday, November 4, there will be an open-house, which will be geared to families.

Café in the Library: Molly reported that members who volunteered to develop a plan for the café in the new library met to discuss plans. Barbara Mooney, who has owned a cafe in the past, is serving as an advisor.

Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee presented a slate of officers for consideration at the May meeting. The slate is: Molly Skeen, President; Richard Kohlberg, Vice President; John Quick, Treasurer; Chris Christopher, Recording Secretary; and Sheila Anderson, Corresponding Secretary.

New Business

Molly proposed formation of a committee to review the Friends Bylaws and make recommendations and another committee to develop a plan to boost membership. Marilyn Ng and Chris Christopher volunteered to serve on the Membership Committee. Molly will recruit for the Bylaws Committee.

Respectfully submitted,
Chris Christopher
Recording Secretary