If you are interested in this paid position, please send your resume to

Ann McDonald, FSDPL President

3193 Park Blvd

San Diego, CA 92103-2510

or email her at [email protected].

Interested persons should have retail management and buying experience.

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March, 2013

I want to thank those of you who have renewed your Membership in the Friends of the Library for 2013. Please help us encourage new memberships.  Your support is very important.

Some of you may wonder, what does your membership mean to the library?  Here are some of the ways your commitment makes a difference:

• As the saying goes, there is strength in numbers.  As many of you know we are actively advocating for a new library in San Carlos.   As we approach potential donors and the city council, it is important that we can demonstrate the community interest and need for the new building.
• Until such time as we have a new building, we must maintain our current library.  There are limited city/public funds available to upgrade the libraries, so the Friends have taken on this responsibility.  Last year we purchased new tables and chairs to make our environment more comfortable and friendly, as well as an awing for the out door portion of the Book Sales, and new signage out front.
• This year we hope to upgrade our Children’s Area to make it more user friendly for our young patrons.
• Your dues support the very important youth activities, such as the Essay Contest and the Summer Reading Program.  These programs are so important to help teach our youth the value of the library and how it can help improve their educational experience.

On January 9, 2014, the San Carlos Library will celebrate its 40^th Anniversary.  This year, in recognition of this occasion, SCFOL is planning several events to highlight the important value the San Carlos Library has had to our community.  Please log onto our Web site often so that you will be the first to know when these special events are scheduled.

I hope that each of you will want to become an active member of the Friends.  A variety of opportunities are available to you.  For example:

• Offer to help at the Book Sales.  We can always use more volunteers to set up the sale, break it down, cashier, sort and categorize the books which are donated for the book sales.  Remember to donate your own used books, and check out our selections before you purchase new books.
• Help develop a “Nook” area for the Friends.
• Become a member of the Events committee, which will be planning the 40^th Anniversary as well as future fund raising activities.
• Offer to help with our advocacy efforts for a new library.
• Assist with the development and distribution of the Newsletter and publicity fliers.  We need someone to help submit on-line publicity to a variety of venues.
• Attend the programs (OASIS, speakers, art exhibits, hobby groups, exercise classes, and book club meetings) that are being held at the library and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same.

You are always welcome to attend and participate in the Board Meetings held at 4:00 pm on the third Wednesday of each month in the Community Room.  We would welcome your input and support.  You are important to us; become an active SCFOL member this year.

Judy Williams, President

San Carlos Friends of the Library,

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March 2013

The new San Diego Central Library will open in July 2013.  I am serving on the Oversight Committee for the Library Shop at the new downtown site.  The Library Shop will be a museum-style gift shop as well as serving as a neighborhood bookstore–featuring an eclectic selection of interesting new titles including contemporary fiction, history, philosophy, and humor.  Greeting cards and a large selection of paper ephemera will also be part of the mix.  In addition, works by local artists and craftspeople will be offered.

The Library Shop is being jointly sponsored and funded by the citywide Friends of the San Diego Public Library and the San Diego Library Foundation.  It will be located at the main entrance of the new building.

I hope that you and your friends will help spread the word about this exciting project.  It will be a wonderful place to purchase gifts for friends and family.  All proceeds from sales go to benefit the library system.  In addition, you might want to purchase a brick with your name or your family’s name.  These pavers will be placed in the patio and entrance of the new library.  Prices are $150, $500 or $1,000.  For more information or to purchase online, visit www.supportmylibrary.org.

Ann

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER, 2012 ANNUAL MEETING OF SCFOL

This has been a good year for the San Carlos library as well as the library system as a whole.  The San Diego libraries have been given back some of the hours that had been taken away earlier in the year. They are now able to be open six days a week.  Another of this year’s important milestones was that one of our favorite people, Rita Glick, was reassigned to the San Carlos library as our branch’s Managing Librarian. The Friends could not be happier.  We are also pleased that the San Carlos library is now fully staffed.  That does not mean the work of our volunteers is not needed or that it is not fully appreciated.  Every hour a volunteer spends helps to make the library a more user-friendly place for people to gather.

This past year the Friends began a concerted effort to highlight the need for a new San Carlos Branch Library.  Unfortunately, to date, our efforts have not resulted in the stated goal; but we will continue meeting with our elected officials throughout the coming year to encourage them to move ahead with our building plans.

With the funds from our monthly book sales, annual dues and other donations, the Friends have been able to assist the library in obtaining some much-needed upgrades to the present facility.  The Friends donations and Matching Funds have allowed Rita to purchase six new tables and forty new chairs to replace ones that were beyond renewal or repair.  New shelving is now in place for the CD and DVD collections, making it much easier to peruse and locate the items.   You will also notice a bright new sign for the library at the entrance of the parking lot.  We also purchased new furniture for the staff lounge and a new flagpole.  In addition to the larger items there have been many small items donated to the library including a digital camera and friendly decorations in the Children’s Corner.  The Friends support the Annual Essay contest for 4^th, 8^th, and 10^th ganders, as well as the Summer Reading program–just to mention a few other ways your dollars have helped the library stay vibrant and active.  Thank you everyone. You have all had a part in these efforts. 

One of the hardest parts of my job this year was to accept the resignation of our long term monthly Used Book Sale Chairperson, Jim Shields.  I am so pleased that in his emeritus position he continues to offer wonderful leadership and support to those who are trying to fill his shoes.  I will be forever indebted to him for his continuing help.  Thank you so much, Jim. 

Two other projects were considered this past year.  First, was a Farmers Market that would have been held in the parking lot at the library.  It became clear that the City’s support was not there which would have been needed to move this project forward.  Second, was a Reading Garden at the rear of the library.  The idea was grand, the cost was just too much for us to consider.

I want to thank all of the Board members for their support and encouragement over this past year.  It has been a pleasure working with all of you.

I would like to set the following goals for us to work toward this coming year

• Increase our membership
• Increase our income and donations
• Continue to advocate for a new library at the San Carlos site
• Identify a person(s) to head a Fund Raising Committee

Judy Williams,  President, SCFOL

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August, 2012

The Summer Reading Program is in full swing.  The attendance at the branches has been excellent and almost overwhelming in a few cases with up to 300 children and adults present at one program!  We at the Friends are delighted that so many young people are developing an interest in reading and finding pleasure in doing so.  The Summer Reading Program is just one of the activities that the FSDPL sponsor which  helps pay  for the entertainers and prizes.

The City’s economic recovery has allowed hours to be restored to all branch and Central libraries.  In June the branch libraries restored 5 Monday hours.  In September another three hours will be added.  The restoration of hours has allowed the Library to hire additional employees and staff.  Of course, this will help restore and expand Library programs and for this we are grateful.

The new Central Library project is progressing on time and within budget!  This is quite an accomplishment in today’s world.  The iconic dome has been completed.  In my opinion, the dome will become the icon that San Diego has been searching for!  The building is handsome as well as functional!  I can’t wait until the grand opening in July 2013.

The Annual Meeting of the FSDPL will be held on Saturday, September 8^th, at the Mission Valley Library.  Doors will open at 9:00 a.m. for refreshments.  The meeting will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers from each branch will be honored.  This year as an added attraction three winning essays from the city-wide contest will be read by the authors.  Officers for the 2012-2013 year will be elected.  Excitement is in the air as the new Central Library nears completion.  Come hear the latest details.  The official opening is planned for next summer.  All Friends are invited and encouraged to attend! Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 4 at the Friends’ office at 619-542-1724 or email [email protected]

Our libraries are busier than ever, so drop by to check out yours!

Ann McDonald, FSDPL President

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 Several times recently, I have heard it said, “With the advent of the technological age, libraries may no longer be relevant.”  But, is this true?  NO, it is not!  The research is showing just the opposite.  In the first decade of the 21^st century, as the Internet is reaching into almost every area of American life, libraries are vital and bustling.  Nationally, library visits per capita rose by 24 percent and circulation was up about the same.

Despite the Internet, libraries are persisting and thriving.  There are probably many reasons, but several immediately come to mind.  It may be that the person desires the peace and quiet the library offers for reading, research or study.  Another may come for the social contact or intellectual stimulation they enjoy participating in the library’s varied programs and activities.  In these difficult economic times, the library serves as a major resource center for job and community resource searches, internet use, and entertainment. The environment is safe, convenient and most of all, FREE to the public; a place where you don’t have to buy anything, can enjoy all it has to offer, and can stay as long as you like.  During your visit, you may even learn something—the knowledge of the whole world is at your fingertips! 

The San Carlos library is one of those safe and peaceful places where people can just go and feel comfortable.  I want to highlight some of the activities that our friends and neighbors in the San Carlos area will be able to participate in this summer.

• The Children’s Summer Reading Program
• Story Time for our Preschoolers
• Chair Yoga for those of us who need to be gentle to our bodies
• ZUMBA for those who have more energy
• Children’s Yoga for the younger set
• Wii Gaming
• The Speakers Series, with a variety of topics
• The Book Sale on the first Saturday of every month
• The Art Exhibits which change monthly
• The Librarian’s Book Club

I hope all of you will take advantage of these wonderful activities and join us as often as you can during this summer.  Also remember as the days get hotter, your Library has been designated as a COOL ZONE, so fell free to come in with your writing materials, books or needle work and escape the hot part of the day.

I also want to remind you that we have a wonderful library staff at San Carlos.  They are more than willing to help and assist you in finding books and materials, or how to access the Internet or other questions you might have.

Finally, I want to recognize Lubert Jones, who passed away recently.  Lou was a faithful and dedicated Book Sale volunteer.  He assisted each month after the book sales by helping to transport excess book sale materials to other Friends groups for sale at their branch libraries..  Lou enjoyed and looked forward each month to contributing his volunteer time at the library.  He will be missed by all of us who knew and worked with him.

I’m looking forward to seeing each of you at one of our wonderful summer activities.  Relax, read, and enjoy!

 Judy Williams, President

 San Carlos Friends of the Library

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 In February Ann McDonald was elected President of the Friends of the San Diego Public Library (FSDPL), the citywide Friends group that works to promote all city library branches and the Central Library.  The Friends group focuses on the needs of the system rather than just the needs of one individual branch library. CONGRATULATIONS, ANN, we know that the Friends are in good hands!

Ann, who served as President of the San Carlos Friends of the Library for ten years, has served as Director of the FSDPL for 3 years and has been in charge of the essay contest for the San Carlos Library for 13 years.  She has been an advocate for our library system for years writing letters and speaking at City Council meetings.                       

Ann states that the top priorities for the city-wide organization include:

*Continued advocacy for the library system in the city’s budget.  Recently, Mayor Sanders announced that branch libraries would be open 41 hours instead of the present 36 hours.  That increase would enable branches to be open 6 days a week instead of the present 5 days a week.

*Continuation of the monthly Friends Presidents meetings.  These gatherings bring presidents of the local Friends groups together to share news and ideas.  San Carlos President Judy Williams attends the meetings monthly and “is always a great participant,” Ann notes.

*Increasing Friends membership.  While there are now approximately 4,000 Friends members throughout the city, “I think we should have many more,” Ann notes.  Through membership in San Carlos Friends, local residents are included in the citywide Friends group.  Some residents belong to more than one Friends group.

*The ongoing FSDPL book sale held at the University Heights branch library.  The sale includes more than 20,000 volumes.  It’s like shopping in a library with the books in catalog order on the shelves.  The sale runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the third Saturday of every month.

*Continue support of the annual city-wide Essay Contest.  The essay contest was begun in San Carlos 15 years ago by Jack Winer, former San Carlos President and FSDPL President.

*Honoring the memory of John McAllister, Past President of the Friends who died in December by:

• Establishing a John McAllister STAFF SCHOLARSHIP.  Annually, provide one educational scholarship (up to $500) and one or more conference scholarships (up to $500) for library staff.
• Provide funding for CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS to be offered to the branches, with first priority to Linda Vista and North Clairemont Branches where John was so active.
• Expansion of our Friends WEBSITE to have links to book sale updates, chapter web sites, library, foundation and events calendars.
• Virtual recognition (on the website) for LIBRARY HEROES, people who have given $1,000 (exclusive of membership) through the Friends or those who have given 1000 hours.
• Contribute $1000 to the new CENTRAL LIBRARY.

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My congratulations to the San Carlos library essay contest winners.  I was quite impressed with each of the presented essays, as they were thought provoking and well written.  We have at least two candidates who have been selected to present their works at the citywide Essay competition.  We know you will do well and we will be there to support you all the way.  

I want to thank all of you who have renewed or become members of the San Carlos Friends of the Library so far this year.  There is definitely strength in membership.  I would also like to encourage you to enlist your friends and/or neighbors to join you in your support and also become a Friend of the San Carlos Library.

We would all like to welcome back RITA GLICK as our Branch’s Managing Librarian, and thank Eric Chamberlin for stepping into that position while still performing his Youth Services Librarian duties.  Rita bring lots of energy and know-how to the position.  Hope you can stay a lot longer this time, Rita!

As a reminder, your support helps the Friends to continue a wide variety of programs at the library; such as local artists showing their work, community authors sharing their books and stories, the OASIS and other speaker programs on a variety of relevant topics, the essay contest, and of course, our famous monthly Used Book Sale.  Through the City of San Diego’s matching fund program, SCFOL also supports the summer reading program, family films and Wii gaming, yoga and Zumba classes.  We purchase newly released books & Great Courses DVDs for member rental.  These things will not happen without your support, finances and encouragement.

The Friends are currently evaluating several library enhancement ideas including some new shelving and furniture. Tell us what you think of these ideas, and let us know of any other suggestions you may have for improving your library experience.  You can e-mail me at [email protected]. We meet at the library on the third Wednesday of each month.  

            Judy Williams,

          President, SCFOL

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With the exception of the position of Chairman/President, all other chairpersons have agreed to continue on in their present positions.  Below, you will find a short biography of Judy Williams, who has graciously agreed to join the board in the position of President.  Her administrative experience and personal interests well suit her for this assignment. She has been attending SCFOL Board meetings during the past year and has become acquainted  with the needs of our branch library.   Please help us welcome her in September.

Born and raised in Arizona, I moved to San Diego over twenty years ago.  Following graduation from the University of Arizona, I spent the early years of marriage raising a family.  We have two adult children, one of whom lives here in San Diego and the other in Michigan.

When I decided to enter the work force, my career began as the Executive Director of a new social service program working with runaway and homeless youth.  This position gave me valuable training in operating and managing social service programs including grant writing, budget management and community education.  Prior to moving to San Diego I was hired as the Marketing Director of a Psychiatric Hospital in Tucson and from there was offered a promotion at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital in Chula Vista as their Assistant Administrator.  Prior to retiring, I held the position of Vice President of Prevention and Early Intervention programs at the Vista Hill Foundation.

I have found retirement to be very rewarding as it offers me time to explore new adventures and to give back to the community in many ways.  Until recently, I was a senior volunteer at Grossmont College’s Child Development Center.  I enjoyed sharing my love of reading with young children just learning the joy of stories and books.  This led me to the library system which I find so important and valuable to all ages in our community.

I am fortunate to have a wonderful and supportive husband, Mike Lugo, who encourages me to stay busy and active.  At this time he is on his own adventure in Seoul, Korea where he is working for a large architectural firm helping to develop their International Architectural Specification.

I hope everyone in our community will join me in supporting the SCFOL through membership in the Friends of the Library, and volunteering at the library.  It will be my pleasure to serve the community and library as the new SCFOL President in September, 2011.

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