By Sue Hotz

VOLUNTEERS: What would we do without our SCFOL/library volunteers? Erma Bombeck once described a dream in which our nation’s volunteers sailed away to other lands. Hospitals, libraries, schools and nonprofits came to a standstill. Between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2014, SCFOL volunteers donated 4,427 hours — that’s equivalent to four and a half free employees. Thank you, one and all.

We welcome a new SCFOL Volunteer Chair, Lee Ottman. This energetic lady, who will be updating our volunteer database, is asking all volunteers to complete the Volunteer Application Form found on our website or at the library. Return applications, “attention volunteer chair,” to the library or to [email protected].

“We need to be ready for the new library, and will rely on the experience and dedication of those volunteers who have been so loyal,” Lee says. “I look forward to meeting each of you, and of course, we always welcome new volunteers.”

LIBRARY CLOSURE: You’ve heard that the San Carlos Branch Library is temporarily closed? Keep updated at www.sancarlosfriendsofthelibrary.org. Here are some answers to questions we’ve been receiving:

• American Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades are being done inside and out. They may take up to three months to complete, but we anticipate reopening on Friday, April 3.
• We will only be closed while the inside work is in progress. Outside work will continue — much of which will be by the west entrance. During that time, handicapped library access will be relocated to the library’s emergency exit, which is located on the building’s northeast side.
• There will be no April 4 book sale.

• 

  Do not drop off any materials at the branch during its closure. You may return books to any branch library. The closest branches are Benjamin Library and College Rolando Library.

• Books that have been put on reserve at our branch may be picked up at the Benjamin Library. All reserves will be held until we reopen on Friday, April 3.
• Items checked out at the San Carlos Branch, not due before March 7, are due on April 3. They may be returned to any branch library. Items checked out at other branches are due as marked.
• Renew items online or by calling the renewal line at 619-236-5858. Have your library card number handy.
• San Carlos Branch Library mail will be held at the post office until April 3. SCFOL memberships mailed in March will not be acknowledged until late April.

ESSAY CONTEST: The San Carlos Branch Award Ceremony for the 18th annual Writing for Literacy Essay Contest will be held at the library on April 8, at 6 p.m. Rita and Bill Glick, and Patti and Barbara Woodall (chair), judged the 211 locally submitted essays. Fourth grade winners from Kim Filner’s Benchley-Weinberger’s class are George Palmer, Maz Reeder and Eric Remiker; from Erin Keegan’s Dailard class, Nicolette Hays; from Green Elementary’s Sylvia Anderson’s class, Klanna Kotas; from Susan Barrett’s class, Yusef McCaskill, and from Louise Volpe’s class, Logan McKerring. PHHS 10th grade winners from Wendy Lange’s class are Halley Broderick, Katie Flato and Lina Zavala. All will read their essays and be awarded prizes on April 8. Lina Zavala’s and Nicolette Hay’s essays will represent San Carlos in the citywide contest.

ADULT PROGRAMS:

April 7 – 30: Art by Pam Nolan and Teresa Rutledge will be on display in the Winer Family Community Room & Art Gallery. Meet them at their Artist Reception on April 18, from noon – 2 p.m.

The Librarian’s Book Club on April 9 is reading “The March,” by E.L. Doctorow.

Self-defense classes resume April 16 at 10:30 a.m.

We have two OASIS programs scheduled: April 16 at 1 p.m. is “Recording Your Life’s Journey,” presented by Kira Anthofer, and April 17 at 1 p.m., “In Defense of the Book,” presented by Mark Carlson.

YOUTH PROGRAMS:

STEAM2 discusses “Farm Science” on April 8 and 22 at 3 p.m. All regularly scheduled programs resume on Friday, April 3. Check for updates at www.sancarlosfriendsofthelibrary.org.

—Sue Hotz is a board member and the publicity chair for the San Carlos Friends of the Library.