by Sue Hotz

November is the month we give thanks. We are thankful for our families and friends, and for all of life’s good things as well as the daily challenges we face –– for they make us stronger. We are thankful for the five years of leadership and friendship Managing Librarian Rita Glick gave us. We honored her with a Halloween potluck and library patrons had a chance to say their goodbyes in the Chat Room on Nov. 5. Her support of the branch’s 40th anniversary celebration year (yarn bombing, 40th Gala, Family Fun Day, craft sales), and her good nature during the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reconstruction, will never be forgotten. We wish her a fun-filled retirement.

SCFOL board changes leadership

At the annual SCFOL General Meeting, the slate of SCFOL Officers and Board Members for 2016 was approved. They are: President, Joan Hayes; Secretary, Evie McGhee; Treasurer, Jerry Hotz; and Members-at-Large, Margrette Carr, Bobbi Dennis, Sue Hotz, Roberta Irwin, and Ron McFee. We are thankful for their dedication and for the four years of leadership Judy Williams gave to SCFOL. Under her tutelage, SCFOL financed the addition of new programs and new library furnishings, redecorated the children’s area and the Winer Family Community Room & Art Gallery, and oversaw the Branch’s 40th anniversary celebrations. These activities brought to the forefront, the San Carlos Branch Library’s need for a new and larger facility. Last spring, Judy Williams felt that the time was right to organize a group of concerned community citizens to turn that dream into a reality. Chaired by Judy, the group is busy working on all aspects of the project. We are thankful for their work and the continued support of Library Director Misty Jones and 7th District City Councilmember Scott Sherman. Also at the annual SCFOL meeting, Deputy Director of Public Services, Bob Crock, spoke on the “Exciting Future for Public Libraries,” and the new SCFOL Life Members’ names were added to the Honor Wall –– bringing our total to 91. Annual memberships must be renewed every January. Pick up an envelope at the library or renew online and save us the cost of mailing reminders. We are thankful for your memberships –– numbers count and we are currently 309 strong!

Youth programs

The learning coordinator for the “Do Your Homework at the Library” program needs some volunteer help. Check with the library or website for requirements. We are thankful for our fabulous youth services librarian, Erin Moore. Her special events are a big hit. In total, 121 kids and adults attended her October event, “Haunted Gingerbread Houses.” The next special event is on Nov. 21, from 1––3 p.m. It is called “Pete the Cat-Book Party.” Pete is a cat featured in over 20 books for early readers. Your family will enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, games, and a chance to meet Pete the Cat in person!

19th Annual Student Writing for Literacy library essay contest

This year’s essay deadline is Dec. 18. The contest, originated by SCFOL, is open to all fourth, eighth, and 10th grade students served by the San Diego Public Library system. Details are available from your school, library, or our website. There will be great prizes for winners!

Artists

We are thankful for the artists who show their beautiful art in the Winer Family Community Room & Art Gallery. We are especially thankful for our SCFOL art coordinator, Barbara Stewart, who schedules these talented folks. Larry Groff’s paintings of the San Carlos/Cowles Mountain area, are on display through Dec. 3.

Book sales

We are thankful for our used book donors and book sale patrons. We are thankful for Ron McFee, Jim Shields, Roberta Irwin, and all the volunteers who donate over 200 hours per month sorting and manning the 10,000 to 15,000 books available each month for your purchase. Forty-nine percent of our fiction and 59 percent of our non-fiction offerings each month are new titles. Our next Used Book Sale is Dec. 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the monthly SCFOL Members Only Pre-sale is Dec. 4, from 2–4 p.m., in the Community Room. Please bring your picture ID, and SCFOL membership card. Membership applications will be available.

Books

In December, there will be no Book Club meeting, speakers, or OASIS. Happy Holidays! On Jan. 22, look forward to hearing author Margaret Dilloway. And the Librarian’s Book Club is reading “Yellow Birds,” by Kevin Powers for their Jan. 14 meeting starting at 12:30 p.m. We are thankful for Author Coordinator Carleen Hemric and OASIS Coordinator Ruth George. Both schedule great speakers who discuss a variety of interesting subjects.

Let your voice be heard

Phone 619-376-2394, Location Code: 014, and answer Library Director Misty Jones’ question, “What can the library do to make this neighborhood better?” Three quick survey questions and then you have an opportunity to leave a personal voice message. How about, “Help us build a new branch library!”

Last, but not least, we are thankful for the publishers and staff of the Mission Times Courier, who monthly give us the opportunity to keep the community informed about the activities of the San Carlos Branch Library, and to all of our patrons who check out books and enjoy our programs –– numbers count. Our branch will be open early on Nov. 25, and closed Nov. 29–30. A monthly calendar of events and complete details for all programs can be found at sancarlosfriendsofthelibrary.org

––Sue Hotz is board member and publicity chair for the San Carlos Friends of the Library. Write to her at [email protected].