By Sue Hotz 

Craft Fair: Oct. 11, San Carlos Friends of the Library (SCFOL) sponsored the “Just Around the Corner, Craft Fair and Boutique” fundraiser held at the San Carlos United Methodist Fellowship Hall; a smashing success with 40 juried crafters.

Co-chairs were Ruth George, Sandy Gillins and Rita Glick, with guidance from Glenice Stainbrook. They were assisted by Pam Walsh, the Patrick Henry High School water polo team, SCFOL President Judy Williams, and board members Sue and Jerry Hotz, Margrette Carr, and Joan Hayes. Joan created 45 “opportunity drawing” baskets with goodies donated by the crafters, The Trails Eatery, Nicolosi’s Restaurant, Cheers Liquor and Deli, Suzie’s Hallmark, Von’s Grocery (at Navajo and Fletcher), Lynn Gambardella of Michael Nelson Studio, Linda Krone/Manicure and Pedicure, and other individuals. We thank all who contributed to the fair’s success.

The 18th annual Student Writing for Literacy essay contest is open to all fourth, eighth and 10th graders serviced by the San Diego Public Library System. Entry deadline is Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. Topic choices, essay guidelines and applications are available from teachers, our website and contest sponsor websites. Four grand prize citywide winners at each grade level will each receive a monetary award and a laptop computer from C2SDK. One $500 grand prize, in memory of our own Jack and Carolyn Winer, will be awarded.

ART DISPLAYS: Under the guidance of our lovely and talented art co-coordinator Barbara Stewart, SCFOL sponsors month-long art displays in the library’s Winer Family Community Room & Art Gallery, which was renamed and dedicated in honor of the Winer Family at the annual SCFOL general membership meeting on Nov. 19. We thank the wonderful staff at Signarama for their assistance with this project. Barbara mixes it up, inviting artists who work with a variety of media, and we co-sponsor the gorgeous spring show, “A Show in Living Color,” with the San Carlos Garden Club. The third Saturday of each month, from noon to 2 p.m., is reserved for artist receptions and demonstrations. The community room has been refurbished and we await the instillation of a new art hanging system. Daphne Gaylord’s display runs until Dec. 4. There will be no December art display due to holiday closures. In January, Hazel Ross and the Safari Art Circle’s unique art will be on display. Don’t miss their artist reception and demonstration on Jan. 17.

ADULT ACTIVITIES:

Oasis: Dec. 13 at 1 p.m., get ready for the Oscars as Leslie Leech gives us the behind-the-scenes scoop about your favorite award-winning movie tunes with, “And the Oscar for Best Song Goes to…”

The Librarian’s Book Club will not meet in December. Read “I Am Malala” for Jan. 8.

Enjoy Adult Board Game Time on second and fourth Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES:

Congratulations to the winners of our Teen Read Week Short Story writing contest. They are listed on our website at sancarlosfriendsofthelibrary.org.

“Children & Nature” on Dec. 4 at 4 p.m., Linda Hawley discusses “Herbivores: Deer, Squirrels & Rabbits.”

“STEAM2” on Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. explores “Transportation: How Things Move.” Youth Services Librarian Michelle Reents has been temporarily assigned to San Carlos Branch, part-time, on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Stop by to welcome her.

EXPANDED LIBRARY HOURS: Four hours per week have been added to the library’s hours of operation. The library will be closed Nov. 27 – 30 for Thanksgiving. Please check at the library, and our website calendar at sancarlosfriendsofthelibrary.org for details. See you at the next used book sale on Dec. 6.

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