August 2026 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
July was a remarkable month for Friends of the Alameda Free Library (FAL), made possible by the volunteers, Library staff, community partners and supporters who bring so much energy to our shared work.
We began the month by once again joining Alameda’s 4th of July Parade. At 3.3 miles, the parade is considered the nation’s longest Independence Day parade by route length. Eleven volunteers helped decorate and build the float and truck, while 22 volunteers and Library staff members walked with FAL in the parade. We were delighted to see a photo of our float included in the San Francisco Chronicle’s parade coverage. Special thanks go to Board member Billy Reinschmiedt and Volunteer Coordinator Janelle Harper for their leadership in bringing this year’s entry to life.
On Saturday, July 11, 760 people joined us for the first-ever Alameda Book Con (ABC). This celebration of local authors and creators was a joyful day for readers of all ages, and a wonderful example of what is possible when the Library and FAL work closely together. We are especially grateful to the Library staff committee that planned the event, led by Children’s Librarian Fernanda Nuñez Gutierrez. Thank you as well to the 35 FAL volunteers who contributed their time, including 18 people volunteering with FAL for the first time. Together, Books & Bites Cafe and Books For Friends sales generated more than $2,000 to support the Library.
Our volunteers also showed up in a big way at the Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire on Saturday, July 25. Ten volunteers staffed a booth selling drink tickets and glasses, and all tips received at the FAL-staffed booth were donated to FAL in support of the Library. Thank you to Administrative Assistant Amy Dabrowski for coordinating volunteer shifts and sign-ups, and to Leena Annamraju for serving as the day-of lead throughout the event.
We are also pleased to welcome Charlize Situ as FAL’s new part-time retail manager for Books For Friends. Charlize, who began on July 13, was previously a regular bookshop volunteer. In this newly created role, she will oversee day-to-day retail operations and support the volunteers who make the bookshop such an important resource for readers and for the Library.
As FAL looks ahead, we have begun the search for our next executive director in partnership with Alamedan Phuong Quach of NPAG, a national talent search firm. Please share the executive director job posting with qualified candidates, or apply if you are interested in helping lead FAL’s next chapter.
We are also excited to welcome Mary Abler as the Library’s new director, beginning Monday, August 3. It has been a pleasure to work with Marlon Romero during his four months as acting Library director. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Marlon as he returns to his role as Library Services Manager, following more than 11 years of service to the Library.
Finally, we are grateful to Alameda Municipal Power for approving a community sponsorship that will support the May and October 2027 Alameda Used Book Sales. Thank you, AMP, for your continued commitment to FAL and the Library.
Thank you for being part of this community and for helping us make the Library an even more welcoming, vibrant place for all.
Cheers,
Josh Dapkus
President, Friends of the Alameda Free Library
Books For Friends
Quality Used Books at Great Prices
Books For Friends is a mostly volunteer-run, curated bookshop located in the Main Library, with an entrance on the side of the building (Times Way Alley).
Wed: 12 - 6 PM
Thu - Sat: 12 - 4 PM
Introducing Charlize Situ, part-time retail manager
Books For Friends is delighted to welcome Charlize Situ as its new part-time retail manager. An Alameda resident who was raised in Oakland and Alameda, Charlize is currently a college student in the Bay Area. She grew up visiting the Alameda Free Library and is thrilled to now work in support of the Library.
Charlize looks forward to sharing her enthusiasm for reading and love of libraries with the Books For Friends community. When she is not at the Library, she enjoys an iced coffee and a book at The Local on Park Street or a sunset at Shoreline Beach with friends. Her other interests include knitting, cooking, small-venue concerts and creating content for FAL’s social media platforms. Please join FAL in welcoming Charlize.
Please donate children’s books
Children’s books are top sellers at the Alameda Used Book Sale, and Books For Friends is currently in need of children’s picture books and board books. Books For Friends may accept one bag of children’s books — picture books or board books only — per donor during regular bookshop hours.
If you have more than one bag to donate, please complete a Book Donation request form. The Book Donation Coordinator will schedule an upcoming Sunday drop-off time.
Pop-up Used Book Sale on Alameda Avenue
Books For Friends will join the Downtown Alameda Business Association’s Thursday @ the Avenue vendor market on the following dates:
- August 13
- August 27
- September 17
- October 1
- October 8
- October 29
Stop by to browse a selection of pop-up sale items. Limited edition Alameda Book Con tote bags will also be available at Thursday @ the Avenue.
What’s Happening in the Books & Bites Cafe?
Books & Bites Cafe is open 6 days a week, and is fully staffed by dedicated volunteers. Find the Cafe at the back of the Main Library.
Mon - Sat: 10 AM - 4 PM
Sun: Closed
New tastes and great values at Books & Bites Cafe
There is always something new at Books & Bites Cafe. Stop by to try several new menu offerings.
Looking for a wholesome snack? Explore the new nut selections — a tasty, protein-packed option to enjoy while browsing the Library or settling in with a good book.
Need an extra boost? Red Bull is now available at the cafe, offering another refreshing option for busy days.
Books & Bites Cafe is also introducing two value meal deals:
Coffee and muffin special: $5
Enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and a muffin for $5. It is a perfect choice for starting the morning or taking an afternoon break.
Uncrustables combo: $5
Enjoy an Uncrustables sandwich, a bag of chips and a soda for $5. This convenient, budget-friendly option is ideal for kids, students and anyone on the go.
Whether stopping in before storytime, taking a study break or meeting a friend for coffee, visitors will find something to enjoy at Books & Bites Cafe. Stop by, try a new menu item and support Friends of the Alameda Free Library with every purchase.
Volunteer Corner
A parade to remember
FAL’s Fourth of July float rolled into the history books this year. Eleven dedicated volunteers spent hours planning, building and decorating the float and truck, while 22 volunteers and Library staff members walked alongside, sharing FAL’s mission with parade-goers.
The float was featured as one of the lead photos in the San Francisco Chronicle’s coverage of the parade. Among the many clever signs, one stood out: “Libraries are my favorite data centers.”
Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration of community and literacy such a success. Here’s to next year’s parade!
Alameda Book Con 2026
On July 11, the Alameda Book Con (ABC) welcomed 760 book lovers to the Alameda Free Library for a lively day of authors, creators and vendors. Thirty-five FAL volunteers helped make the event possible, including 18 new volunteers. Welcome to the FAL community!
Local authors tabling with their latest published works.
Together, Books For Friends and Books & Bites Cafe generated more than $2,000 in book, snack and drink sales to support the Library.
A huge thank-you to the Library staff whose planning and hard work made the event a success. And to all of the volunteers: If Alameda Book Con was your kind of fun, keep an eye out for future ABC events. FAL would love to see you there.
Thank you, Billy Reinschmiedt for photographing the event and sharing these wonderful snapshots.
Raising glasses and funds for FAL
Park Street shone with art, wine, beer and community spirit at this year’s Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire, and FAL was proud to be part of the fun. Ten volunteers staffed the FAL booth, selling glasses and drink tickets among the Bay Area vendors, food trucks, local artists and bakers.
All tips collected at the FAL-staffed booth were donated directly to FAL in support of the Library. To the 10 volunteers who gave their time, thank you for supporting a good cause. FAL raises a proverbial glass to you!
Join the FAL Volunteer Committee
Want to help FAL behind the scenes? The new FAL Volunteer Committee is looking for volunteers to help with:
- Volunteer recruitment
- Volunteer onboarding
- Data collection
- Creating a volunteer manual
- Planning the annual volunteer recognition event
To learn more or get involved, contact volunteer@alamedafriends.org.
Upcoming FAL Events
Art Docent Talk | The Goddess: Images of Power
Wednesday, August 12 @ 7 PM
Virtual (Zoom Webinar)
Friends of the Alameda Free Library is proud to present a free online art docent talk, organized by the Friends @ Home Committee.
Goddesses are central figures in many Asian religions. From fertile earth maidens and nurturing mothers to wrathful avengers and wise advisors, female deities have played vital roles in the lives of their followers and supplicants. In this illuminating webinar, docent Bianca Larson explores the many depictions of goddesses throughout Asia, drawing on works from the Asian Art Museum’s permanent collection. Bianca Larson’s interest in Asian art began 15 years ago during a trip to China, where she was captivated by the country’s remarkable art and culture. Further visits to museums, temples, and historic sites across Asia deepened her appreciation. A docent at the Asian Art Museum for the past 10 years, Bianca is passionate about making Asian art engaging and accessible for museum visitors. She has also spent a decade bringing art presentations to community groups and libraries. Join us online for an inspiring exploration of divine feminine power, artistry, and tradition across Asia.
First Fridays at Corica Park
Friday, September 4 @ 4 - 7 PM
Corica Park Golf Course, 1 Clubhouse Memorial Rd. Alameda, CA
Join Books For Friends and representatives from the Alameda Free Library on Friday, September 4, 2026, for First Fridays with Corica Park. Books For Friends will offer quality used books, while Library representatives will assist golfers and their families with Library card sign-up.
FAL is pleased to return for a second consecutive year to this fun community event. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and net proceeds will be donated to Friends of the Alameda Free Library.
Alameda Free Library Events
All events are free and open to the public. Check out the full events calendar or call the Library at (510) 747-7777 for more information.
These events are made possible due to your donations to the Friends of the Alameda Free Library.
Make It! - Keep Calm and Carry Yarn
Tuesday, August 4 @ 4 - 5:30 PM
Large Group Study Room, Main Library
Ages 13+
Please join us for a casual fiber arts craft circle. All kinds of fiber artists are welcome. Please bring your own materials and expertise, and come ready for an afternoon of community building and crafting.
No registration is required for this program, though space is limited to 12 participants in-person.
Adult Movie Matinee
Saturday, August 22 @ 2:30 - 4:30 PM
Bay Farm Island Library, 3221 Mecartney Rd., Alameda, CA
Adults (ages 18+)
Join us at Bay Farm Island Library in the Leydecker Room for an Adult Movie Matinee! The movie will be announced soon. Visit Bay Farm Island Library during the first few weeks of August to vote on the movie choice.
During Adult Movie Matinee screenings, we aim to create a sensory-friendly environment by keeping half the room lights on, maintaining a reasonable volume, turning on movie captions, and offering fidget toys to use during the movie.
Feel free to bring food, blankets, and pillows! Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.
Alameda Readers Group - New Yorker Short Stories
Saturday, August 22 @ 11 AM - 12 PM
Main Library, 1st Floor Library Cafe
Adults
Please join us in the Main Library Cafe for a discussion of articles and short fiction from The New Yorker magazine.
Registration is handled through Eventbrite rather than the Library website. The stories for each meeting are from recent past issues and are listed on the registration page.
Haven't had a chance to read before the gathering? Come early and read them—we will have copies available!
Support the Alameda Free Library's Programs
We encourage you to support the Alameda Free Library through Friends of the Alameda Free Library's Annual Campaign! Your monetary gift fuels engaging programs, expands book and eBook collections and brings inspiring cultural events to the community. Every contribution strengthens our library’s role as a place for discovery, learning and connection.
