November 2026 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
As the Main Library approaches its 20th anniversary, I’m grateful for the many ways our community comes together to support it. From book sales and pumpkin contests to gifts that make Library programs possible, your generosity helps Friends of the Alameda Free Library (FAL) strengthen a place where Alamedans can learn, explore and connect.
Thank you to everyone who shopped or volunteered at the Alameda Used Book Sale from October 14 to 17. Special thanks to Used Book Sale Committee chairs Billy Reinschmiedt and Janelle Harper, and to Aly Wagenman, who organized the popular raffle featuring tote bags filled with curated books and other goodies. It was a pleasure to see readers find new treasures, and the School of Rock performance brought a lively energy to the Library.
Later in October, Tucker’s Ice Cream hosted its first Halloween pumpkin contest fundraiser for FAL. Community members shared their creativity through decorated pumpkins, including an elaborate pirate ship that won the judges’ award and an impressive mechanical design chosen as the People’s Choice winner. Board member Jennifer Tell served on the judging panel. Throughout the weekend, FAL hosted a pop-up used book sale alongside the Library, which helped visitors sign up for Library cards and learn about Library services. Thank you to Stephen Zimmerman and everyone at Tucker’s, the participants and everyone who stopped by — including those who supported FAL at the October 26 dine-and-donate night.
We are also grateful to the contest’s sponsors: Greer Family Mortuary and Cremation Services; Michelle Balog and Michael Baldasarra of Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno; Leah Nishi of Farmers Insurance; and Anne McKereghan of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty. Thank you for supporting FAL and the Library.
I’m delighted to welcome Mari Amend as FAL’s new executive director, beginning November 4. Mari brings more than 13 years of Bay Area nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience, including work supporting youth experiencing homelessness, public art and social justice. Her emphasis on relationships and shared purpose will be a wonderful asset to FAL. You can learn more about Mari in the next section of this newsletter.
Please join us on Saturday, November 7, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Main Library building and Books & Bites Cafe. From noon to 2 pm, visitors can leave their mark on a community banner in the Children’s Storytime Room and enjoy a slideshow of the Main Library’s history in the lobby. Starting at 1 pm, stop by Books & Bites Cafe for free hot apple cider and cookies, while supplies last. At 2 pm, join us in the Stafford Room for remarks from Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, FAL’s Karen Butter, Alameda Free Library Board President Thushan Amarasiriwardena and former Library Director Jane Chisaki. The celebration continues with a performance by Coventry & Kaluza. We hope to see you there!
This milestone is also a chance to reflect on the Library’s impact. Our fall appeal is underway, and I hope you will consider making a gift. All Library programs are funded through donations and funds raised by FAL. This year, FAL fully funded the first Alameda Book Con, a Library staff-led celebration of books and local creators that drew more than 1,500 attendees. FAL also supported the Summer Reading Challenge, which engaged more than 4,000 community members.
As more people turn to the Library, your support matters. So far in 2026, compared to last year, visits have increased by 25%, total checkouts by 14% and digital checkouts by 28%. If you are able, please make a gift to the fall appeal and help sustain the programs and services our community values.
Thank you for supporting FAL and the Library. I hope to see you at the anniversary celebration.
Cheers,
Josh Dapkus
President, Friends of the Alameda Free Library
Introducing Executive Director Mari Amend
My name is Mari Amend, and I’m thrilled to join Friends of the Alameda Free Library as the new Executive Director. I bring over thirteen years of Bay Area nonprofit leadership experience, including raising funds for organizations supporting youth experiencing homelessness, public art, and social justice. Through all of it, I’ve learned that the best fundraising is built on relationships and a shared sense of purpose and community.
I believe libraries are among our most important third spaces: places where neighbors gather, skills are shared, and everyone is welcome. Libraries thrive when public support and private generosity work hand in hand, and I’m excited to build on that partnership with you—the volunteers and community members who support the Alameda Free Library. When I’m not talking about libraries, you can find me doing musical improv, embroidering images of local birds, or playing a complicated board game. Please say hello if you spot me at the library or around town!
Books For Friends
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 at Faction Brewing
Books for Friends will be joining ALAMEDUHZine’s Zine Release Party on Saturday, November 7, from 3 to 8 pm.
Stop by to browse a selection of pop-up sale items. Limited edition Alameda Book Con tote bags will also be available.
What’s happening in the Books & Bites Cafe?
The Books & Bites Cafe is open six days a week, and is fully staffed by dedicated volunteers. Find the cafe at the back of the Main Library.
Mon - Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sun: Closed
Celebrate 20 years of Books & Bites Cafe
There is something special to celebrate at Books & Bites Cafe! Join the Cafe on Saturday, November 7, from 12 to 4 pm to mark its 20th anniversary at the Main Library (Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak St., Alameda, CA).
Enjoy complimentary apple cider and cookies, along with music, presentations and good company. A “thank you” wall in Books & Bites Cafe will honor the volunteers who have helped make this milestone possible.
Books & Bites Cafe also welcomes new volunteers and committee members. Help is especially needed from:
- Drivers to pick up supplies and pastries
- Volunteers with accounting or bookkeeping experience
- Shoppers to purchase Cafe supplies
- Cafe workers to serve customers
Whether you can give a little time or become more involved, your help makes a difference. To learn more, speak with a Books & Bites Cafe volunteer.
Please join the celebration on November 7 and help look forward to many more years of Books & Bites Cafe.
Volunteer Corner
Live @ the Library
Many of you enjoyed performances by Mads Tolling and Tammy L. Hall this year as part of FAL’s Live @ the Library concert series, and several of you generously supported the program through sponsorships. While we hope to continue this special series in future years, FAL has decided to pause it for 2027. Bringing music to the Library takes considerable effort, and we could use your help planning for the future. If you are interested in joining or chairing the Live @ the Library committee and helping with planning next year, please contact executive-committee@alamedafriends.org.
Upcoming FAL Events
Art Docent Talk | Hieronymus Bosch
Wednesday, November 18 @ 7:00 PM
Virtual (Zoom webinar)
Friends of the Alameda Free Library invites the community to a free online Art Docent Talk, presented by the Friends @ Home Committee.
Strange creatures, mysterious symbols and visions of human folly fill the paintings of Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch. His imaginative scenes explore the struggle between good and evil — and the consequences of human choices.
Bosch was celebrated in his own time, and his distinctive style was widely imitated. Centuries later, his dreamlike imagery would invite comparisons to Surrealism. But behind the fantastical scenes are ideas that still resonate today.
Join this Art Docent Talk to explore Bosch’s mysterious world and discover what strawberries, clarinets, bagpipes and owls might reveal about his art.
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 Friends of the Alameda Free Library.
Main Library and Books & Bites Cafe 20th birthday party
Saturday, November 7, noon
Main Library
All ages
The Main Library and the Books & Bites Cafe are turning 20, and you’re invited to the birthday party!
Join us as we celebrate 20 years of books, programs, memories, and community.
Event Schedule
12:00–2:00 PM | Community Banner Project
Children’s Storytime Room
Leave your mark on a special community banner.
12:00 PM | 20 Years of the Main Library
Library Lobby
Drop in anytime to enjoy a looping digital slideshow highlighting Main Library's history.
1:00 PM | Birthday Treats
Books & Bites Café
Enjoy free hot apple cider and cookies, while supplies last.
2:00 PM | Anniversary Remarks & Special Performance
Stafford Room
Join us for remarks from community and library leaders, including:
Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft • Karen Butter, Friends of the Alameda Free Library • Thushan Amarasiriwardena, Alameda Free Library Board President • Jane Chisaki, Former Alameda Free Library Director
The celebration continues with a performance by Coventry & Kaluza!
Rafael rope and bracelets with the Ohlone Sisters
Tuesday, November 10, 4:30pm
Main Library
Ages 5+
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with The Ohlone Sisters in a hands-on rope and bracelet workshop inspired by Ohlone traditions and teachings. Learn about the connections between land, community, and ancestral knowledge while exploring stories of Indigenous resilience and cultural continuity. Participants ages 5 and older will create their own handcrafted rope and bracelet to take home. Registration is required!
Bug Power
Wednesday, November 18, 3:30PM
West End Library
Ages 4-12
Do you love bugs? So do we. Did you know they have superpowers? Amazing! We've invited Dr. Stephanie Dole to present: Bug Power at the West End Library. Dr. Dole, also known as the Beetlelady, will be bringing some of her buggy friends to share and discuss the incredible powers bugs have! She is an expert in the field of entomology and has studied bugs in many places around the world. This presentation will be held on Wednesday, November 18 at 3:30 pm and is recommended for ages 4 and up. The first 25 families will receive a free copy of Dr. Dole's new children's book, Bug Power! No registration is required.
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 the library’s role as a place for discovery, learning and connection.
