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Meet Maria Temporal, Alameda Family Services' Social Worker!
Hi, everyone! My name is Maria, and I am the Alameda Family Services’ Library Clinical Social Worker at Alameda Free Library. You may have seen me around already, but I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share how we will be working together. I am located
An interview with FAL's new Executive Director, Marcie Soslau Johnson
Per our announcement last month, FAL is proud to introduce our new Executive Director, Marcie Soslau Johnson. Not only is Marcie a former FAL board member and dedicated volunteer (especially when it comes to BFF and the Used Book Sales), she is a familiar face to the entire community as
President's Message | April 2025
Dear Friends, I'd like to give kudos this month to two FAL activities: 1. FAL sponsored a garden in front of the Bay Farm Library. We contributed funds to buy plants, mulch and fertilizer. On a recent Saturday morning, FAL board members and supporters alike worked the soil
President's Message | March 2025
Dear Friends, Shoutouts this month to two FAL activities. FAL sponsored a garden in front of the Bay Farm Library. We contributed funds to buy plants, mulch, and fertilizer, and on a Saturday morning, board members and FAL supporters worked the soil to place the plants, creating a beautiful area
Fall Book Sale! October 23 - 26, 2024
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Pre-sale - open to the public - discounts for educators Open for All Thursday, October 24, 2024, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2024, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, October 26
Friends @ Home | Author Talk: Joyce Mercado - Save the Planet in Your Spare Time
Wednesday, September 25, 7:00 p.m. by Zoom. Join Alameda author Joyce Mercado as she shares her journey to becoming a local climate leader in her new book, Save the Planet in Your Spare Time – The Climate Protection Handbook for the Busy Person. Learn practical ways to reduce your
September 11 Day of Remembrance Event
Friends @ Home will host Master Docent Sherry Koopot from the Phoenix Art Museum for a presentation: And the Home of the Brave. Her talk is a thought-provoking discussion of how artists have captured the joys, sorrows, and pivotal moments that have shaped our nation's future. This event offers
Online Author Talk with Kelly Mustain Now Available to Stream
Kelly Mustian is the author of the USA Today and SIBA-bestselling novel The Girls in the Stilt House, which Publishers Weekly describes as a “remarkable debut” and a “nearly flawless tale of loss, perseverance, and redemption.” She is the winner of the Mississippi Library Association’s 2023 Author Award for
President's Message | June 2024
Since Fall 2023, City of Alameda staff have been in discussions with Alameda Point Collaborative (APC) and MidPen Housing about a new library branch. The proposed 4800 sf library would be located in in the RESHAP (Rebuilding Existing Supportive Housing at Alameda Point) development and have space for public events,
President's Message - May 2024
We are excited to welcome the new Library Director, Michael Eitner, who comes to Alameda from his position as Assistant Director at the Solano County Library. We look forward to working with Michael to support and advocate for our library's many wonderful programs. In April, FAL partnered with
Join our 50th Anniversary Spring Appeal -Double your gift!
FAL’s 50th Anniversary Spring Appeal has launched, and we are on well on our way to meeting our goal! Have you donated yet? Many of you have stepped up to donate and are enjoying our special 50th Anniversary Giving Tier perks: year-long special benefits like Books for Friends discounts,
Online Author Event with Amanda Peters is now available to stream
On April 3, 2024, FAL hosted Amanda Peters, author of The Berry Pickers. The talk is now available to stream. Click below to watch:
Adopt-a-Pet Day a barking success
FAL was delighted to support the Bay Farm Island branch for their Adopt-a-Pet day this past Saturday, April 6, 2024, which they produced in partnership with Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS). We had lots of giveaways for library patrons: notebooks, stickers, coupons for a free beverage at Friends
Michael Eitner appointed as new Library Director
FAL welcomes Michael Eitner as the new Library Director. Alameda City Manager Jennifer Ott has selected Michael Eitner to serve as the Director of the Alameda Free Library. Michael Eitner joins the City of Alameda after serving in management positions at the Denver Public Library, Santa Clara County Library District,
News
President's Message - April 2024
We hosted a very successful March Used Book Sale. Many discovered our used bookstore, Books For Friends, which also saw brisk sales, while others purchased delicious items from the Friends Café. Billy Reinschmiedt directed the sale, assisted by Cindy Silva, Marcie Johnson, Kim Buckley, Lydia Kim, Serena Hom, Karen Manuel,
Online Author Event with Patricia Bracewell - Now Available to Stream
We hosted author Patricia Bracewell on March 20 to hear about her new book,The Steel Beneath the Silk, the breathtaking conclusion to Bracewell’s Emma of Normandy Trilogy. The program is available to stream now:
News
President's Message - March 2024
The FAL 50th anniversary events are underway! FAL volunteers participated in the library’s Lunar New Year celebration, where families received special favors and indulged in treats and crafts in the specially-decorated Stafford Room and at the Friends Café. Read more about the LNY celebration below. Another Kanopy app recommendation:
News
President's Message - February 2024
The Friends of the Alameda Free Library Board and its many volunteers are working on exciting programs for 2024. Online newsletter readers will receive updates on Monday mornings on the weeks when we have events. I find them great reminders even if I have already registered (and re-registered!) for an
Community Events
Online Author Event with Megan Kamalei Kakimoto - Now Available to Stream
On January 10, 2024 the Friends of the Alameda Library hosted Megan Kamalei Kakimoto, author of EVERY DROP IS A MAN’S NIGHTMARE.Click below to watch this talk:
President's Message - January 2024
Happy New Year! 2024 marks our 50th anniversary! The first book sale was held in 1974. If anyone has memories of that first sale, we’d love to hear your stories. A task force is working on a number of events throughout the year in collaboration with the Library to
Online Author Event with Philipp Schott Now Available to Stream
On November 8, 2023, the Friends of the Alameda Library hosted Philipp Schott, author of the Dr. Bannerman mystery series. Click below to watch this talk:
Online Author Event with Chris Baty Now Available to Stream
On October 25, 2023, the Friends of The Alameda Free Library presented a conversation with Chris Baty, author and founder of the National Novel Writing Month. Click on the video below to watch:
FAL Board mourns the loss of David Beall
David joined our board six years ago and was a willing volunteer for many projects. He served on the Communications Committee, he was the board secretary, and he wrote many articles for this newsletter. He was also co-founder of our Friends @ Home program and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to