Friends of the Alameda Free Library invites the community to a free online Art Docent Talk, presented by the Friends @ Home Committee. Join Phoenix Art Museum docent Lisa Spahr for a fresh look at some of the museum’s most iconic works of art. Children often approach art with fearless
Dear Friends, As we move into October, Friends of the Alameda Free Library (FAL) has several opportunities to celebrate reading, connect with neighbors and support the Library. I encourage you to watch The Librarians, a powerful documentary by director Kim A. Snyder that recently won an Emmy Award for Exceptional
FAL is proud to host the biannual Alameda Used Book Sale at the Alameda Free Library's main branch.
Dear Friends, September offers many ways to connect with Friends of the Alameda Free Library (FAL), from enjoying books and music with neighbors to exploring an ancient civilization from home. We are also welcoming new leadership and inviting volunteers to help share FAL’s work with the community. We begin
Friends of the Alameda Free Library is proud to present a free online art docent talk, organized by the Friends @ Home Committee. Treasures of the Pharaohs features 130 exquisite works that exemplify the grandeur of the world of the Egyptian pharaohs. The objects range from monumental granite statues to intricate
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
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
Wednesday, July 15 @ 7 PM Virtual (Zoom Webinar) Piet Mondrian's art—created with the three primary colors and straight lines—is among the most easily recognized in the world, as familiar as the Mona Lisa. His work has been adapted into architecture, graphic design, bus benches, clothing, sneakers
Dear Friends, Summer in Alameda always brings something to look forward to, and this month is no exception. From a parade this Saturday to a brand-new website launching today, there is a lot happening and we are grateful to share it all with you. First, this Saturday: as we
Friends of the Alameda Free Library (FAL) Fourth of July Parade Committee invites you to walk with the Library in Alameda's 4th of July Parade (Parade). The annual Parade is the longest in the nation with a more than three mile route. The Parade attracts over 150 participant
Alɑmeda Book Con 2026 (ABC 2026) Main Library Saturday, July 11 @ 10:30 AM - 4 PM The Alameda Free Library (AFL) and Friends of the Alameda Free Library (FAL) are excited to announce Alɑmeda Book Con 2026 (ABC 2026). ABC 2026 is the Library’s first local book festival and
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
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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
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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
Friends @ Home
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
Art Docent
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
FAL Happenings
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
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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,
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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
Ways to Help
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
Community Events
On April 3, 2024, FAL hosted Amanda Peters, author of The Berry Pickers. The talk is now available to stream. Click below to watch:
Community Events
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
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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,
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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,