September 2026 Newsletter

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 the month with First Friday at Corica Park on Friday, September 4, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Lucious Bateman Driving Range and Putting Green, 1 Clubhouse Memorial Road, Alameda. Books For Friends will offer quality used books, while Library representatives will help golfers and their families sign up for Library cards. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, with net proceeds from the evening donated to FAL. We are pleased to return for a second consecutive year and hope you will join us.

Beginning Tuesday, September 1, Books For Friends is adding Tuesdays to its regular schedule. The bookshop will be open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon to 6:00 pm and Thursdays through Saturdays from noon to 4:00 pm. This new day means more opportunities to browse quality used books while supporting the Library.

On Wednesday, September 16, at 7:00 pm, Friends @ Home will present Art Docent Talk | The Pharaohs. This free online talk will explore Treasures of the Pharaohs, an exhibition currently on view at the de Young museum through January 31, 2027. The exhibition brings together 130 works spanning 3,000 years, from monumental granite statues to intricate gold jewelry. We hope you will register and join us from home. If you would like to help organize FAL’s online art docent and author talks, contact volunteer@alamedafriends.org to learn more about volunteering with the Friends @ Home Committee.

We are also delighted to welcome Leena Annamraju to FAL Board. With a background in marketing, digital strategy and analysis, Leena brings valuable experience to her role as Communications Committee chair. The committee helps tell FAL’s story and keeps our community informed about opportunities to support the Library. Its greatest need right now is for volunteers interested in graphic design. Professional experience is not required. The committee works in Canva and welcomes anyone with an eye for clear, engaging design. Contact volunteer@alamedafriends.org to get involved.

Looking ahead, the Alameda Used Book Sale returns Wednesday, October 14, through Saturday, October 17, at the Main Library (Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak St., Alameda, CA). More than 10,000 books, CDs and DVDs will be available, with free admission throughout the sale. On opening day, educators and school staff can fill a bag for $5 from 1:00 to 7:00 pm, followed by a special School of Rock performance from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, a first for the Alameda Used Book Sale. Mark your calendar and come find your next great read while supporting the Library.

Speaking of great reads, I am currently reading The Library Book by Susan Orlean. Beginning with the devastating 1986 fire at the Los Angeles Central Library, Orlean explores the history and evolution of libraries and the many roles they play in their communities. It is a fascinating book and a timely reminder that libraries are more than buildings or collections; they are living institutions shaped by the people who use, support and care for them.

Thank you for being part of the FAL community. Whether you attend an event, volunteer with a committee, shop at a sale or tell a friend about our work, you help make the Library stronger.

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).

Additional store hours

Books for Friends will start opening on Tuesdays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM starting September 1.

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 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm:

• September 17
• October 1
• October 8
• October 29

Stop by to browse a selection of pop-up sale items. Limited edition Alameda Book Con 2026 tote bags will also be available at Thursday @ the Avenue.

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.

Protein, Protein, Protein at the Books & Bites Cafe!

Looking for something delicious to enjoy while you read, study, work, or simply relax at the Alameda Free Library?  Stop by the Books & Bites Cafe and check out our selection of protein-packed foods!

Our menu includes a variety of protein-rich snacks and foods that make it easy to grab something tasty while you're on the go.  Pair your favorite protein item with a coffee, cold beverage, or one of our other cafe favorites for a quick and convenient meal or snack.

In addition to these delicious options, we now serve Uncrustables—a delicious mini-sandwich of peanut butter and jelly- another protein packed treat.

Volunteer Corner

It’s almost time for the Alameda Used Book Sale and we are excited to get the community together at the Main Library this October. These Sales are the heartbeat of how we support our Library and community programs and we truly cannot pull it off without a great team of volunteers that includes you. Whether you’re a long-time helper or looking to join us for the first time, we would love to have you.

The Sale is Wednesday, October 14 through Saturday, October 17 at the Alameda Free Library, Main Library located at 1550 Oak Street, with setup starting Wednesday, October 14 in the morning. We invite you as a returning or new volunteer to an orientation session on Tuesday, September 29 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm in the Director’s Conference Room at the Main Library.

This is an opportunity for you to learn more about how the Alameda Used Book Sale supports the Library and programs and how to sign up for shifts that call to you. Included at the orientation will be book boxing and cashier instruction and training. If you’re unsure of which job you want to sign up for, this orientation will provide you with more details and we may assist you with signing up at the end of the meeting. Please register in advance for the orientation session here. 

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

We have spots for everyone. We’re looking for:

• Book Movers and Set Up Crew - help us get the tables ready.
• Table Monitors and Book Sitters - keep the books tidy and the tables replenished.
• Cashiers and Book Counters - check the shoppers out and procure donations.
• Tear-Down Assistants - help us wrap things up on Saturday.

Please find the link to our signup portal here: FAL Volunteer Portal. 

When you are registering for the orientation session or volunteer shifts, it is important that you use the email address associated with your VolunteerLocal profile; otherwise, the system will require you to complete a new volunteer application and you will have duplicate profiles. If you cannot remember the email address associated with your VolunteerLocal profile, please reach out to volunteer@alamedafriends.org and we’ll assist you.

Interested in cashiering? This role is password protected. Just shoot a quick note to our co-manager, Janelle Harper, at volunteer@alamedafriends.org to get the access code and training details.

Thanks for being an amazing part of the Library community. We can’t wait to see you there!

Warmly,

Janelle Harper & Billy Reinschmiedt
Book Sale Managers, Friends of the Alameda Free Library
volunteer@alamedafriends.org

And one more special event to put on your calendar!

School of Rock’s student band will be playing at the Alameda Used Book Sale on Wednesday, October 14 at 6:00-7:00 pm in the outside patio area at the Main Library.

School of Rock Alameda's Show Band is an invite-only program reserved for the school's most advanced students. The ages range from 12 to 15, and they've been a group together since February of this year. They perform a collection of popular pop and rock songs ranging from Cyndi Lauper to System of a Down! School of Rock offers an array of programs that funnel into their Show Band, laying the groundwork for students to progress through our Bands. 

This performance is open to the public, and we are excited to experience it together as a community. Please join us in supporting School of Rock and their Show Band. 

Upcoming FAL Events

First Fridays with Corica Park

Friday, September 4 @ 4:00 - 7:00 PM
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, at 1 Clubhouse Memorial Rd. Alameda, CA. 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.

Art Docent Talk | The Pharaohs

Wednesday, September 16 @ 7:00 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.

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 gold jewelry, each attesting to the wealth and complexity of ancient Egyptian civilization. Spanning 3,000 years of history, the exhibition begins with the pharaoh at the apex of Egypt's social hierarchy and broadens to include his family, high officials, gods and views of death and the afterlife.

Other works poignantly evoke the daily lives of those who served the pharaohs, offering insight into Egyptian society, its beliefs and its artistic achievements. Objects recovered from tombs — jewelry, cosmetics, tools and furnishings — present an idealized portrait of everyday life. Together they reveal how beauty and refinement shaped experience well beyond the pharaoh's circle, and how even the humblest objects could be elegantly designed, functional and beautiful.

Join us online for an inspiring exploration of artistry, power and belief across 3,000 years of ancient Egypt.

Introducing new Board member Leena Annamraju

I moved to Alameda about a year ago and the library quickly became part of my routine. I work from home, so I’d often head over to work or browse the shelves. My first real connection to Friends of the Alameda Free Library came through volunteering for Live @ the Library and buying books from Books For Friends. That led me to the FAL Board, and I now serve as Communications Committee chair.

By day, I’m a Marketing Insights Manager. Outside of work and the library, you’ll usually find me reading, teaching Lagree (a Pilates-inspired strength class), crafting, or road-tripping with my husband and our dog to nearby coastal and mountain towns.

I’m looking forward to getting to know more of this community, and I’ll see you at the 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.

¡Lotería!

Saturday, September 19, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Main Library
All ages

Acompáñanos en la Biblioteca Principal para celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con un divertido juego de Lotería! No se requiere experiencia. Tendremos premios, dulces mexicanos y conchitas gratis. Trae a tu familia y amigos, elige tus cartas y escucha atentamente: ¡El Gallo! ¡La Luna! ¡La Estrella! ¡Podrías ser el próximo ganador!

Join the Main Library in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month for a fun-filled game of Lotería! No experience required. We'll have prizes, Mexican candy, and free conchitas to enjoy. Bring your family and friends, pick your cards, and listen closely—¡El Gallo! ¡La Luna! ¡La Estrella! You might just be the next winner!

Papel Picado Workshop

Thursday, September 24, 4:00 PM
West End Library
Ages 8+

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month at the West End Library with a Papel Picado workshop led by local artist Rachel Palacios.  Papel Picado is a traditional Mexican Folk Art technique of cutting intricate patterns into colorful tissue paper.  The workshop will be held on Thursday, September 24 at 4:00 pm.  No experience is necessary and all materials will be provided.

The workshop is appropriate for children ages 8 and up as well as Teens and Adults.

Registration is required! Please contact the West End Library via phone: (510) 747-7767 or send an email to: WEBref@alamedaca.gov

In-Person Author Talk: Kristina Wong

Tuesday, September 29, 4:30 PM
Main Library
All ages

Auntie Kristina's Guide to Asian American Activism shows young readers how to love their bodies, fight for social justice, and be proud of the history that's made them who they are. Author Kristina Wong will read from her book with support from youth organizers engaged in Asian American activism across the Bay Area.

Copies will be available for purchase and signing following the talk.

More info:

Grounded in diverse lived experiences of featured Auntie Heroes and inspiring Young Rebels, this guide discusses the Asian American community, past and present; explores allyship with other communities of color; finds a place in national and global movements; and turns inward so young readers can practice love and self-care. 

Kristina Wong is a Doris Duke Artist Award winner, Guggenheim Fellow and the first Asian American woman to be named Pulitzer Prize Finalist in Drama. Her book is co-written with the producers of Radical Cram School. More at www.kristinawong.com.

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.