News from the North Highlands-Antelope affiliate of the Friends of Sacramento Public Library
“Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life. Libraries change lives for the better.”
Sidney Sheldon
NEWS FROM OUR BRANCH
Farewell from Justin
(Justin will be the new branch supervisor of the Arcade Library, also known as the Library of Things, beginning March 21)
The vast majority of my career thus far as a professional librarian has been at North Highlands-Antelope Library, and I literally could not have been successful without the support given to me by the Friends of the North Highlands-Antelope Library. Your enthusiasm and generosity has transformed our Teen Lounge from a tiny, empty slice of the library into a heavily-used teen destination with double the space, triple the seating, and a huge, glowing welcome sign. Supplies and refreshments (including specialty items for themed programs) funded by the Friends have helped to create a popular suite of teen programming that has become the envy of the entire SPL system, and our Teen Advisory Board has blossomed into a powerful advocacy group thanks in no small part to partnership with the Friends.
You’re just about the best Friends a librarian can have. Thank you.
As for me, I plan on giving Kerri as much of my opinion as she desires to choose a replacement teen librarian, and also plan on collaborating with that librarian when s/he arrives, so you probably haven’t heard the last of me. Also, Arcade Library isn’t all that far away, and we have some seriously cool stuff like the Library of Things and the Design Spot over there. Come visit me sometime, and steal some ideas for North Highlands-Antelope Library.
- Justin Azevedo
We are very sad to see Justin go but wish him the best in his new position. We are actively recruiting a new teen librarian for the branch and hope to have someone in place soon. On a happy note, the Library Authority Board approved a change from a half-time Library Technology Assistant (LTA) position to a full-time position at NH-Antelope. Our previous LTA, Vanessa, who left us for a full-time position at the Central Library, is returning to us in a full-time capacity on March 7th!
Children and Families
Celebrate Dr. Seuss and National Craft Month in March! All programs are Thursdays at 4pm.
March 12: Trap a Leprechaun!
March 19: Tape Art Animals
March 26: Cork Bunnies
In April, enjoy wild animals, balloon combat, and El día de los niños celebración!
April 2, 4pm: Wild Things, Inc.
April 22, 4pm: Balloon Combat with Balloon artist Silly Lilly
April 30, 4pm: Make Tres Hermanas Salsa
Adults
April 11, 2pm: Plan Your Summer Vacation at the Library! LTA Vanessa will show you how to use the library’s services and databases to plan your next vacation or staycation.
April 14, 21, 28 from 5:00-6:00pm (and continuing the first 3 Tuesdays in May): The Complete Financial Management Series presented by Michael D. Lee, LPL Financial Consultant
The vast majority of my career thus far as a professional librarian has been at North Highlands-Antelope Library, and I literally could not have been successful without the support given to me by the Friends of the North Highlands-Antelope Library. Your enthusiasm and generosity has transformed our Teen Lounge from a tiny, empty slice of the library into a heavily-used teen destination with double the space, triple the seating, and a huge, glowing welcome sign. Supplies and refreshments (including specialty items for themed programs) funded by the Friends have helped to create a popular suite of teen programming that has become the envy of the entire SPL system, and our Teen Advisory Board has blossomed into a powerful advocacy group thanks in no small part to partnership with the Friends.
You’re just about the best Friends a librarian can have. Thank you.
As for me, I plan on giving Kerri as much of my opinion as she desires to choose a replacement teen librarian, and also plan on collaborating with that librarian when s/he arrives, so you probably haven’t heard the last of me. Also, Arcade Library isn’t all that far away, and we have some seriously cool stuff like the Library of Things and the Design Spot over there. Come visit me sometime, and steal some ideas for North Highlands-Antelope Library.
- Justin Azevedo
Staff Changes
We are very sad to see Justin go but wish him the best in his new position. We are actively recruiting a new teen librarian for the branch and hope to have someone in place soon. On a happy note, the Library Authority Board approved a change from a half-time Library Technology Assistant (LTA) position to a full-time position at NH-Antelope. Our previous LTA, Vanessa, who left us for a full-time position at the Central Library, is returning to us in a full-time capacity on March 7th!
Program Highlights for March and April
Children and Families
Celebrate Dr. Seuss and National Craft Month in March! All programs are Thursdays at 4pm.
March 12: Trap a Leprechaun!
March 19: Tape Art Animals
March 26: Cork Bunnies
In April, enjoy wild animals, balloon combat, and El día de los niños celebración!
April 2, 4pm: Wild Things, Inc.
April 22, 4pm: Balloon Combat with Balloon artist Silly Lilly
April 30, 4pm: Make Tres Hermanas Salsa
Adults
April 11, 2pm: Plan Your Summer Vacation at the Library! LTA Vanessa will show you how to use the library’s services and databases to plan your next vacation or staycation.
April 14, 21, 28 from 5:00-6:00pm (and continuing the first 3 Tuesdays in May): The Complete Financial Management Series presented by Michael D. Lee, LPL Financial Consultant
-Kerri Moore, Branch Supervisor
The first quarterly book sale of 2015 was held on February 6-7, and took in about $900 in proceeds. This was the second sale using the new quarterly format, and volunteers agree that it is far easier to manage than the old system. This was the first time that our Friends could accept credit cards during the sale, and we think this is going to provide a boost in future sales!
A giant thanks to the wonderful volunteers that help make our book sales possible: Stefanie Buckmaster, Deb Cooney, Karen Sanders, Doris Vermillion, Carole and George Raine, Gayle and Ed Fishkin, Michele Weiss, Michelle Weeks, Sigrid Willgohs, Kathy Long-Turner, Charlyn Nichols, Mary Caicchiolo, Pam Farrell-Webb, Jeff Karamen, Kathy Berg and Gail Johnson. And special thanks to our intrepid library staff, who assist us countless times during the sale.
Our spring book sale will take place May 1-2. Mark your calendars now! We will be starting the volunteer process in about three weeks.
As sales of used books declines, the NH-Antelope Friends of SacPubLib continues to examine incremental efforts that can add to the bottom line. While we already have been forced to cut back on the donation to fund Lucky Day, we are hoping to maintain current funding for all the wonderful programs that our talented library staff is arranging for children, teens and adults.
We are currently exploring the idea of selling high value nonfiction titles on Amazon or E-bay. This undertaking requires additional volunteer resources, however.
First, we are looking for a volunteer who would be willing to spend an hour or two once a week scanning nonfiction books to determine current market value. The Friends have purchased a small tablet computer, and along with the Amazon app, this will allow a volunteer to scan weekly donations of nonfiction books. No heavy lifting of boxes is involved, and the process can be done seated or standing.
Second, we hope to secure a volunteer that would be willing to list on our Amazon site more valuable books, then check once a day or every other day when there is a purchaser. If a book is purchased, the Amazon volunteer would ship the book, using the supplies provided by the Friends. Some level of computer literacy would be required for this job.
Training will be provided for these positions.
Or, if you prefer a more traditional book sorting position, NH-Antelope Friends is looking for a volunteer to sort incoming book donations of children’s books and fiction, plus fill the book rounds on either Friday or Saturday. While the time spent depends on the number of books donated, I typically spend an hour or hour and a half each week.
For more information, contact Debby Cooney at debbycooney@gmail.com or Karen Lindh at karen@klindh.com.
The next meeting of the NH-Antelope Friends of Sacramento Public Library will be held Wednesday, April 15 at 11:00 a.m. in the library’s Community Room. Library staff will update us on programs planned for our branch for the summer, and we will approve funding as needed.
We may also get an update on plans of Sacramento Public Library to update several branches, including our own. We had a sneak peak at at our January meeting, and we expect that the planning process is well underway for some wonderful changes to the children and adult sections of the library.
As is customary for our group, a potluck lunch will be held during the meeting.
An email reminder will be sent prior to the meeting date. But if you are interested in what the future holds for our branch, mark your calendar now.
For the first time, Friends of Sacramento Public Library will be joining other nonprofits in Sacramento for the Big Day of Giving. The Big Day of Giving is a 24 hour online giving challenge. On May 5, more than 550 Sacramento regional nonprofits will take part, with the goal of raising $5 million from 25,000 donors. This is a 24 hour challenge, so we are trying to get the word out now so Friends can stand ready to help boost our donation to Sacramento Public Library this year for a special reading program.
Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the May date.
WINTER BOOK SALE NETS NEARLY $900
The first quarterly book sale of 2015 was held on February 6-7, and took in about $900 in proceeds. This was the second sale using the new quarterly format, and volunteers agree that it is far easier to manage than the old system. This was the first time that our Friends could accept credit cards during the sale, and we think this is going to provide a boost in future sales!
A giant thanks to the wonderful volunteers that help make our book sales possible: Stefanie Buckmaster, Deb Cooney, Karen Sanders, Doris Vermillion, Carole and George Raine, Gayle and Ed Fishkin, Michele Weiss, Michelle Weeks, Sigrid Willgohs, Kathy Long-Turner, Charlyn Nichols, Mary Caicchiolo, Pam Farrell-Webb, Jeff Karamen, Kathy Berg and Gail Johnson. And special thanks to our intrepid library staff, who assist us countless times during the sale.
Our spring book sale will take place May 1-2. Mark your calendars now! We will be starting the volunteer process in about three weeks.
HELP WANTED
As sales of used books declines, the NH-Antelope Friends of SacPubLib continues to examine incremental efforts that can add to the bottom line. While we already have been forced to cut back on the donation to fund Lucky Day, we are hoping to maintain current funding for all the wonderful programs that our talented library staff is arranging for children, teens and adults.
We are currently exploring the idea of selling high value nonfiction titles on Amazon or E-bay. This undertaking requires additional volunteer resources, however.
First, we are looking for a volunteer who would be willing to spend an hour or two once a week scanning nonfiction books to determine current market value. The Friends have purchased a small tablet computer, and along with the Amazon app, this will allow a volunteer to scan weekly donations of nonfiction books. No heavy lifting of boxes is involved, and the process can be done seated or standing.
Second, we hope to secure a volunteer that would be willing to list on our Amazon site more valuable books, then check once a day or every other day when there is a purchaser. If a book is purchased, the Amazon volunteer would ship the book, using the supplies provided by the Friends. Some level of computer literacy would be required for this job.
Training will be provided for these positions.
Or, if you prefer a more traditional book sorting position, NH-Antelope Friends is looking for a volunteer to sort incoming book donations of children’s books and fiction, plus fill the book rounds on either Friday or Saturday. While the time spent depends on the number of books donated, I typically spend an hour or hour and a half each week.
For more information, contact Debby Cooney at debbycooney@gmail.com or Karen Lindh at karen@klindh.com.
FRIENDS QUARTERLY MEETING COMING UP
The next meeting of the NH-Antelope Friends of Sacramento Public Library will be held Wednesday, April 15 at 11:00 a.m. in the library’s Community Room. Library staff will update us on programs planned for our branch for the summer, and we will approve funding as needed.
We may also get an update on plans of Sacramento Public Library to update several branches, including our own. We had a sneak peak at at our January meeting, and we expect that the planning process is well underway for some wonderful changes to the children and adult sections of the library.
As is customary for our group, a potluck lunch will be held during the meeting.
An email reminder will be sent prior to the meeting date. But if you are interested in what the future holds for our branch, mark your calendar now.
FSPL JOINS SACRAMENTO’S “BIG DAY OF GIVING”
For the first time, Friends of Sacramento Public Library will be joining other nonprofits in Sacramento for the Big Day of Giving. The Big Day of Giving is a 24 hour online giving challenge. On May 5, more than 550 Sacramento regional nonprofits will take part, with the goal of raising $5 million from 25,000 donors. This is a 24 hour challenge, so we are trying to get the word out now so Friends can stand ready to help boost our donation to Sacramento Public Library this year for a special reading program.
How Can You Help?
- Be sure to LIKE the Friends of Sacramento Public Library Facebook page and share it with your friends.
- Go to givingedge.guidestar.org from April 20 through May 5. Select and visit the Friends of the Sacramento Library profile to help the Friends qualify for an incentive prize.
- Go to bigdayofgiving.org on May 5. Select the Friends of the Sacramento Public Library and make a contribution to show how your heart belongs to our public library system.
- Encourage five of your friends, relatives or associates to donate on May 5 as well.
Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the May date.
NEWS FROM FRIENDS OF SACRAMENTO PUBLIC LIBRARY
As we move into an early spring, Friends activities are blossoming throughout the county. Many innovative and exciting programs are being offered or sponsored by Branch affiliate Friends groups. We continue to build even closer relationships with the Sacramento Public Library and the JPA governing entity as well as local elected officials. A few numbers that highlight these efforts are worth noting:
• $307,878, provided to the Sacramento Public Library in 2014
• Over 50,000 Friends volunteer hours in library service in 2014
• 2,527 Friends members as February 1, 2015
Let’s keep up the great work!
1. Board of Directors
At the February 10, 2015 meeting, the Board of Directors:
a. Awarded North Sacramento-Hagginwood Library Assisting Friends Matching Funds
b. Approved endowment disbursal of $47,765 to the Sacramento Public Library
c. Approved continued support of the Sacramento Black Book Fair
d. Endorsed FSPL participation in the Ca. Library Assoc. legislative "Day in the District"
2. Book Den/warehouse/internet sales operations
a. Next Warehouse sale: March 7, 2015 (with Friends preview on Friday, March 6)
3. 30 Branch affiliate Friends groups
a. All Branch meeting held on March 1, 2015 at the Book Den.
i. Branches received introduction to the Book Den facility, services and resources.
ii. Results of the strategic planning survey of branch affiliates and other interested constituencies were presented (see the FSPL website http://www.saclibfriends.org/about/) to get the best picture of potential recommendations. In their comments in the survey, Branch affiliates have asked FSPL for changes and improvements in various areas. Please note that the Board of Directors will act on these recommendations and it is clear that we will need the help and input from the Branches in order to make some of the improvements.
iii. An update on the Friends involvement in the May 5 Big Day of Giving online giving challenge to raise additional funding to support the Library was provided. More information on Branch participation and recognition will be forthcoming.
iv. Library Director Rivkah Sass provided an update on SPL services including programs funded by the Friends.
b. Branches are asked to publicize comedian Paula Poundstone’s upcoming March 13th performance at the Crest Theater. Paula is the national United for Libraries (Friends) spokesperson.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Jeffrey L. Rubin, President
Friends of the Sacramento Public Library
