In just a few short days our lives have changed dramatically – in ways that we never envisioned. We have added new words to our vocabulary: coronavirus disease, COVID-19, social distance, shelter-in-place. The coronavirus sheltering-in-place is hitting home for many of us as we all do our part to stop the spread. As you will read in this newsletter we have cancelled the Spring Used Book Sale, our largest money maker, with very heavy hearts. We know that many throughout the Bay Area depend upon the book sale to stock up on great bargains. We rely on its income to support Library programs. We have also cancelled the very popular Museum Art Docent Talks that enrich our community, describing outstanding exhibits in Bay Area Museums.
Today, we are fortunate that technology is a great enabler. For the Board and other meetings we are testing video conferencing tools to conduct business and to stay on top of the evolving challenges of the virus. Our outstanding library has a wealth of online material – from ebooks, audiobooks, database for magazines, homework help for kids, and Kanopy for streaming movies. Check out the online resources page on the Library’s website. Now is the time to enjoy your library from home! I want to call your attention to our fantastic program in February – Black Youth: Exploring the Road to Success that is now available to watch in its entirety on our new YouTube channel. Thanks to the Rotary for their support of this program.
Your health and safety are of utmost importance. Over the next few months we will evaluate and adjust our programs as information becomes available. We thank you for your continued understanding and support.
Be safe and take care of each other.
Karen Butter, President, FAL