We had a wonderful time talking to everyone who visited our booth at the Alameda Art & Wine Faire in July. We enjoyed sharing about Friends of the Alameda Free Library (FAL) programs, answering questions, enlisting volunteers and giving out coupons for the Library Friends Cafe and Books For Friends (BFF). Thank you to the many volunteers and board members who staffed the booth during this two-day event!
We are excited about two new and upcoming FAL projects. The Library Friends Cafe is now open six days a week with an updated menu. You can sample the new pastries at our October Book Sale, which will be held October 26 to 28 in the Stafford Room at the Main Library. Thanks to donations from our wonderful community, the Book Sale will feature a wide selection of subjects, including high-quality children’s books and many new releases. Please join us!
Alamedans may be interested in viewing the recording of the August docent talk about photorealist painter Robert Bechtle, which is available on our YouTube Channel. The talk featured Bechtle’s paintings of Alameda houses in the 1970s, many with cars of the era. One of his more well-known paintings, Alameda Gran Torino, depicts a Ford station wagon parked in the driveway of a suburban home. As you watch, see if you can identify the location of each painting!
Lastly, we give our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the Spring Appeal and helped us exceed our goal. Your support makes it possible to continue the fantastic programming at the Alameda Free Library. The 2023 Summer Reading Challenge, which encourages reading for all ages, had the largest participation since 2016. FAL shared sponsorship with Tucker’s Ice Cream and Subpar Miniature Golf.