A Message from the President:

It's no news to anyone that San Diego (and indeed the nation) is in dire financial shape. Most of you probably know Mayor Sanders' original budget proposal in November 2008 included closing seven branch libraries. Fortunately, proposed closures were not accepted by the City Council and the branches are safe-for now. But, in a few months, city finances will be looked at once again and it seems inevitable that we'll hear the news of a need to close some branches and reduce services in order to balance the budget.

It seems counterintuitive to me to close libraries and reduce services at a time when so many of our neighbors are more in need of library services than ever because of the financial turmoil surrounding their lives. If you've lost your job and had to drop your Internet access, you can use a computer at a branch library to look for a job and polish and print your resume. If you are cutting back on expenses and can't afford movies and theme park visits as family outings, you can bring the children to the library to check out books and borrow videos, CDs and DVDs. You can also sign the children up for one of the many free programs and activities sponsored by the local Branch. (See this newsletter about the much-anticipated visits of Blaze, the Therapy Dog, who loves to hear children read to him!) At the same time, pick up a book on your favorite hobby or sport or look at the new bookshelf for a novel to escape into. And keep an eye on the programs being offered for adults. There is sure to be one or more that you'll find informative and enjoyable.

It's up to each person in the community to assure our library continues to meet the needs of the community. When the next call comes to cut branch libraries or cut hours or funds for books, please call or e-mail the Mayor and the members of the City Council to let them know just how important your branch and its staff are to you. In addition, many of the activities of Mission Hills/Hillcrest Branch Library are made possible by the generous support of the Friends of the Library. We have begun our spring membership drive and ask for your help--it doesn't cost much to join the Friends, but the benefits to our community are great. Please consider returning the envelope that's enclosed in this Newsletter with your membership dues. Each and every contribution helps. Thank you for your support!

Phyllis Marion
President
Friends of the Mission Hills - Hillcrest Branch Library
2/16/09

Officers of the Board and Other Important Positions

Friends of the Mission Hills-Hillcrest Branch Library is an all-volunteer organization which provides support for the library, organizes programs for adults and conducts fundraising events to raise money for books, equipment and children's programs for the library.

The following members of the community have agreed to serve as officers on the Board and in other important positions in the organization for the 2009-2010 fiscal year:

President: Phyllis Marion
Vice President, Communications: Alyce Archuleta
Vice President, Fundraising: Robin Baker
Vice President, Membership: Nancy Carol Carter
Vice President, Programs: Lee Rathbone & Christine Workman (co-chairs)
Secretary: Pat Littell
Treasurer: Don Rudesill
Chief Information Officer: Albert Hoefer
Corresponding Secretaries: Joe and Abbie Sand
Essay Contest and Corporate Meetings: Marian Day
Garden Club Connection: Carol Wilson
Newsletter: Carol Moseley