President's message

In December, the Friends unanimously resolved to make 2008 a brighter, fresher, and cleaner year for our library building. Funding was allocated for painting the library, purchasing new carpeting, and paying for the refinishing of the solid maple chairs hiding under all that accumulated grime. This project is going forward with the support and cooperation of the Friends, the library administration, painters from the city's Facilities Maintenance Department, and the San Diego Public Library Foundation.
We all missed the library when it closed for one week in January, but every surface had to be covered with plastic while the ceiling was spray-painted. The rest of the painting is being completed while the library is open, using a specially manufactured low VOC paint (volative organic compound) with almost no odor.
When it is time to replace the carpeting, another closure will be required. Meanwhile, the chairs are being sent to the refinisher in small groups. Some have been returned--look for those shiny clean chairs when you visit the library.
The Friends are helping to pay for these improvements from a treasury built dollar-by-dollar. To raise these funds, our loyal volunteers keep up a sustained effort that includes monthly book sales, wrapping Christmas gifts for tips, sponsoring musical and theater events, selling books at street fairs, and working to build our membership and encourage donations. Community support for these efforts makes it possible for the Friends to support the library and its programs.
Our Friends group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the branch library. New Friends are always welcome, whether as active volunteers or supporting members. Please join us.

--- Nancy Carol Carter