(From the May 2019 Circle of Friends Newsletter)
Springtime greetings! Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending the grand finale of this year’s “Castro Valley Reads!”, a library program that encourages everyone in Castro Valley to read and discuss the same book. This year’s book was A Backpack, a Bear and Eight Crates of Vodka, the story of one Ukrainian Jewish family’s escape from the USSR in late 1989. Author Lev Golinkin was with us at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts, leading a conversation about the immigrant experience. As I stood on the stage and looked out at nearly 200 people who just read the same book I had enjoyed, sharing their thoughts about this important and timely topic, I was so appreciative of our great library staff and the creative programs they offer that bring us together as a community. And I was especially proud to be a part of the Friends of the Castro Valley Library and our sponsorship of wonderful events like this one!
We were also at the CV Reads finale to sell memberships to the Friends, and I’m happy to share that we have now surpassed our goal of adding 100 new Friends at our “pop-up” membership sales this year. If you have not yet renewed your membership, it’s not too late to do so. Just stop by the Book Store or come to one of our large book sales.
And speaking of book sales, the next event will be our Dog Days of Summer sale on August 16, 17, and 18. The usual excellent selection of novels, children’s books, and all kinds of non-fiction will be available. Friday night is for members only (memberships sold at the door), and Sunday will be the usual Bag Sale, offering all the books that will fit in a grocery bag for only $4. It’s the best deal in town. Be sure to come by and check it out.
With spring comes Spring Break for our local schools, and during Castro Valley Unified’s week long holiday, the library offered programs for children every day, ranging from a family movie to craft programs to a performance by the Circus of Smiles. As always, these programs will be free to all because of the sponsorship of the Friends of the Library.
At our annual meeting last November, we voted to change our By-Laws to add two Directors-at-Large to our Board of Directors. I’m happy to announce that one of those positions has been filled by Rose Kish. Rose works regularly in the BookStore and is one of the PICs for children’s books. We’re delighted to have her join us on the Board and look forward to working with her!
Kay Wetherwax, President
Friends of the Castro Valley Library