Happy Summer, Friends! It’s hard to believe that we’re halfway through summer already. Lots of activities are planned for the summer here at the library. Children’s activities are scheduled daily, many of which are funded by the Friends. The first of three outdoor concerts has taken place, with one scheduled in August and another in September. For us, of course, our summer book sale scheduled for August 2, 3, and 4 is foremost in our minds. As always, Friday night from 6-8 is reserved for members of the Friends so that you get first choice of the books, DVDs, and CDs. Saturday is from 10-4 and Bag Day on Sunday from 1-4 is when you can fill one of our paper bags for $5! I hope the dates are on your calendar. Watch for a $2 coupon for use at the sale on Saturday in the July 31 Castro Valley Forum.

Thanks to your donations and the eagle eyes of our volunteers, the Friends are having great success selling on eBay. Our eBay team of Amy Fain, Scott Morgan, and Amber Marsh post pictures and descriptions of interesting donated materials on eBay. When someone buys an item (we have had more than one buyer in Europe!), one of the team comes into the store, boxes and wraps the item, weighs it and places postage on it and then takes it to the post office. We are so fortunate to have these hardworking team members willing to put in so much time and effort in creating this offshoot of the Bookstore! There have been times when eBay sales have exceeded those of our Bookstore. Volunteers are always thrilled when they find out that a book they identified as a possible eBay candidate is sold!

Speaking of volunteers, have you considered volunteering in our store or at one of our book sales? The yellow volunteer form is available right in front of our office. Volunteers usually work one three-hour shift a week. We have a volunteer trainer who works with new people to help them learn the procedures. Having been a volunteer myself since 2011, I can tell you that it’s a great way to feel part of the community. We have regular customers and it’s fun to talk about books with them. I’ve also become good friends with my coworkers. Please pick up and submit a volunteer form if you’re interested. For those who might like to help out at the August book sale, there will be sign-up sheets in our office early in July. If you come by, just ask a volunteer for the sign-up sheets.

The Carol Lyke Memorial Program is offering its second presentation on Sunday, July 28. Please read the article about it in this newsletter. We’re glad to once again honor the memory of our dear friend, Carol.

Looking forward to seeing you at the August Book Sale!!