March Roared in with a Lion's Share of Used Books on March 5th and 6th!
March 5th: 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. Members only.
From 10 to 4, open to all.
(Softcovers start at 25 cents, hardcovers start at 50 cents each.)
March 6th: 2 - 4 p.m. Bag Sale, $3.00 for
a grocery bag full of whatever is left which includes books, magazines,
records, etc.
There are many like new books, collectibles, many categories sorted and some are alphabetized.
The Friends held a Bake Sale and Raffle in December, click here for the photos
From the President's
Desk
News from the Bottom
Shelf
Yearly Financial
Report
Mini Cafe Opens
Books By My Bedside
Lectures and Book Clubs
Friends' Board Members
These are very exciting times for our library and community. Wherever I go, people are asking about the "makeover" planned for their beloved institution. Whether to add on, start over, redesign, or move elsewhere, people are energized by the possibilities. In addition, there are discussions about adding a coffee bar inside the present location staffed by volunteers.
Whatever the outcome of these discussions, the Friends have always been there as a support for the library. Whether it is money, manpower or encouragement, the Friends can be counted on as a base for volunteer support. We stepped forward when the library needed to pass a referendum years ago; in the nineties, we volunteered when the library needed to modernize its technology service; most recently, we provided additional funds to furnish our new innovative Family Technology Center.
I am confident that the Friends will continue to support the library. Helping to make ours the best library of the 21st century may be our biggest challenge yet.
The Friends held an annual meeting in October and elected the following officers: myself as president; George Manno, vice-president; Melinda Geist, secretary; Mitchell Cox, treasurer.
The remaining unelected board positions are Susan McGoldrick, newsletter editor; Elaine Brownlee, website editor; Helene Cox, book sale chairperson; Dean Oedzes, correspondent; Alice Racher and Beverly Myrow, at large members; Corine Hawthorne and Joan Braden, liaisons from Olympia Fields Library Board; and Joan Larsen, Park Forest Library Board liaison.
Also, at this meeting, we voted on and approved a revision of the Friends' by-laws and duties of officers. My thanks to Jennifer Spinozzi and Melinda Geist for graciously undertaking this long overdue revision and updating it to computer format.
The Friends have regular board meetings on the third Wednesday
of most months (not Dec.) at 6:30 p.m. at the library. If you would like
to attend our meetings to discuss an idea of interest to the Friends, you
are welcome to attend.
-- Frank Baecher
NEWS FROM . . . THE BOTTOM SHELF
AUTUMN BOOK SALE
Buyers did FALL FOR BOOKS on the first weekend in October. The quantity was enormous, the selection extensive, and the sorting careful. Additional shelving and lighting were in place, and book lovers came and browsed and bought. The early morning (7:30 a.m.) opening seems to be a good idea for members and for member/dealers. Saturday was a very busy day, and Sunday's bag sale held even greater bargains of book leftovers.
The Park Forest book sale remains part fundraiser, part community event. Shoppers visit, compare books, and generally have a wonderful time. The year-round book sorters work with discernment and good humor, sorting and shelving books. Thanks to Melinda Geist, Judy Gleitsman, Lois Hinde, Dora Holly, Evie Loke, Susan McGoldrick, Maria Mitchell, Dean Oedzes, Don Struck, and Justine Wheeler.
All the weekend volunteers worked hard and cheerfully, spreading much good will for the library. Virginia Parker deserves special note. She staffed the Express table from start to finish on Saturday. Betty Schneipp worked as cashier for two days. Will Brown, a book hauler extraordinaire, helped with every portion of the sale, from beginning to end. Friends extend a welcome to Jon Davis, who volunteered and worked both days.
In two days, the library's budget was increased by $4200 earned from the sale of books and recorded materials. In addition, the Friends registered many new and renewing members, earning nearly $600 dollars. We couldn't have achieved this record fall sale without your participation as members and buyers.
Make a note of our spring sale on March 5th and 6th. And
shop the sale cart in the library's lobby. New materials are added frequently.
The library welcomes donations year round... just never on Sunday!
-- Helene Cox, Book Sale Chairperson
YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT (November 1, 2003 - October 31, 2004)
Because of your support of our book sales at the Bottom Shelf, the Farmers' Market, the lobby book cart, and the 2003 holiday book sale, the Friends were able to contribute approximately $22,000 directly to the library. All monies are used to purchase new books. In addition, during this time period, the Friends bought a total of $11,051 in needed furniture, technology, and other purchases for the library. These funds were obtained from membership dues, pecan sales, book-lover calendar sales, and the holiday bake sale. The Friends play a vital role in the growth and improvement of the library. Thank you again for your generous support.
COFFEE, COMPANIONSHIP, and CONVERSATION
Beginning on Monday, December 6th, our library is opening a mini cafe in the alcove near the library lobby. Common Grounds will be open on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon. Please drop by to enjoy our library's newest amenity.
In the past year, whenever I want to escape the news,
I turn to Alexander McCall Smith. If mysteries can be called delightful,
his definitely can be primarily due to his wonderfully unique characters.
I was thrilled to discover that McCall Smith has launched a new series
set in Edinburgh starring Isabel Dalhousie, a single woman of independent
means who is a philosopher and part-time journal editor. The Sunday
Morning Philosophy Club follows Isabel's attempts to uncover the mystery
of a young man's fatal fall from the edge of the upper circle of Usher
Hall after a symphony concert. Isabel witnesses the tragic event; as a
result, her curiosity propels her into an amateur investigation. What follows
is an intriguing mystery, a fascinating introduction to Isabel's close
friends and relatives, and interesting philosophical insights. I can't
wait for more!
-- Susan McGoldrick
Potpourri Lectures: Visit or call the library for the new schedule of lectures to be held February through May on Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. in the Ringering Room.
Cultures Club: Third Wednesday evening of the month, January trough June One country, civilization, or culture per month. Call the library at 748-3731 or email pfs@sslic.net to reserve a spot. There is no fee.
Book Discussion Group: Fourth Monday of the month
January through June 12:00 p.m. in Ringering Room. The book to be discussed
is available at the library 3 weeks prior to discussion. No fee.
Next book: The Curious Incident of the Dog In the
Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Happy Holidays, Friends!
President: Frank Baecher
Vice-President: George Manno
Secretary: Melinda Geist
Treasurer: Mitchell Cox
Book Sales: Helene Cox
Hospitality: Susan McGoldrick
Board Members At Large: Beverly Myrow,
Mary Krachey, Alice Racher
FRIENDS ONLINE: http://www.lincolnnet.net/friends/
LIBRARY ONLINE: http://www.pfpl.org/
Administrative Librarian: Barbara Byrne Osuch
PFPL Bd. Liaison: Joan Larsen
OFPL Bd. Liaison: Corine Hawthorne, Joan Braden
footnotes
Editor: Susan McGoldrick
Contributing Editors: Joan Larsen, Alice Racher,
Frank Baecher, Helene Cox
Proofreader: Lisa McGoldrick
Friends' Webmaster: Elaine Brownlee