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Dear Friends,
We were saddened recently by the passing away of two dear colleagues: Dan Strauss (Co-Volunteer Coordinator Harriet's husband), a long-time FOPL Life member and volunteer, and Daisy Chen, an original Platt staff member who treated everyone with a personal touch. The Board presented a gardenia plant, Danny's favorite flower, to Harriet. A selection of books Daisy would have enjoyed was purchased for the library in her memory. On behalf of the Board, I wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to their families, grieving colleagues, and loved ones. They will be truly missed.
Meanwhile, the Friends go on. The Board allocated $33,500 for the fiscal year to supplement Platt Library's budget. In addition, the Board allocated $750 from October–December as a trial period for Project Best Seller support. After this period, we will evaluate whether this amount satisfies the needs of Platt's clientele and determine if Project Best Seller is being as effectively implemented as possible.
Our recent purchase of a cart as a “catchment” for the book drop has helped to reduce the number of damaged books.
The security system installed by the library (for which the Friends paid 50% of the cost) has proved to be very effective. The incidences of pranks have been greatly reduced and are currently under control.
Shel Schuster, Elaine Corman, Harriet Strauss, and our wonderful volunteer crew conducted another enviable Book Sale in August. And they'll be at it again November 19 and 20. With the variety and quantity of books and related items they get out on the tables, every Super Sale is like one gigantic garage sale. Please don't miss out! This is an excellent opportunity to do your holiday shopping at incredible savings.
Our 5th Annual Children's Holiday Boutique will be at Platt on Saturday, December 4th. Join Mary Ann Ostrom, our Fundraising Chairman, and other dedicated volunteers to help kids select our wares (at kid-budget prices) and get them wrapped. Or help her assemble gifts at the Boutique workshop on November 18.
Plans for Platt's gala 10th Birthday Party are underway. Party Chairwomen Sue Strickland and Carol Rosen have selected the theme “The Magic of Books”. They are currently soliciting ideas for activities that relate to the magical powers of the printed word. They also need to hear from members with a volunteerable talent along these lines. And of course, the call is out for members with crafts expertise in general. This event will be a highlight of the year. Please plan to be involved and email Sue or Carol at birthday@plattlibrary.org.
Applause is due Joan Vos, our Program Chairman, for arranging a blockbuster Ballot Issues Review. LWV Speakers Bureau Chair Ellen Pangarliotas, as always, presented a very informative brief for each side of each issue, and participants’ enthusiasm kept her reviewing well past the scheduled program time. Not only that, the audience set a new attendance record for Friends programs. See the article on the next page, and check the January newsletter for what Joan has planned for our February/March General Meeting!
Entertainment Books—including Ventura and Santa Barbara, Greater Los Angeles, and San Fernando Valley—are available in the Bookstore. This great value also includes a percentage of the proceeds for the library.
Here is wishing you a wonderful holiday season. May the New Year be blessed with good health, happiness, and prosperity.
Frona DeCovnick, President
The Friends of the Platt Library Newsletter is produced and maintained by Hearn/Perrell Art Associates. Editor: Therese Hearn
Artwork, photos and information are copyrighted by their respective Authors, the
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