President's Message - May 2024
We are excited to welcome the new Library Director, Michael Eitner, who comes to Alameda from his position as Assistant Director at the Solano County Library. We look forward to working with Michael to support and advocate for our library's many wonderful programs. In April, FAL partnered with
Join our 50th Anniversary Spring Appeal -Double your gift!
FAL’s 50th Anniversary Spring Appeal has launched, and we are on well on our way to meeting our goal! Have you donated yet? Many of you have stepped up to donate and are enjoying our special 50th Anniversary Giving Tier perks: year-long special benefits like Books for Friends discounts,
Online Author Event with Amanda Peters is now available to stream
On April 3, 2024, FAL hosted Amanda Peters, author of The Berry Pickers. The talk is now available to stream. Click below to watch:
Adopt-a-Pet Day a barking success
FAL was delighted to support the Bay Farm Island branch for their Adopt-a-Pet day this past Saturday, April 6, 2024, which they produced in partnership with Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS). We had lots of giveaways for library patrons: notebooks, stickers, coupons for a free beverage at Friends
Michael Eitner appointed as new Library Director
FAL welcomes Michael Eitner as the new Library Director. Alameda City Manager Jennifer Ott has selected Michael Eitner to serve as the Director of the Alameda Free Library. Michael Eitner joins the City of Alameda after serving in management positions at the Denver Public Library, Santa Clara County Library District,
President's Message - April 2024
We hosted a very successful March Used Book Sale. Many discovered our used bookstore, Books For Friends, which also saw brisk sales, while others purchased delicious items from the Friends Café. Billy Reinschmiedt directed the sale, assisted by Cindy Silva, Marcie Johnson, Kim Buckley, Lydia Kim, Serena Hom, Karen Manuel,
Online Author Event with Patricia Bracewell - Now Available to Stream
We hosted author Patricia Bracewell on March 20 to hear about her new book,The Steel Beneath the Silk, the breathtaking conclusion to Bracewell’s Emma of Normandy Trilogy. The program is available to stream now:
President's Message - March 2024
The FAL 50th anniversary events are underway! FAL volunteers participated in the library’s Lunar New Year celebration, where families received special favors and indulged in treats and crafts in the specially-decorated Stafford Room and at the Friends Café. Read more about the LNY celebration below. Another Kanopy app recommendation:
President's Message - February 2024
The Friends of the Alameda Free Library Board and its many volunteers are working on exciting programs for 2024. Online newsletter readers will receive updates on Monday mornings on the weeks when we have events. I find them great reminders even if I have already registered (and re-registered!) for an
Online Author Event with Megan Kamalei Kakimoto - Now Available to Stream
On January 10, 2024 the Friends of the Alameda Library hosted Megan Kamalei Kakimoto, author of EVERY DROP IS A MAN’S NIGHTMARE.Click below to watch this talk:
President's Message - January 2024
Happy New Year! 2024 marks our 50th anniversary! The first book sale was held in 1974. If anyone has memories of that first sale, we’d love to hear your stories. A task force is working on a number of events throughout the year in collaboration with the Library to
Online Author Event with Philipp Schott Now Available to Stream
On November 8, 2023, the Friends of the Alameda Library hosted Philipp Schott, author of the Dr. Bannerman mystery series. Click below to watch this talk: