RING 200 SP 5

A newsletter for the Friends of the

Mark your Honoring our volunteers and board members calendars: 2005 Annual Meeting will feature Whitney Otto Spring Book By Greg Simon

Sale is April 30 John Riley he 2005 Annual Meeting of the Friends of Maya Angelou, Ann and May 1 Tthe Multnomah County Library is sched- Bancroft, and Winona uled for Wednesday, May 25th, from 5:30 to 7 Ryder. In the mean- FOL Annual p.m. in the US Bank Meeting Room at Central time, Ms. Otto had Meeting is Library. Hors d’oeuvres, wine and other bever- published Now You Wednesday, ages will be served at this event, which is free See Her (Villard, for FOL members. 1994), followed by May 25th from Please join the FOL Board in welcoming sev- The Passion Dream 5:30 to 7 pm. eral incoming Board Members, saying goodbye Book (Harper Collins, to a long-time Board Member and honoring 1997). Library Store our volunteers. Look for your invitation in the Her latest book, A Author Whitney Otto is the guest speaker Sale starts mail the first week in May. Collection of Beauties The evening’s featured speaker will be novelist at the Height of Their at 4 pm. Whitney Otto. Ms. Otto lives in Northeast Port- Popularity (Random House, 2002), is an el- land with her husband and son. She has been a egantly constructed novel about a group of volunteer in her son’s public school libraries, and twenty-year-olds living in San Francisco in the has taught writing classes at Grant High School 1980s, haphazardly thrown together by their and Portland State University. patronage of a cool (but fictional) North Beach She is the author of the very popular How to hangout called the Youki Singe Tea Room. Make an American Quilt (Villard Books, 1991), Ms. Otto has prefaced each chapter with a which was made into a movie in 1995 starring woodblock poster representing seventeenth century courtesans from Japan’s legendary Friends’ Library Store Update Floating World. There, it is said, patrons could pursue their fill of music, sex, food, poetry, the- As you know the Board made the decision to ater, and fashion. Centuries later, the young close the store for several months. Future denizens of San Francisco find themselves on plans for the store are not fully developed similar crusades as the novelist explores the yet, but the Board wants to invite you to a consequences of their awkward, unexpected, large INVENTORY BLOWOUT SALE, the and complex co-mingling. night of our Annual Meeting. “Your twenties are exhilarating love years,” Wednesday, May 25th Ms. Otto told interviewer Ellen Kanner, “even 4:00pm – 5:30 p.m. before the Annual as they can also be the heartbreak years. You Meeting and 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm may not have wisdom, but love is huge.” after the Annual Meeting Local readers may find it gently ironic that Everything in the store will be Ms. Otto, who grew up in Pasadena, Califor- 40% off (or more), so stop in and shop! nia, moved to and then wrote a book We appreciate your support. about San Francisco. As someone who visited Continue on page 2

Spring 2005 1 From the President Annual Meeting continued that city many times be- Dear Friends, tween 1968 and 1990, I It’s been an eventful few months for us. As you know, in can testify that she is mid-February we decided that we needed to close the wonderful at reproduc- Friends’ Store at Central Library for a few months. It ing the restless nature of was a painful decision but we are certain it was the right Bay Area life of that era one. We felt the need to really take a step back and evalu- with both humor and ate the store’s business model, its merchandise, and its priorities. The Board critical affection. of Directors is working very hard to get that job done, although it’s turning “Your twenties are a out to be more time-consuming than we expected. We are considering a num- time to discover who you are, what ber of different ideas and if you have any suggestions (about the store or you want, what you don’t want...” Ms. anything else we do), we’d love to hear them. Don’t miss our inventory blow- Otto told another interviewer.“I don’t out sale the night of the Annual Meeting! think anything in the book was directly One great thing about the Friends is that our activities truly lifted from my own life—I just remem- are driven by our members, especially those who take the ber what all that felt like.” time to volunteer on committees, in the store, in the office, in the book sorting room, and at the book sales. I want to Want to help the Friends mention a few who give of themselves with exceptional en- ergy. I have to start with Carol Clifton, who has used her help the Library? special expertise to increase the Friends’ return on the romance We welcome The Board is planning to welcome be- fiction donated to the book sales. Lou Burton, Rosmary Wegert Malcolm Grant. tween 6–8 new board members this and Donald Stocks are longtime book sale stalwarts. Jo Burch He’s a proud spring. The Friends of the Library are has worked tirelessly in the Friends’ Store for years, and her recipient of a MCL card and passionate about the continuing grasp of the store’s business issues rivals that of any paid the son of our health of our library system and rely employee. Tom and Willa Holmes and Ralph Wright have book room on a strong and active board for our served in the Store with equal distinction and in fact, Willa manager Anne McFall and successes. Here are the areas of expe- goes back to Opening Night as a Store volunteer! In the Darrell Grant. rience and skill sets we are particu- Friends’ office, Sara has been ably and loyally assisted for larly in need of: years by Alan Locklear, Nina Cook, and Sheila Finch-Tepper (Sheila is the ◆ legal one who painstakingly hand-writes all of our names on our membership cards ◆ finance and accounting once every year). These are just a few representative names; there are dozens ◆ retailing of others. You are all heroes to me. ◆ marketing and public relations I hope to see all of you on April 30–May 1 at the Spring Book Sale and again ◆ technology/computers/web retailing on May 25th at the Annual Meeting. Thank you for being such good Friends. ◆ advocacy Stephanie Vardavas, President If you want to share your passion for libraries and would like to con- Friends of Multnomah County Library tribute to a dynamic, community- The Friends of Multnomah County Library is a non-profit community organization based board, please contact us at dedicated to supporting the Multnomah County Library. We accomplish this principally by promoting public involvement in the Library and by raising money through member- [email protected]. We will ship fees, the Friends’ Library Store, and the sale of used-books. email you more information and a Board of Directors: board application. Come join us! Stephanie Vardavas, President; Amy Fuller, Vice-President Debby Simone, Secretary; Tami Parr, Treasurer Bryan Aptekar, Ginny Benware, Janet Christ, Diane Gutman, Nancy Lee, Tami Parr, Ann Pearson, Carol Ramsay, Carla Rathbun, Ron Savitt, Greg Simon, Kevin Thomas Staff: Sara Lindgren, Anne McFall Library Liaison: Penny Hummel Footnotes Volume 15, No. 1 Footnotes is published four times a year for members of The Friends of Multnomah County Library. Send news and comments to Footnotes at FOL, 522 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 1103, Portland, OR 97204 or call the Friends at 503.224.9176, fax at 503.223-4386 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.friends-library.org. Editor: Bryan Aptekar Design: Jeanne E. Galick Printed on recycled paper

2 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org 4th Annual Spring Used Book Sale in East Multnomah County is fast approaching! By Janet Christ ooklovers will have twice as much to Blove at this year’s Friends of the Library spring book sale in East Multnomah County: The formerly one-day annual sale will run for two weekend days, April 30 and May 1. It also will be at a new and bigger location — in the Gresham Village Volunteer Iris Kimbark helps with book shopping center, 2340 SE Burnside Road sorting at Powell Boulevard. Hours will be 9 AM to 6 PM Saturday and 10 AM to 4 PM What is life like in the Sunday. No members-only sale will be Friends’ book room? held. “We’ve been trying to expand this sale for a while,” said Friends’ board member By Angelita Surmon, Book room assistant and former book sale chairwoman Amy o quote Forest Gump, it’s “like a Fuller, “and are real happy to find this space that would allow us to bring Tbox of chocolates. You never three times as many books and hold the sale for an extra day.” This year know what you’re gonna get.” It’s an will mark the fourth annual spring sale of donated books. Donations of experience full of curiosities and sur- used and new books continue to grow, and the bigger fall Portland sale prises. Volunteers open boxes to find will be held as usual in October. Proceeds from the sales support everything from the latest Tom Multnomah County Library programs (see article on page 4) and the pur- Clancy thriller to a William Faulkner chase of books and other materials. first edition. From here, sorters shelve While last year’s one-day Gresham sale enticed 1,060 book buyers, this books by category and price levels. year’s expanded sale will offer browsers many more books and more cat- There are always staff members to egories from which to choose. help maneuver through questionable The book sale committee expects at least 20,000 books to be available. designations. For some books there The sale will include subject areas of fiction, mystery, classics and litera- is no definite answer, and that’s what ture, history, biography, cooking, children’s, nature, gardening, crafts and makes life interesting. After our ace hobbies, math and science, and old books — those dated 1950 and earlier. authorities have priced books, volun- Titles will be priced starting at 50 cents, and most adult books will be teers place colored stickers on the $1.50 to $6 each. spines and pack them for our two an- Free parking will be available in the shopping center, and the TriMet nual sales. The number of boxes is Number 80 bus serves the site. Sale attendees may transfer at the Gresham impressive. Transit Center to the Number 80 from the light-rail Blue Line or from bus Working here in numbers 4, 9, 12S, and 20. For more sale information, contact the Friends the book room, we office at 503-224-9176 or write [email protected] naively think we’ve come across every tory of Shelving for Books); Is Our Chil- genial. Special people from diverse title known to dren Learning? The Case Against backgrounds, like our longtime mankind. Then we Prezident George W. Bush; Men and children’s book packer Iris Kimbark find some unusual Other Reptiles; and My Husband Said from Sri Lanka and avid bird watcher or humorous title He Needed More Space So I Locked Him Marilynn Burke, converge to share that gives us a moment of levity and Outside. For those people who are their love of books. we laugh at ourselves for our audac- short of time, we’ve found these trea- If this sounds appealing to you and ity. Here are a few that stood out dur- sures: How to Make People Like You in you have a few hours to share with ing the past year: How Does Olive Oil 90 Seconds or Less; How to Make Some- us on Monday, Wednesday or Friday Lose its Virginity? (Answers to Enig- one Love You in 90 Minutes or Less; and mornings, call us, or leave a message matic Questions of Contemporary Life); How to Find a Husband in 30 Days. at 503-988-6191. The Book on the Book Shelf (The His- The atmosphere is relaxed and con-

Spring 2005 3 “An Awesome Place for Chilling With Your Smurf Friends” A Friends’ Grant in Action: Multnomah County Library’s Teen Lounges By: Sara Ryan, Teen Services Specialist

ne afternoon per week, at seven that afternoon, Teen Lounges. But Odifferent branches of the what exactly is a Teen Lounge, and Multnomah County Library, (Belmont, why do teens go there? We’ll let the Gregory Heights, Hillsdale, Holgate, some of the teens who come to Hollywood, North Portland, and St. Hollywood’s Teen Lounge explain: Johns) teens in grades 6-12 take over. “It’s a really great place, where you Specifically, they take over the can just hang out and get your home- meeting rooms, which become, for work done and over with for the night. I made my own magazine at school and I was able to write my article here. And Thank you I have four pages of math homework for your generous donations! every night and I work on that here. I’m Walter and Mary Jane Baker able to do all the stuff I’d usually have Phillip Berry to do at home. I have three younger sis- Francoise Bourdonnec ters at home, so it’s louder there. Here of the Library, Teen Lounges are one Fritz Brueggemeyer and Jennifer of the library’s most recent success Chapman it’s quieter so you can focus on your Al Burkart homework. I even sometimes practice stories. Funding from the Friends has Janet Christ my lines for a theater troupe that I’m supported the purchase of magazine Elisabeth and Jerry Dickason subscriptions, bulletin boards, school Paul Dockter in. You feel open here and part of the James Fitzgerald community here even though it’s a wide supplies, beanbag chairs, and games Karla Forsythe and James Crane range of grades. You learn to know ev- for those necessary study breaks. Gabrielle Foulkes “Teens in our community have con- Erick Grandmason erybody.” –Evangel, age 11 Gilbert Hawes “It’s fun to get out of the house once sistently identified teen spaces as one Joy Family in a while. It’s better than playing video of the best resources the library could Harpel Keller games and watching TV all the time. provide for them. The gift from the Anna Kuehn Friends has given the library the Scott Mainwaring Also it’s nice to know there’s someone to Faye McElhinny help me if I have a big assignment. It’s chance to provide the elements that Bill and Maxine McGrath helpful being able to print my work make each Teen Lounge accessible, Colleen and Robert Morris friendly and fun for teens,’” said the William and Jean Morse right there too.” –Dante, age 14 Lynne Sherley “Teen Lounge is an awesome place for library’s Teen Services Specialist, Sara Stephanie Vardavas chilling with your smurf friends and Ryan. “The Teen Lounges demon- Robin Weinstein catching up on homework.” –Melissa strate that the library welcomes teens, Matching Funds from NIKE for: AKA Melba Rocker, age 13 and that we offer resources that are William Truncali Thanks to a grant from the Friends relevant to their lives. When teens see Matching Funds from PGE for: that the library values their needs, Anonymous Linda Ecker they’re more likely to continue using David P. Pearson and supporting libraries in the future. Matching Funds from US Bancorp for: Teen Lounges are also a way for us to Loren A. Anderson help bridge the digital divide, by In Memory of Harriet Lockhart reaching teens who would otherwise Mary Bridge MD lack access to the Internet.” Phil and Jan Bridge There’s a link to the schedule of In Memory of Michael Loving Loretta Rielly upcoming Teen Lounges on the front Norio Saito page of the Outernet, the library’s Richard Solomon and Alyce Flitcraft website for teens: www.http:// In Honor of Nancy and Paul Bragdon www.multcolib.org/outer/ Nancy Glass

4 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org What’s Happening with the Library’s Budget? Volunteer Spotlight: By Bryan Aptekar Nan Lieberman ince last fall, Multnomah County has been involved in a new budgeting Sprocess for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2005. The new process is Not many Portland based on the book, The Price of Government by David Osbourne and is de- folks travel to San signed to be similar to the way people manage their spending at home — by Francisco for meet- buying programs and services that the county can afford with the resources ings of a book dis- available. cussion group, but Multnomah County Commissioners chose this approach because a signifi- Nan Lieberman has cant gap exists between the cost of the programs the county currently funds been doing just that and the amount of general fund revenue that is expected. About half of the for several years. It’s Nan Lieberman library’s budget comes from the levy approved by voters in November 2002; not because there most of the rest comes from the County’s general fund. As Friends, we are aren’t many won- concerned that cuts might be made in the library’s budget in the upcoming derful book clubs in Portland. In fact, year. she participates in one that was Here’s how the new budget process has worked. This winter all county de- started by Friends of the Library partments, including the library, were asked to categorize various aspects of members who volunteered in the their operations under one of six priority areas and submit program offers for Store. It’s just that she can’t give up each of them. All of the library’s operating programs fit into two of the six the interaction with old friends and priority areas: Vibrant Communities and Education. To read them, visit the she likes the variety of belonging to Multnomah County Web site at http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/priorities/ more than one book club. One is more index.shtml. Overall, the library has requested support to maintain services at structured, the other is more social current levels. and loose. One started with just read- After the program offers were submitted, they were evaluated and ranked ing books by women, primarily fic- by cross-departmental teams of county employees and all members of the tion. The other is a little more intel- Board of County Commissioners. On May 5, 2005 Multnomah County Chair lectual with all members coming pre- Diane Linn will announce her executive budget, followed by several opportu- pared and with occasional non-fiction nities for the public to give feedback and input. and/or classics added to the mix. Nan is a longtime member of the How to get involved Friends and has volunteered in the The dates, locations and times of public hearings on the Multnomah County store from the beginning. She loves Budget are below. If you’d like to testify and would like the Friends to alert meeting the shoppers and talking you by e-mail about how the recommended Executive Budget will affect the about the library, about books, and library, please e-mail Sara Lindgren in the Friends office at about our city. She and her husband [email protected]. It’s critical that the commissioners hear from library Gilbert moved here from San Fran- advocates about the importance of maintaining library services at current lev- cisco because Nan was transferred to els, so if you can’t attend a hearing, please consider writing, calling or e-mail- the Portland United ticket office. (Yes, ing the commissioners. Together, we can make a difference! her many years with United help her afford those flights to San Francisco). Nan is a very strong library supporter. Schedule of Hearings on the County Budget For her 25th wedding anniversary in Tuesday, May 10, 2005 Tuesday, May 24, 2005 1997, Nan asked for, and received, tickets for the very first Foundation 512 N. Killingsworth (Portland) 805 NE 122nd (Portland) Gala. She is a frequent Central branch 6 – 8 p.m. 6 – 8 p.m. user, but lives in the Northwest part of the city and sometimes uses that Tuesday, May 17, 2005 Tuesday, May 31, 2005 branch. She loves city life and she and Multnomah County East Building Multnomah Building Gilbert know a lot about the fun 600 NE 8th (Gresham) 501 SE Hawthorne (Portland) places to eat in Portland. They enjoy 6 – 8 p.m. 6 – 8 p.m. friends and food and good conversa- tion about food. For four years, Tai Continue on page 6

Spring 2005 5 Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit No 1791 Portland, OR 522 SW Fifth Avenue Suite 1103 Portland, Oregon 97204-2128

Mark your calendars! ☞ April 30 & May 1, Used Book Sale in Gresham

☞ May 25, Annual Meeting with author Whitney Otto & Library Store blowout sale!

Volunteer continued Friends of the Library Membership Form Chi has been a favorite activity for Your support, through annual membership dues, helps the FOL in its advocacy, outreach Nan and she is also a devoted cross- and stewardship efforts. Your membership benefits our libraries and strengthens our word puzzle solver. Her love of li- community. Become a Friend, or renew your membership, today. braries is mostly due to her reading Name family, but she also credits her very first job. While a high school stu- Address

dent in New England she worked in City/State/Zip a small town library with two tradi- tional–some would say “old fash- Phone Email ioned”– librarians who gave her an Most used library branch opportunity to see the range of ser- Membership Levels vices they provided and insight into ❑ $30 Individual ❑ $45 Family ❑ $20 Senior (65+) ❑ $40 Senior Family (65+) their devotion to the world of books ❑ $75 Supporter ❑ Sustaining (minimum $10 /month on debit or credit card) ❑ Other and libraries. She also remembers being a reading champion one year I would like to pay using (please check): ❑ check ❑ VISA ❑ Mastercard

in a summer reading program at her Card number Expiration date local branch library. Please enclose this form, along with your check (if applicable) and mail to: Those who know Nan would add FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY that she is a wonderful friend who fre- 522 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 1103 quently delights others with her small Portland, OR 97204 Thank you for your generous support but thoughtful actions and words.

6 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org ER 2 MM 005 SU

A newsletter for the Friends of the Multnomah County Library

A Successful Annual Meeting, New Board Members and Upcoming Events By Stephanie Vardavas

here to begin? So much has happened W(and is happening!) since the last time I wrote. Great buys can On May 25th we welcomed bestselling au- be found at thor Whitney Otto as our guest speaker at the the Friends’ Annual Meeting. She was delightful, funny, and Library Store charming. On a serious note, we also said good- Clearance Sale, bye to our former President Greg Simon, who September 15 was leaving the Friends Board of Directors due through to our term limits. Greg has done so much for September 17. the Friends over the years and even though he is now off the Board, we are not letting him off Exiting board member Greg Simon talking with Come early for new Sorting Room Manager Angie Surmon (left) the hook that easily! He remains active in li- best selection. and new board member Hillary Ayliffe. brary advocacy efforts, which are even more vital during this upcoming year as the next li- we are already putting them to work! I’d like brary levy election approaches. Also at the to extend special thanks and recognition to the Annual Meeting we elected seven terrific new Nominating Committee, chaired by Carol members to the Friends’ Board. I welcome all Ramsey, who did an amazing job identifying the new energy and enthusiasm they offer, and Continue on page 2 News from the Friends’ Library Store The Friends of the Library are pleased to announce that the Friends’ Library Store will be reopening in October of 2005. The store will have a new look with a merchandise mix of used books from the FOL sorting room and moderately-priced gifts, which celebrate reading, writing and creativity that will appeal to book lovers. The store will serve as another venue (other than the highly successful Spring and Fall Book Sales) for the vast book donations we receive. We are currently looking for volunteers who would like to donate Huge time working in the Friends’ Library Store. Please call Babs at 503.988.6762. Sale! In order to make room for all the used books and new Sept. 15 – 17 merchandise, we are holding a huge Clearance Sale September 15th through September 17th with most items reduced 50%. Sale hours: Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come early for best selection.

Summer 2005 1 From the Editor From the President continued from page 1 reetings all. I want to intro- duce you to a set of new series and recruiting these new Board members. You’ll be get- G that we want to start in Footnotes. ting to know the new Board members in the pages of First, a series that begins with this this newsletter and through their efforts in connection issue is the Our Library Does That! with the Book Sale, the Friends’ Store, and our various series, which features a program or other projects. service that our library offers. We Speaking of the Friends’ Library Store, I am very begin this series with an article re- pleased to announce the hiring of a new Store Manager, Babs Adamski. At printed courtesy of both The Orego- this writing Babs has been on duty for less than a week, so it’s a bit premature nian and the author. to try to pin down a date for the store’s grand reopening, but we’ll keep you During Whitney Otto’s amusing posted. storytelling at our Annual Meeting this I mentioned the L-word (actually the L-phrase, “library levy”) above, and year, she told of how she had visited I’m sure that like most of us, your reaction was, “Oh NO! It can’t be time for various Pageturners groups, when one that already!” The answer is: almost. We anticipate that the next levy will of her books was the selection of the appear on the ballot in November 2006. That sounds like a long time off but month. A thought occurred to me about it will be here before we know it. The Friends will be taking our customary how each branch, and each group of position of leadership in advocating for continuing strong support for the Pageturners (the Friends-sponsored Library by the taxpayers of Multnomah County. This is our mission, our reading clubs) has its own character. I most important role in the community. Please think about what you indi- got to thinking that this would be a vidually would like to do to join in, information you would like to have, great series of articles. etc., and call the Friends office or send us an email at [email protected] We also are aware of the wealth of to let us know what you’re thinking. interesting and talented people that Watch this space for updates ... and thanks again for being such good Friends. chose to join us in supporting the li- brary. So beginning next issue, we’re going to alter our Volunteer Spotlight Friends of Multnomah County Library The Friends of Multnomah County Library is to a Member Spotlight segment. We a non-profit community organization might rotate back and forth between dedicated to supporting the Multnomah County Library. We accomplish this these, allowing us to continue high- principally by promoting public involve- lighting people like you who contrib- ment in the Library and by raising money through membership fees, the Friends’ ute to the library, or the Friends in Library Store, and the sale of used books. some significant way. I need your help! Board of Directors: Friendly at Stephanie Vardavas, President; Amy Fuller, Are you a regular at your monthly Vice-President; Debby Simone, Secretary; the Farmers Markets Tami Parr, Treasurer; Bryan Aptekar, Hillary Pageturners? Do you visit your library Ayliffe, Ginny Benware, Carly Brown, Janet tarting with the August 7th so often that the staff know you by Christ, Robin Denberg, Diane Gutman, Paul name? Have you been helping out at Haulbrook, Nancy Lee, Kate McDonald, S Hillsdale Farmers Market, the Tami Parr, Ann Pearson, Carol Ramsay, Carla Membership Committee is bringing your branch, or with the Friends? If Rathbun, Mei-Ling Shiroishi, Kevin Thomas so—what do you think about writ- and LisaMary Wichowski-Hill Friends of the Library membership Staff: Babs Adamski, Sara Lindgren, and information to Multnomah County ing about it or being interviewed? Angie Surmon This newsletter, and the organization, Library Liaison: Penny Hummel citizens as they shop for seasonal pro- duce and flowers at our county’s won- is run by volunteers (with a few cher- Footnotes Volume 15, No. 2 derful neighborhood markets. In ad- ished and dedicated staff), so all the Footnotes is published four times a year for members of The Friends of Multnomah dition to Hillsdale, current plans in- help we can get is appreciated. If you County Library. clude summer and fall appearances at have an interest in contributing to Send news and comments to Footnotes at FOL, 522 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 1103, Farmers Market booths in Gresham, Footnotes, by authoring articles on Portland, OR 97204 or call the Friends at Hollywood, downtown Portland and any of these topics, I’d love to hear 503.224.9176, fax at 503.223-4386 or e-mail: from you—just drop me an e-mail if foladmin@ europa.com or visit Alberta. This outreach goal is to in- www.friends-library.org. crease membership, advocate in sup- you’d like to test your hand at writ- Editor: Bryan Aptekar ing. I’m at [email protected] Design: Jeanne E. Galick port of our fine library system and to Continue on page 7 — Bryan Aptekar

2 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org Our Library Does That! Dogs Lend an Ear By: Lee Williams With Permission of hat makes a good listener? Most would say patience and atten- Wtiveness. But how about fluffy ears and a flea bath? “When we first started the program here, we weren’t booking every time slot,” says Andrea Milano, youth librarian and co-coordinator of the Read to the Dogs program at the Hollywood branch of the Multnomah County Li- brary. “Now it fills up quickly, and we have a lot of repeat readers. In fact, there are kids who’ve read to the dogs two years ago and now their younger siblings come in.” Babs Adamski, FOL Store Manager Young readers shy about reading out loud in a standard classroom set- ting, and kids just wanting to improve their reading skills, sign up at the Welcome Babs, the Hollywood branch Tuesdays and Saturdays to enlist the aid of four-legged listeners. The dogs are willing reading pals, trained by the Dove Lewis New Friends’ Library Emergency Animal Hospital, and the program has grown into one of the Store Manager library’s most popular. Spaces fill up fast, and school-agers line up, books abs Adamski is happy to be the under paws to wait their own half-hour turn in the Quiet Room with Bnew manager of the Friends’ Li- mild-mannered pooches, such as golden retriever Lisa, that provide a brary Store. nonjudgmental (and pettable) audience. That Read to the Dogs has taken Babs started her career as a book- off pleases Natalie Shilling, who introduced the idea to Portland libraries seller more than twenty years ago at four years ago after reading about a similar program in Utah. a chain store in her hometown of “I saw the article and thought ...We can do that here!” recalls Shilling, Roseburg, Oregon. librarian at the Gresham branch. Read to the Dogs is now offered in 10 After studying early childhood de- county branches with a variety of days and sign-up times available. “I velopment and elementary education know how important that connection is between reader and dog, and to at Umpqua Community College and have a nonthreatening and gentle place to speak publicly,” says Shilling, Oregon State University, Babs realized adding that when she was younger, “I was a great silent reader but I was her heart was really in the book trade. terrified to speak in front of a class.” Upon moving to Portland in 1988 she “Reading has just really caught her this year,” says Yvett Owings, who started working at Powell’s City of brought her daughter, 8-year-old Sophie, to read to Lisa on a recent Sat- Books where she continued until urday. “And anything that can help that is great.” “I love animals!” says August of 2000. After Powell’s, Babs the third-grader, who plans to take up veterinary medicine. worked at OHSU in a variety of ad- Though this is the Owings’ first time with the program, Sophie’s actu- ministrative and fiscal positions, most ally had a bit of practice before, reading to her two beagles at home. “But recently in the Center for Ethics in sometimes they fall asleep,” Sophie says. Healthcare. The last year has been It might have been the training, but more likely it was Sophie’s lively spent being an active member of the selections from Three Stories You Can Read to Your Dog that kept Lisa School and Community Reuse Action enthralled. And the golden retriever even Project’s (SCRAP) board in the role seemed to form the beginnings of a broad of treasurer. smile when Sophie read the line, “ ...Hey, In addition to biking down Alameda dog, are you ready for another Ridge to get to the Albina Branch li- story?” brary, Babs’ favorite pastimes include For more information on swimming, cooking and teaching art at this program call your local her neighborhood elementary school. branch, or log on to www. Babs’ reading list of late includes A multcolib.org, clicking on Events Walk Towards Oregon by Alvin Josephy & Classes, then Read to the Dogs. Continue on page 8

Summer 2005 3 Meet Our Seven New Board Members The Friends are pleased to welcome a host of new Board Members. Those of you who joined us for the Annual Meeting in May were able to meet this new crew, as well as join us in saying Thank You to Greg Simon, whose time on the board was complete. We wish Greg the best, and welcome this new crew of energetic and talented members.

Hillary Ayliffe with a local nonprofit. Carly has a BA he is passionate about having a strong Hillary is co- in American Literature from the Uni- library system for all of Multnomah owner of Rain- versity of California, Santa Cruz. In County. “Libraries are where many in cycle, LLC, a Port- college, she relied on libraries for the the community can strengthen their land based busi- many novels she read for her classes education, as well as read books they ness specializing and has continued to use the library might otherwise not be able to afford. in design and con- for even more resources recently. She It is a great community resource.” struction of rain is happy that she has found a way to He looks forward to leading the harvesting sys- give back to libraries and their users advocacy committee and assisting the tems. She grew up in Australia, where by serving on the Friends of the Li- effort to renew the upcoming library water is scarce and rainwater harvest- brary board. levy. He is also interested in assisting ing is common practice, and hopes Carly lives with her husband, library patrons in having a strong to promote the ideal that she was Albert, and cat in the Brooklyn neigh- voice in how the library operates and brought up with of water as a precious borhood of SE Portland. She enjoys for library decisions to be as trans- natural resource . summer barbeques, textile crafts, and parent as possible. Hillary is a two year resident of reading the as- Recommended authors include Portland, having relocated from sortment of books Jack Kerouac, John Irving, and Toronto, Canada, where she studied and watching the Haruki Murakami. science at University in Waterloo, movies and docu- Ontario, and had a career in commer- mentaries that she Paul Haulbrook cial real estate. borrows from the Paul Haulbrook joined the FOL Board Hillary loves Portland. Some of her Sellwood- in 2005. Paul has been working with favorite things about Portland are the Moreland library. Pendleton Woolen Mills since 2002 parks and trails, the farmers markets, She is currently where he specializes in product logis- the gardens, the rivers, the mountains reading Who tics and vendor communications. A on the horizon, movie theatres where Cooked the Last Supper? The Women’s veteran of the FAirALL Force, he gradu- you can drink beer and eat pizza, and History of the World by Rosalind Miles. ated USEDfrom the BOOKUniversity SALE of Nevada of course, the library. The library is in 1996 (Journalism BA) and taught her source of solitude and inspiration, Robin Denburg EnglishOctober in Saitama, 21–24, Japan 2005 for two for everything from business re- Robin Denburg is a political consult- years. sources to recipes. She loves Central ant and has been a campaign man- Since moving for its variety and architecture. ager and community organizer for a to Portland in Favorite authors are Margaret variety of candidates, ballot measures, 1999, he has vol- Atwood and Carol Sheilds. Favorite and non-profit organizations. His unteered with book of all time is Margaret Atwood’s emphasis has been issues pertaining the SMART read- Alias Grace. She also enjoys accounts to education and the environment. ing program, of great adventures as well as bibli- Robin has also been very active with taught English at ographies of great adventurers. a number of neigh- the International borhoods of Port- Refugee Center Carly Brown land, helping on a of Oregon, built Carly, a new member of the Friends’ number of local houses with Habitat for Humanity, board, recently started the public ad- public policy issues. and interned for the City of Portland’s ministration master’s program, concen- Robin is excited Office of International Relations. His trating in nonprofit management, at about being on the claim to fame is serving as team liai- Portland State University. She also Friends of the Li- son for the Japanese team during its works as a conference coordinator brary Board because stay in Portland for the 1999 Women’s

4 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org World Cup. He lives in Southeast that libraries should be the center of Portland with his wife, Jennell, and a learning community, be it a city, Thank you their two cats, Pepper and Bella. neighborhood or school. She is de- for your generous donations! Paul loves sports books, especially lighted to have the time to reread old with an international flavor such as: favorites, including the Earthsea Tril- Bryan Aptekar The Meaning of Ichiro by Robert Whit- ogy by Ursula LeGuin and Yellow by Patricia Berg ing; The Ghost of Manila by Mark Frank Wu, as well as explore new Florence Blitch Kram; and Pitching Around Fidel by genres. Winifred Greene S.L. Price. He also enjoys non-fiction Philip and Rose Marie Hamilton books such as Hokkaido Highway LisaMary Wichowski-Hill Grace Kent Anna Kuehn Blues by Will Ferguson or anything LisaMary is a new member of the Beatrice Lee by David Halberstam or Bob Wood- Board and a newish resident of Port- Raymond Mayer ward. Dabbling in fiction, he is still land. In 2004 she followed the Or- John McLean trying to start The Secret Life of Bees egon Trail with her husband Kevin Tami Parr and cat Iggy for her by Sue Monk Kidd. Zvi and Jill Raanan husband’s job at Judith and Robert Savidge Kate McDonald Portland State Uni- Mary A. Tooze Kate McDonald versity. United Way joined the FOL LisaMary Beverly and Robert Vance Board in 2005. She (mostly) retired Donna and Larry Ward works for the from retail in 2001 Sally Wells American Cancer for graduate work In Honor of Society as their in American His- Dorothy Hirsch’s Birthday Metro Market Re- tory. While completing her Helen Nahstoll lationship Man- coursework she served as Editorial ager, planning and implementing Re- Coordinator for Labor History and as In Memory of Sarah D. Anderson lay for Life events. a Docent/Public Historian for the Jane John Anderson Kate lives in Northwest and most Addams Hull House Museum. Her In Memory of Marjorie Cox often uses the Northwest branch. Fa- current projects are centered on cem- Carolyn Nicola eteries as indices of cultural change vorite authors include Henry Miller, In Memory of Georgia Miller Keane and stability. She also is a photogra- Ivan Turgenev, Jack Kerouac, Mark William and Paula Ball Strand and Gabriel Garcia Maquez. pher working exclusively in black and In her spare time, Kate enjoys read- white. In Memory of Mike Loving ing, traveling, and knitting. Although she doesn’t have time for Norio Saito much fiction, she found The Historian In Memory of Harriet Lockhart Mei-Ling Shiroishi by Elizabeth Kostova a fun read. In Mary Bridge Mei-Ling is retired. She was an el- her serious reading she focuses on Phil and Jan Bridge ementary school principal in ethnic and class history as well as aes- In Memory of Virginia Wirtanan Beaverton School District for 15 years. thetics. Winifred Greene Before that she was a teacher and You can often find LisaMary up Matching Funds from HSBC for: school librarian in Oregon, Califor- the block from her home at the Nancy Stewart nia and upstate New York. She is cur- Hills- dale branch, working where rently volunteering for the Portland there is some human noise. Matching Funds from IBM for: Public Schools in its Clothing Cen- R. Begin ter, training senior Matching Funds from NIKE for: FOUND volunteers for Met- Daniel Blaufus ropolitan Family After the FOL Annual Meeting in Eric Brody Services, and will May, a pair of Prada sunglasses. It JR Gustafson teach a class for be- these glasses belong to you, please Stephanie Vardavas call or leave a message for Sara at ginning school Matching Funds from PGE for: 503.224.9176. counselors at Lewis Anonymous and Clark in the fall. Linda Ecker Mei-Ling believes

Summer 2005 5 National Library Worker’s Day 2005 By Connie Christopher Multnomah County Library Staff & Program Support Manager

n Tuesday, April 12, as part of ONational Library Week, Multnomah County Library staff cel- ebrated the second annual National Library Worker’s Day in recognition of the hard work, dedication and ex- pertise of library staff. Each of the 18 library locations sponsored a staff get-together made possible by a generous contribution from The Friends of the Library. Staff at Central Library also recognized ’s birthday at their cel- ebration. In addition, staff had the oppor- Among the many people who contributed to the success of the Spring Used Book tunity to nominate colleagues for Sale in Gresham were enthusiastic volunteers, board members, staff and many, special recognition in the following many book lovers. areas: • Customer service 4th Annual • Leadership • Teamwork Spring Used Book Sale a Big Success • Attitude By Anne Pearson, Book Sale Committee Chair • Effectiveness • Dependability This year, the Friends decided to reach out to • Creativity more of our East County library patrons by ex- • Inspirational panding the Gresham Spring Used Book Sale. • Positive role model After three successful sales inside the Gresham In total, about 100 special recogni- Regional Library, a larger retail space was found tion nominations were received and at the Gresham Village Shopping Center near the shared with all employees on the li- intersection of SE Burnside and Powell Blvd. The brary intranet. March 30-April 1 sale was a winner, with sales of $20,000 - up from the $6000 the Friends made Sara Lindgren (left) and last year during our one-day Gresham Spring Sale. board member Debby Thanks to the hard work of Membership Com- Simone welcome book sale mittee Chair Carla Rathbun, our volunteers were shoppers. able to hand out FOL membership information packets and talk about our support of the library. Over 1000 people came through the door during the two-day sale to browse, shop and find bargains from among the many categories of books. We were able to bring over 20,000 books to this sale due to the larger venue, and we were able to sell a lot more of our donated books than in previous years. The volunteers were ably led by our hard-working Book Sale Committee—thank Kate Houston Mitchoff and Jackie you! Partch, (both with the School Corps And a special thank you to all of you who volunteered your time to make Program), take a second to smile for the sale so profitable- we couldn’t have done it without your help. We hope to the camera, as they eat pizza on see all of you again next spring in Gresham! National Library Worker’s Day.

6 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org Coming This Fall to the Library: Farmers Markets continued A New Catalog make Friends with people who don’t know about us. According to Carla By Penny Hummel, Multnomah County Library Rathbun, chairwoman of the commit- id you know that Multnomah Due dates will be adjusted so that tee, “We know many in our commu- DCounty Library has the high- no fines accrue during the closure. nity love the library for a variety of est circulation of any library in the Holds will also be affected in the reasons; join us to find out how you United States? In 2003–04, library next few weeks, and storytimes, can help the Friends keep a vibrant customers checked out 18.7 million book groups and most other library library system for our community.” items—that’s 27.7 books for every programs will be on hiatus in Sep- The Multnomah County Library man, woman and child in Multnomah tember to ensure that staff members answers the needs of the greater met- County! are trained and available to assist ropolitan Portland community With that kind of action happen- library customers in becoming fa- through its 17 library sites. By “hit- ing each day for 16 years, it’s un- miliar with the new technology. To ting the markets,” the FOL Member- derstandable that your library’s cata- learn more about what’s happening, ship Committee wants to learn what log needs to be replaced. As the last and how you can help your library makes the Library special to each of project to be funded by the 1996 transition to the new catalog, visit you. What is important in a Library? bond measure to support library www.multcolib.org/newcatalog We know that as growth occurs, the renovations and new technology, “The new catalog will greatly ex- dynamic that makes one library site the new catalog will go online Sep- pand the possibilities library cus- reflect the unique needs of its micro- tember 15. tomers find at the library each day,” community should flex to serve those The new catalog will offer many says Director of Libraries, Molly evolving needs. How can we, as dynamic features, including: Raphael. “Although the data migra- Friends members, help the Library • Simpler and easier ways to find tion will cause some temporary in- successfully continue to meet those what you need—whether it’s books conveniences, I’m confident that li- needs of serving a diverse, changing on a favorite topic, information brary users of all ages will appreci- community? Let’s talk! Join us at a about changing careers or the latest ate the improved access to the Farmer’s Market for that discussion. bestsellers. library’s collection and resources If you are interested in volunteer- • Detailed information about that it offers.” ing, call Sara at 503-224-9176. books in the library’s collection. You’ll find cover images, tables of contents, book reviews and more! Friends of the Library Membership Form Your support, through annual membership dues, helps the FOL in its advocacy, outreach • E-mail alerts to remind you ahead and stewardship efforts. Your membership benefits our libraries and strengthens our of time when your items are due. community. Become a Friend, or renew your membership, today.

Temporary Service Interruptions Name To ensure a smooth transition to Address the new catalog, all Multnomah City/State/Zip County libraries will be closed from Monday, September 12 Phone Email

through Wednesday, September Most used library branch 14. All book drops will also be Membership Levels closed and the Web site, which is ❑ $30 Individual ❑ $45 Family ❑ $20 Senior (65+) ❑ $40 Senior Family (65+) undergoing its own upgrade to ac- ❑ ❑ ❑ commodate the features of the new $75 Supporter $100 Patron Sustaining (minimum $10 /month on credit card) catalog, will be unavailable. I would like to pay using (please check): ❑ check ❑ VISA ❑ Mastercard

During these three days, library Card number Exp. date staff will be busy bringing the new Please enclose this form, along with your check (if applicable) and mail to: catalog online and making sure FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY things will be back to normal when 522 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 1103 the library is open again for busi- Portland, OR 97204 ness on Thursday, September 15. Thank you for your generous support

Summer 2005 7 Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit No 1791 Portland, OR 522 SW Fifth Avenue Suite 1103 Portland, Oregon 97204-2128

FALL BOOK SALE Oct. 21 - 24

Babs Adamski continued 32nd Annual and Boards That Love Fundraising by Members-Only Robert M. Zimmerman. Interesting as Fall Used Book Sale Night these non-fiction pieces may be, Babs October 21–24 Friday, October 21 always enjoys her all time favorite novels: Winter Wheat by Mildred Monday, October 24 Walker and The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White. Discount Day With the reopening of the store in Proceeds from Over 100,000 the sale support books, 1635 NE Sandy Blvd. early October, Babs is looking for- Multnomah DVDs, CDs, ward to working with current and County cassette tapes Portland new FOL members and store volun- Library and videos! (TriMet #12) teers. “I’m excited for the opportu- nity to make use of my experience For more information as a library patron and bookstore or if you would like veteran in the non-profit setting of to volunteer: the Friends’ Library Store. I look 503-224-9176 forward to working in the beautiful www.friends-library.org store in this amazing library. I think FOL members and the public will be responsive to the new mix of mer- chandise which will include used books.” ❦

8 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org L 200 FAL 5

A newsletter for the Friends of the Multnomah County Library

The Friends: 1972 to the Present By June Mikkelsen, Executive Assistant to the Director, Multnomah County Library “This year will be remembered as the year of the budget cut.” o begins the 1972–1973 “Re- Sport of the President” in the Annual Report of the Library As- Book lovers sociation of Portland (LAP), the get ready. governing body of Multnomah The annual County Library from 1864 to 1990. LAP President Warren W. FOL Fall Braley was referring to a threat- Used Book ened $800,000 cut to the library’s operating budget, which would Sale will be have forced 12 neighborhood li- October 21 braries to close. Citizens strongly protested. Eager crowds wait outside the Central Library in August 1974 through 24. for the first used book sale. They formed two organizations to work for improved support for the cessfully lobbied the county commission to use library...Keep Our Books Open (KOBO) and the funds for library support. Since then, the Friends of the Library. Friends has lobbied for support for the library That budget cut was averted after the Fed- countless other times, and particularly during eral Revenue Sharing Act was implemented in the eight subsequent levy campaigns. The next October 1972, and KOBO and the Friends suc- levy renewal election, tentatively scheduled for Continued on page 5 Friends’ Library Store to Reopen by Babs Adamski, Manager A mix of the new and the used. . . .that’s how I’d describe the inventory of the soon-to- reopen Friends’ Library Store in Central Library. With an abundance of new, carefully se- lected literary gifts and quality used books, the store will reopen on Tuesday, October 11th. The store will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Used books in good condition at attractive prices will now fill the shelves of the store. The Literature section contains popular fiction and classics; trade paperbacks and hard- bound volumes as well as Folio Society and leather-bound editions of classics. The non- fiction section includes gardening, cooking, art, history, biography, travel and current events. Mixed in with the used books are literary gifts such as bookends, calendars and journals. We’ll continue to carry Paul Strauch’s sculpted bookends, Ramona and Henry t-shirts and those lovely Exaclair Notebooks. Please come visit us starting October 11th, I would like to meet you and show you the store—and remember, FOL members receive a 10% dis- count on all purchases!

Fall 2005 1 From the President

Dear Friends, As I mentioned in my last message, we are in the early stages of preparing for the next library levy election, which we expect to come in November 2006. That may seem awfully early to some of you, and in fact it is a little bit early, although not premature. Here’s the situation: in or- der for a levy to pass, two criteria must be met: (a) it must receive a majority of the votes cast, and (b) those voting must also represent a majority of all registered voters for that election. This is called a “double majority” require- ment. It is designed to protect taxpayers from having their taxes raised when most of them are not paying attention. In practice, what this means is that the library levy needs to appear on the ballot during a general election. And No- vember 2006 is the only general election between now and the expiration of FOL volunteer Bob Patton signs up new the current levy. So there you have it! That’s why we’re getting ready now. members at Multnomah County Library’s I am pleased to be able to say that we’ll be coordinating this work with a Staff Day. number of other community leaders who support the Library, so we’re far from alone. But we do need you to get involved. If you are interested in partici- Volunteer Spotlight pating on the Friends’ Advocacy Committee, please send an email to Bob Patton [email protected] or call the office at 503-224-9176 and let us know Interviewed by Carly Brown who you are. In upcoming months we’ll be updating and upgrading the Friends’ website with information about the Library budget and the great value the ob Patton and his wife Nancy Library delivers to the taxpayers of Multnomah County. If you have a per- Bhave been Friends of the sonal anecdote or story about the Library in your own life, please send it in Multnomah County Library for sev- via email or postal mail, with information about how to contact you. eral years, and in the past couple of We’re also looking for members who are interested in volunteering for most years Bob has increased his involve- of our other committees — Book Sale, Membership/Newsletter, Retail, Website/ ment with the Friends by volunteer- Technology, and Budget/Finance. And we are always interested in identifying ing. He currently serves on the mem- members who are willing to make the commitment of time and energy to bership committee and part of his vol- serve on the Friends’ board of directors. unteer efforts take him to the St. If you’d like to talk with me personally about any of these volunteer oppor- John’s Library to talk with their staff tunities, or about anything at all relating to the Friends, drop us an email or and patrons about the Friends and call the office and I’ll be pleased to set something up. I’ll even buy the coffee! share his appreciation for the library. Now more than ever, thanks for being our Friends. Bob enjoys the St. John’s library be- Stephanie Vardavas, President cause of its history as a Carnegie li- brary and its good facilities. Friends of Multnomah County Library Bob has a bachelor’s degree in el- The Friends of Multnomah County Library is a non-profit community organization dedicated ementary education from West Texas to supporting the Multnomah County Library. We accomplish this principally by promoting public involvement in the Library and by raising money through membership fees, the A & M and a master’s degree in edu- Friends’ Library Store, and the sale of used books. cational psychology from UCLA. He Board of Directors: subsequently worked for 31 years as Stephanie Vardavas, President; Amy Fuller, Vice-President; Debby Simone, Secretary; Tami an elementary teacher, research spe- Parr, Treasurer; Bryan Aptekar, Hillary Ayliffe, Ginny Benware, Carly Brown, Janet Christ, Robin Denberg, Diane Gutman, Paul Haulbrook, Nancy Lee, Kate McDonald, Tami Parr, Ann Pearson, cialist and psychologist in the Los Carol Ramsay, Carla Rathbun, Mei-Ling Shiroishi, Kevin Thomas and LisaMary Wichowski-Hill Angeles City Schools. Amarillo, Texas Staff: Babs Adamski, Sara Lindgren, and Angie Surmon Library Liaison: Penny Hummel has also been a home for Bob before moving to Portland 11 years ago. Both Footnotes Volume 15, No. 3 Footnotes is published four times a year for members of The Friends of Multnomah County Library. Bob and his wife Nancy are now re- Send news and comments to Footnotes at FOL, 522 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 1103, tired and are making Portland their Portland, OR 97204 or call the Friends at 503.224.9176, fax at 503.223-4386 or e-mail: permanent home. foladmin@ europa.com or visit www.friends-library.org. Editor: Bryan Aptekar Design: Jeanne E. Galick For a hobby Bob is a quilter. In 1996 Continued on page 5

2 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org FALL BOOK SALE COMING SOON! By Janet Christ

It’s the time of year for all book fans to gather those roomy bags and boxes.

The Friends’ 32nd fall book sale will be held Oct. 21-24 in the same location as last year, a big former car dealership building at 1635 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. The huge fall sale of an estimated 100,000 donated books, tapes and compact discs is the main way that the nonprofit group raises money to support programs and buy materials for the Multnomah County library system. And this sale, like others, promises to offer surprises and surprisingly good and best quality books at low prices. Most of the adult volumes, hardcover as well as paper, are $1.50 each. Children’s books start at 50 cents. “There are great bargains and gems,” notes Angelita Surmon, the Friends’ “There are book room manager. Surmon oversees the year-round sorting of donations great bargains and maintains a devoted group of volunteers that categorize and box up the and gems.” items for storage until the sale date. Attendees will find the usual categories including art and music, literature and classics, history, science, crafts, cooking, gardening, travel, sports, popular fiction, fantasy and mystery. And, of course, there will be tables full of Children’s books separated for infants and beginning readers and for older readers. Most of the Children’s foreign language books also will be separated this year for easier selection. New this year is a section we’re calling “gift books.” They’re often softly attractive, thoughtful or amusing volumes that haven’t fit well among standard classifications. Some can be slipped into an envelope to send to that friend or family member with a birthday. The Friday night opening, Oct. 21 from 6 to 9 PM, is for Friends of the Library members only. But people may buy memberships that night and be admitted to the sale. The other times are 9 AM to 6 PM Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM Sunday, and 9 AM to 3 PM Monday, discount day. The sale building is near the intersection of Sandy and East Burnside Street. On-street parking is available, and TriMet’s No.12 Sandy Boulevard bus serves the site. The No. 19 and 20 buses also run on Burnside nearby. Volunteers are still needed for this fun event. Please call 503- 224-9176 to sign up.

Fall 2005 3 Member Spotlight: Betty Frye Legendary Supporter of Children’s Literature Holds FOL Card #1

etty and Wayne Fry were the first of his book, The Read-Aloud Hand- Bofficial members of the Friends of book. Later he visited Portland on a Multnomah County Library. It hap- book tour partly because of Betty’s pened because they were visiting their enthusiasm. All of his books that are friend Katherine McCanna, the first autographed for Betty refer to her as treasurer of FOL. She offered to take his first fan. their money for membership and they Another example of Betty and have been loyal members ever since. Wayne “pushing” children’s literature They are both readers and long-time was a campaign during National library users. Betty has a newspaper Children’s Book Week in 1978 in clipping showing her at the Holly- which Fred Meyer stores featured wood branch with their two daugh- “Albert Alligator” asking “Have You ters, Susan and Beth, when they were Read to a Child Today?” At the time very young. They used to walk to the Betty had just started working at library pulling a wagon for the books Sabin and Wayne was in the advertis- they would take home. Betty and ing department at Fred Meyer. It is Wayne are now grandparents and one of the first examples of a super- continue to enjoy children’s books. In Betty Frye with market printing non-profit messages fact, they have an entire upstairs room her original on grocery bags. This effort had the dedicated to children’s literature. It is Friends of the support of the mayor and others in called simply “the book room.” Library member- the community. Betty has many other newspaper ship card. When asked which library branch clippings and photographs of events they now visit, they replied that Hol- celebrating children’s literature in of books. The three celebrated au- lywood is still the usual first choice Portland, events that would not have thors and author/illustrators loved with occasional stops at Albina happened without her leadership and these events, which demonstrated Branch and lots of time on the enthusiasm. She says she could not Portland’s appreciation of their work website. have done those things without the in a unique way. Betty belongs to more than one support of Wayne whom she met She even has a note from Jim book group and she and Wayne be- when they were both working at J.K. Trelease, well-known author of books long to one together. It is an early Gills, then an important Portland that encourage reading to children, morning informal group featuring a book and stationary store. She was calling her his “first fan.” She never gourmet breakfast at members’ selling books and he was in the pho- missed an opportunity to communi- homes. Recently, Betty enjoyed read- tography department. cate with anyone who could enrich ing Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin, a In the late 1960’s Betty became an the lives of children in Portland biography of a Chinese ballet dancer elementary school librarian. Her first through children’s literature, so she currently with the Houston Ballet. position ended when the school called the Boston Globe where Mr. Wayne liked reading Rounding the closed and she moved to Sabin El- Trelease worked when she first heard Horn by Dallas Murphy and Over the ementary. It was there that her love Edge of the World by Laurence of children’s books and their authors Bergreen. and illustrators led her to some ex- Betty and Wayne enjoy gardening citing adventures. Residents of the and music and Wayne is a weaver, but neighborhoods surrounding Sabin Betty’s interest in children’s literature and Alemeda schools might remem- and the joy of bringing the power of ber the parades featuring Ezra Jack books and reading to children will Keats (1979), Beverly Cleary (1981), always be a force in her life. What a and Tomi DePaola (1982). Certainly great couple to hold this place in the the participating children do, as well history of our Friend’s organization! as those adults who shared her love Betty and Wayne Frye Interviewed by Diane Gutman

4 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org the latest of many, many Friends’ con- continued The Friends: 1972 to the Present tributions toward ensuring the con- November 2006, will be the 10th pub- collection (1978), film projectors for tinuation and improvement of lic vote for library support since branch programs (1978), and the first Multnomah County Library. Friends of the Library was formed. collection of videos for circulation to The support from the Friends has the public (1985). That same year, the played a vital role in the library’s well- Friends provided funding for the pur- Bob Patton continued being. The Friends’ first book sale, chase of equipment for the Dialog the wall hanging he entered in the held at Central Library on Aug. 3, online information system—the Hoffman Challenge was chosen to 1974, raised $1,500, part of which library’s first electronic reference ser- travel for a year internationally. He was donated to help fund the May vice. The library’s first DVD collec- has also entered his work in the Or- 1976 three-year serial levy. That levy tions debuted in all library agencies egon State Fair several times. passed by 69.76 percent. in 2000, another Friends’ gift. More Tr ue Story by Michael Finkel is In addition to providing funding for recently, Friends of the Library has Bob’s most recent read. Bob was es- levy campaigns, Friends of the Li- sponsored Pageturners, providing pecially interested in this story about brary has consistently supported the funds for multiple copies of the books the former New York Times Magazine library in other ways. In 1979, the featured in library book discussion reporter and Christian Longo because Friends, together with the Library groups. of his past work with Oregonians for Advisory Board and county commis- Throughout its 33-year history, Alternatives to the Death Penalty or- sioners Gladys McCoy and Earl Friends of the Library has played a ganization. Bob’s other interests in- Blumenauer, successfully lobbied the vital role in the wellbeing of clude learning about art and minor- state legislature to pass Senate Bill 31, Multnomah County Library: It has ity movements. He has donated a which provided—for the first time in funded enhanced services, helped large portion of their book collection state history—direct per capita sup- spread the message that libraries are on these subjects to the Multnomah port for libraries through the state’s important, and provided financial and County libraries and other organiza- general fund. This was probably the volunteer support during nine levy tions in the community. The Friends most important library legislation elections. The most recent gift from are especially grateful to have such a approved since 1901, when the first the Friends—a promise to write the valuable and knowledgeable volun- library law was enacted to authorize first check to the new levy renewal teer contribute his time to us and to the establishment and maintenance of PAC, as soon as it is formed—is just our great libraries! public libraries, and to provide for their control and protection. Friends of the Library Membership Form Multnomah County Library currently Your support, through annual membership dues, helps the FOL in its advocacy, outreach gets about $90,000 each year from and stewardship efforts. Your membership benefits our libraries and strengthens our state per capita funding. community. Become a Friend, or renew your membership, today. Friends of the Library has also long Name been involved in supporting special programs and events that publicize li- Address brary services. The Friends provided City/State/Zip funding and/or volunteer help during the 1974 Chautauqua system wide Phone Email celebration, the 1980 Library Week Most used library branch Check Out program, many Check It Membership Levels Out celebrations in the early 1990s, ❑ $30 Individual ❑ $45 Family ❑ $20 Senior (65+) ❑ $40 Senior Family (65+) and many new and renovated library ❑ $75 Supporter ❑ $100 Patron ❑ Sustaining (minimum $10 /month on credit card) opening celebrations from 1996 ❑ ❑ ❑ through 2004. These events have I would like to pay using (please check): check VISA Mastercard helped keep the library in the public Card number Exp. date eye. Please enclose this form, along with your check (if applicable) and mail to: Friends’ support has also helped the FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY library begin a number of new ser- 522 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 1103 Portland, OR 97204 vices. Money from the Friends funded Thank you for your generous support records for the first children’s record

Fall 2005 5 Branch Profile: The Woodstock Branch Story...Opening All Doors By Rosemary Klein, Library Assistant

I was waiting in line at the Woodstock Open This Door of All Doors Safeway when I noticed the little preschooler ahead of me—in a This is the mansion of many rooms, and it sleeps. grandma’s arms—proudly wearing This is the grove of many precious lives, and it waits this season’s Summer Reading tee- for your hand on the door, your wish opening a book. shirt. While groceries were being rung This is the place to remember what happened up on the cash register, the clerk and before you were born. Unfold the bud—your lightest the grandma were talking enthusias- touch at the lit screen. Unfurl the leaf—an idea waking. tically about storytime at the library— Uncover the flower—this dream with helpers at every turn, my library, Woodstock Branch. where your reading measures all: art and alphabet, fact In a way, this was no surprise. Our and photograph, number symbol, story, tune. Our treasures. youth librarian, Joan Smith, has been Down the aisle you softly tread, where a brook will beckon, reading to children since 1976. In You open, and in your hand trembles all you want to be, fact, Portland Monthly magazine has Remember? The small thing gives meaning to the great. acclaimed “The Book Lady” as one of You have the power to open centuries that trees hold the best things about Portland. As I silent in their rings. This palace of the possible needs you, write this, Joan is strumming on her your hand on the door. Enchant this place awake. guitar, preparing to perform with —A poem written by Kim Stafford for the Woodstock Branch Library other local talents at the annual Woodstock Neighborhood Picnic in rooted. We go back more than a cen- the park. Living in the community tury to a modest collection of she serves, Joan touches her neigh- children’s books housed in a public bors’ lives in significant ways. school in 1903. By 1914, at the start Though I live outside the imme- of the Great War, we moved into a diate Woodstock area, as a library neighborhood storefront. In 1959, staffer I feel that I, too, am part of two years into the Space Age, “old the community. The other day, on a Woodstock Branch” opened its doors. lunchtime walk through the neigh- In March of 2000 we welcomed the borhood, I was admiring a flower children of another millennium to our Carly Brown and Bryan Aptekar garden when a car pulled up beside new, award-winning facility. So, you bringing FOL membership informa- me. The driver and her children may ask, who are these children? The tion to the Hillsdale Farmers Market seemed vaguely familiar. In moments Chinese Presbyterian Church with its in August. Along with membership one of the little girls was taking my Loaves and Fishes program stands information, the Friends filled the hand to show me her special reading across the street from us; we’re uphill booth with high quality used books corner in the garden. from Reed College and Crystal for sale, a sampling of the many thou- is deeply Springs Rhododendron Garden. We sands of items for sale at our annual serve a first-generation community of used book sales. The farmers market Asian, Russian and Mexican immi- activities included shoppers of all ages grants as well as the established writing on our display board as to householders of old Eastmoreland why they love the library—we hope and other neighborhood folks. to share these with you in the future. More FOL farmers market appear- Editor’s Note: We hope Woodstock ances, staffed by enthusiastic board and all our libraries continue to in- members and volunteers, are sched- spire and open doors. If your branch uled in the Hollywood (10/15) and has opened a door for you—let us Gresham (10/8 & 15) neighborhoods know! E-mail the editor, Bryan during weekends in October. Stop by Aptekar at [email protected]. to say hello!

6 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org Understanding the Library’s Budget or Why the Levy Matters! By Becky Cobb, Budget/Finance Manager, Multnomah County Library

ere’s a fun little quiz to see how The “Other” category is for all mon- Oregon voters during the 1990’s. Hmuch you know about ies that are either library-generated Measure 5 limits taxes for local gov- Multnomah County Library’s budget. and/or non-tax dollars (Note the ernment to $10 per thousand of real Learn these basic budget facts and chart). You’ll notice that the largest market value. Measure 50 cut the you can impress your friends with amount in this category is $1.95 mil- property tax rate based on a set for- your knowledge of the Library’s bud- lion in grants received from the mula and capped it at 3% growth each get situation! Friends of the Library, The Library year, based on assessed value. Com- 1. How much is the Library’s current Foundation, and the Oregon Com- pression occurs when the Measure 5 annual budget? munity Foundation. This money is limit is lower than the Measure 50 a. $15 million used to enhance and expand pro- limit. This causes an individual prop- b. $32 million grams and collections in ways that the erty tax bill to be lower than what the c. $48 million operating budget alone cannot sup- local governments levied. Why does d. $66 million port. The Beginning Working Balance this matter? The Library levy (and The answer is c: $48 million. is unspent money that carries over other local option levies such as Parks 2. Where does the money come from? into the next budget year. and the recent Children’s Fund Levy) a. Library Levy 3. What is compression? are the first taxes not collected if com- b. County’s General Fund a. A way to store data so it requires pression occurs. The Library levy c. Fines, fees, grants less space. typically loses anywhere from 23-28% d. All of the above b. The density rating of a golf ball. a year due to compression. The answer is d: All of the above. c. The effect of Measures 5 and 50 To recap, here are the three key Here’s how it breaks out: the num- on property taxes. points about the Library’s budget: ber one source of money for the Li- d. In biology, the increase of physi- • About 90-95% of the Library’s rev- brary is the library levy. The current cal pressure on a vital structure. enues come from property taxes. five-year levy supplies just over half All of these answers are correct; • The Library levy provides just over of the Library’s operating budget— however, the one that applies to the half of the Library’s revenues. about $25 million dollars. Residents of Library’s budget is c: the effect of • Property tax compression affects Multnomah County pay the levy when Measures 5 and 50 on property taxes. what the Library levy can collect. they pay their property taxes. As this is Measures 5 and 50 are both prop- Now go out and impress your a voter-approved levy, all of the money erty tax limitation measures passed by friends and neighbors! collected goes to the Library. The second largest source of rev- enue—about 35%—is the County’s Multnomah County Library FY 2005-06 Adopted Budget General Fund. The portion of the Revenue $48 Million General Fund that supports the Li- brary also comes from property taxes, and is under the discretion of the 32% 6% BWB (beginning working Board of County Commissioners for General Fund balance) $3,00,000 allocation. $15,329,940 These two sources—the library levy Other $3,838,560 and the County’s General Fund— are 8% • Sales/Gifts/Internal - $398,510 (10%) both based on property taxes and to- • Grants – $1,959,050 (51%) gether make up about 90% of the Other • Fines – $1,200,000 (31%) Library’s revenues. 54% • Fees – $220,000 (6%) { • Interest – $70,000 (2%) The last pieces of Library revenue Library Levy fall into the “Other” and the “BWB” $25,833,776 (beginning working balance) catego- ries. These two sources typically fund about 5-10% of the Library’s budget.

Fall 2005 7 Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit No 1791 Portland, OR 522 SW Fifth Avenue Suite 1103 Portland, Oregon 97204-2128

Annual Used Book Sale October 21–24, 2005!

Please help by posting the enclosed flyer!

Thank you, donors! 32nd Annual Members-Only Phillip Austin Friday, October 21 Daniel Blaufus Fall Used Book Sale Geoffrey Davis 6 – 9 pm Geoffrey Gass October 21–24 (you can become a member at Lynn Salter the door) Joanna Stuart Mary Tooze Stephanie Vardavas Saturday, October 22 Donna & Larry Ward Proceeds from Over 100,000 9 am – 6 pm Gloria & Tom Weitzel the sale support books, Marjorie White Multnomah DVDs, CDs, Sunday, October 23 Douglas Yocom County cassette tapes Library and videos! 11 am – 5 pm In Memory of Erik G. Sten Cindy Gaulke Monday, October 24 Dean and Susan Gisvold 75% off Discount Day Dean, Debrah & Andrew Marriott 9 am – 3 pm Doris Parson Portland Association of Teachers 1635 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland Business Alliance Portland Dan Saltzman Howard & Manya Shapiro (TriMet #12) Tom Soma & Donna Schultz David Sprando For more information Shirley Vanelli or to volunteer: Matching Funds from NIKE for: 503-224-9176 David Pearson, Stephanie Vardavas www.friends-library.org

8 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org er cemb 2005 De

A newsletter for the Friends of the Multnomah County Library

FOL Store Reopening Celebration❆ and Double Discount Days! ❄ By Babs Adamski, Store Manager

The store re-opened quietly in early October this year. We were blessed by the return of sev- eral volunteers, along with many new ones. Altogether, more than 30 volunteers have been getting their routines down in the newly for- matted store, which features a regular influx Be sure to check of used books from the sorting room and a mix out the Friends’ of gift items intended for the holiday season Library Store and beyond. for unique and Now that the store and our crew of volun- wonderful gifts teers are ready, we want to have a Grand Re- for the opening celebration. We have timed it with the The Friends’ Store is brimming with terrific gifts plus booklovers in tradition of double discount days for Friends’ a strong selection of quality used books. your life. members. There is usually a 10% discount to Friends’ members. However, for the days of helping you find the perfect gift. See the box December 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th, members will below for details. enjoy a double discount of 20%. Come join us for any part of our celebration but keep in mind Mix of New and Old that we will be having cider and cookies and New arrivals in the store include a section extended hours on Wednesday. Several volun- of Shakespeare-iana (coffee mugs, cards, fin- teers have come forward to be of extra assis- ger puppets as well as complete sets of his tance during this time and we look forward to work), calendars with book and art themes, tote Continue❆ on page 2 Grand Reopening of the Friends’ Library Store Come in for Warm Cider and Cookies Wednesday, December 7th: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

This will be our kickoff for Double Discount Days 20% Off for Friends’ members !! Wednesday, December 7th: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, December 8–10th: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ❄Take this opportunity to join the Friends and do your holiday shopping!! Memberships available at the Store.

December 2005 1 From the President Store Reopening continued bags with caricatures of writers and the always popular Edward Gorey “Cat, The holidays are upon us! I don’t know about you, but I Books, Life is Sweet” print. am most certainly not ready. So just like Santa, I am There are new t-shirts with the making lists like mad, to help myself remember all the Multnomah County Library window things I need to accomplish before the end of the year, logo on them in a variety of new col- not the least of which is the holiday gift list. If you’re ors including chic black. We also have like me you are always happy to find you can save some Brian Foulkes’ card showing a snowy time in getting things done, so I’m hoping you’ll be as excited as I am about Central Library scene. This calming, the reopening of the Friends’ Library Store. We reopened quietly and with- reflective scene would be a perfect out fanfare a few weeks ago, to work out our new format, and I’m pleased to non-traditional holiday card of a sub- report that so far it is a real success. You’ll find the store less cluttered than it ject that is personal to many of us li- was in the past, with a really well-edited selection of cards, gifts, and accesso- brary users. We also have boxed holi- ries for book lovers, and now a wonderful assortment of good quality used day and individual cards for books. It’s one-stop shopping for a great variety of thoughtful gifts that will Chanakuh, Christmas and New Year’s. delight the recipients. Also available at the store: Friends membership! In One of the most exciting acquisi- addition to renewing your own, please consider giving the gift of Friends tions in the store has been an origi- membership to a special library lover on your list. Your “giftee” will receive nal painting by Deborah DeWit all of the benefits you enjoy, including his or her own discount at the Friends’ Marchant. Deborah and her husband store and first-night admission to the big book sale, as well as newsletters and Bob have long supported the Friends’ other information from the Friends. Especially with the library levy coming Library Store and continue this tradi- up on the ballot next fall, it’s important for all library lovers to join the cam- tion by offering to make prints avail- paign to preserve our local treasure. Being a member of the Friends is a great able at the reasonable price of $85. way to do that. Other items of note in the store are Because this time of year is about giving, we think of it not only in the a wide variety of journals, literary material sense, but also giving time and attention to friends and family mem- magnets, Multnomah County Library bers, and remembering those less fortunate. We are still mindful of the mil- umbrellas and bookends. The book- lions affected by conflict and natural disasters in the past year, and we also end selections include children’s di- start thinking about other worthy beneficiaries of our philanthropic impulses. nosaurs, cats, and cast iron bull and That December 31 deadline for year-end tax benefits hovers over us as well, bears for your favorite business reader. and there’s nothing like a deadline to get our attention! We have two sugges- I hope to see you in the Friends’ Li- tions for your consideration, and the best part is: these contributions can be brary Store soon! With all this focus on made with “free money” because you get a tax credit on your Oregon state our holiday coming and goings, I have income tax return equal to the amount you gave (up to applicable limits). neglected to mention the fine used Read about both in our “The Friends Step Up...” article on page 4. books that make up a large portion of Happy holidays to all, and thanks for your great support all year long. our inventory. I’ll write more about that Stephanie Vardavas, President in our next newsletter.

Friends of Multnomah County Library The Friends of Multnomah County Library is a non-profit community organization dedicated to supporting the Multnomah County Library. We accomplish this principally by promoting public involvement in the Library and by raising money through membership fees, the Friends’ Library Store, and the sale of used books.

Board of Directors: Stephanie Vardavas, President; Amy Fuller, Vice-President; Debby Simone, Secretary; Tami Parr, Treasurer; Bryan Aptekar, Hillary Ayliffe, Ginny Benware, Carly Brown, Janet Christ, Robin Denberg, Diane Gutman, Paul Haulbrook, Nancy Lee, Kate McDonald, Tami Parr, Ann Pearson, Carol Ramsey, Carla Rathbun, Mei-Ling Shiroishi, Kevin Thomas and LisaMary Wichowski-Hill Staff: Babs Adamski, Sara Lindgren, and Angie Surmon Library Liaison: Penny Hummel Footnotes Volume 15, No. 4 Footnotes is published four times a year for members of The Friends of Multnomah County Library. Store Manager, Babs Adamski, left, with Send news and comments to Footnotes at FOL, 522 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 1103, Portland, OR 97204 Vailey Oehlke, Director of Central Library, or call the Friends at 503.224.9176, fax at 503.223-4386 or e-mail: foladmin@ europa.com or visit who was our first customer after the www.friends-library.org. reopening. She bought an Oxford English Editor: Bryan Aptekar Design: Jeanne E. Galick Dictionary that day and said she was thrilled to have the store reopen.

2 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org WHAT A BOOK SALE! By Janet Christ This October’s event drew the other book sales including the spring biggest crowd and earned the Gresham sale, the Friends’ organiza- highest gross income of any pre- tion has made about $115,000 this vious fall book sale for the calendar year. Friends of the Library. But besides being the top money- maker for the organization, the sale An estimated 5,000 persons bought offers great bargains, and sometimes donated books and other material to- treasures, for buyers. Book room taling more than $93,000. Proceeds manager Angelita Surmon noted a from the four-day sale topped the pre- young man who was thrilled to have vious highest-income sale in 2003. Volunteer Susan Hathaway-Marxer works completed his Christmas shopping The 32nd fall sale — like the book the membership line on Members Only for less than $30. night at the sale. sales before it — was a success be- Other things that go on during the cause so many volunteers helped. Multnomah County’s public library Continue on page 8 More than 130 people gave their time system. That includes helping back and brought their muscles to set it up levy renewal campaigns such as the Thank You and work through the busy weekend. current one. to our Book Sale Donors This was the second year that the sale “The book sale is so important to was held in a big former car dealer- the Friends, especially now with the The Oregonian ship building at Northeast Sandy Bou- next levy coming up in 2006,” said Dennis Moving and Storage levard and 16th Avenue. The net in- Friends’ board president Stephanie Bagel Land come goes toward the nonprofit Vardavas. “It’s our number one source Culligan Friends’ mission of support for of revenue. It is really inspiring to DocuMart look out front just before the doors Fred Meyer open and see all those members lined Friends of PSU Library up to buy books. I’m so grateful to Grand Central Baking everyone for their support,” she said, Hands On Portland also praising the work of board mem- Marsee Foods ber Anne Pearson and her book sale Multnomah County committee. Pearson, too, stressed New Seasons Markets how appreciated sale volunteers are, Portland Rent All and she thanked Wells Fargo Bank for Safeway corporate support of its employees Starbucks who volunteered. She said she hoped Wells Fargo Bank Enthusiastic sale leaders include (from left those who enjoyed the sale would & to right): Stephanie Vardavas (FOL Board pass on their experience to friends President), Angie Surmon (Sorting Room the many hours of volunteer time and neighbors to encourage them to Manager) and Anne Pearson (Book Sale donated by our members! Committee Chair). attend future sales. Combined with

December 2005 3 The Friends Step Up First with Pledge to Protect Library Programs and Services We Need Your Help Now, Too By Bryan Aptekar ur library needs us in order for 06 budget, as well as planned for Oit to continue providing the pro- funds from the 2006-07 budget to grams and services kids, families and contribute to this critical effort. We seniors depend on. As the fall 2005 were the first organization to pledge issue of Footnotes highlighted (back financial support to help get the cam- issues on our website at www.friends- paign up and running. library.org), the Library’s 5-year levy “We’re very grateful that the is up for renewal in 2006. The levy Friends offered such early support for provides more than half of the the levy campaign,” said Director of Multnomah County Library’s annual Libraries, Molly Raphael. “Our library operating budget, so its renewal is and community are very fortunate to essential to maintaining current lev- have such great Friends!” els of service. Help us help the library at this Our library needs people who can critical time. Being a Friend of the speak up about how they value the Library means more than supporting library, and who can step up finan- our organization, the annual book cially to support the levy campaign sales and shopping in our store. At which will ensure that the library is crucial times like this, the library able to continue serving us. Thanks needs help from each of us individu- to you, the members of the Friends, ally as well. we the Board of the Friends have done Here are several ways you can help: just that. Advocacy for the library is Young library user Hannah Currier shares 1. Donate “free” dollars to the why she loves the library. part of the Friends’ mission, so the “Libraries–Yes! Committee” Board had saved funds from the 2005- Thanks to creative tax laws put in place by the Oregon legislature, all Oregonians are encouraged to sup- Friends of the Library Membership Form port political campaigns at NO EX- Your support, through annual membership dues, helps the FOL in its advocacy, outreach PENSE TO YOU. Each taxpayer may and stewardship efforts. Your membership benefits our libraries and strengthens our give up to $50 to a political action community. Become a Friend, or renew your membership, today. committee or political campaign each Name year, and get that exact amount as a

Address tax credit on their annual state taxes — you can effectively give this money City/State/Zip for free. We are encouraging all Phone Email Friends members to give to the Li- braries–Yes! Committee both this cal- Most used library branch endar year, and again in 2006. You Membership Levels must make your donations for 2005 ❑ $30 Individual ❑ $45 Family ❑ $20 Senior (65+) ❑ $40 Senior Family (65+) before the end of the year, then you ❑ $75 Supporter ❑ $100 Patron ❑ Sustaining (minimum $10 /month on credit card) could make another donation next I would like to pay using (please check): ❑ check ❑ VISA ❑ Mastercard year, for a tax credit on your 2006 state taxes as well. Here’s how: Card number Exp. date Please enclose this form, along with your check (if applicable) and mail to: Make checks out to: “Libraries–Yes! FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY Committee.” 522 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 1103 Please write your specific occupa- Portland, OR 97204 tion on the “memo” line of your Thank you for your generous support check, as this is required by the Sec-

4 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org retary of State’s office for every con- each dollar you have contributed to tions statewide can apply to the OCT tribution to a campaign. (If you don’t, the Friends of the Library, and other for grants. These donations must also campaign staff will just have to call eligible organizations in 2005 up to be made by the end of 2005. Check you before the check can be ac- $500 per person, you can make a out the details by calling the OCT in cepted.) matching donation to the Oregon Salem at 1-503-986-0088 or looking Mail checks to: Libraries–Yes! Cultural Trust, and then get this same on the web www.culturaltrust.org. 1100 NW Glisan, Suite 300B dollar amount as a tax credit on your We thank you for your continued Portland, Oregon 97209 2005 state taxes. It’s a way to target support of the Friends, and hope you Limit of tax credit: $50 per person, your state tax dollars to causes you can take these extra steps to join us $100 per couple. Check with your support. Arts and cultural organiza- in supporting our library. accountant for details, or see Oregon’s website at: www.oregon.gov and Volunteer Spotlight search for “political contributions”, or call the Oregon Department of Rev- Wells Fargo Volunteers enue at 1-800-356-4222. By Tami Parr 2. Make more Friends! esse Reding of Wells Fargo Bank volunteered at her first Friends’ book You’re a Friend. You know how Jsale eight years ago. Book sale important the library system is to you, organizers put her in charge of the and through many of our feature ar- credit card machine, and at the ticles, hopefully you are learning how time the only convenient area for important it is for others as well. The her was in a small closet. “People more members that the Friends have, had to find me if they wanted to the better we are able to support the use their credit card!” she says. Multnomah County Library system, Since then, credit and debit cards both with dollars during the Levy have become much more popular, campaign, and in testifying before as has the Friends’ fall book sale. Jesse Reding, back row, far left, with some those that make decisions. During Like many corporations in the of her fellow Wells Fargo volunteers at this year’s book sale. this holiday season, consider giving Portland area, Wells Fargo encour- a Friends membership as a gift to ages its employees to volunteer in the community. But with the wealth of your family, co-workers, friends and volunteer opportunities available, how do employees decide where to put other library-lovers or encourage their time and energy? Jesse is not only a great volunteer but an excep- them to join. tional recruiter — she encourages people to choose the Friends by putting up promotional flyers to remind people about the fall book sale and other 3. Contribute to the Oregon Friends’ volunteer opportunities. Now, people sense when it’s time for the Cultural Trust fall book sale. “They will start asking me about the fall book sale as the Another way to support the library, date approaches,” she says. Jesse’s efforts have paid off — twenty one and other arts and cultural organiza- Wells Fargo volunteers assisted at this year’s fall sale, including a core tions, is to make a donation to the group of about 15 who volunteer at the book sale every year. Wells Fargo Oregon Cultural Trust (OCT). For volunteers, including Jesse, also volunteer at the spring sale in Gresham and at other library events. Many of the Wells Fargo volunteers enjoy working at the same book sale jobs every year. Jesse has been a cashier ever since those first days in the “credit closet”; others enjoy sorting and book counting. In her role as cash- ier, Jesse says she has had some interesting moments. During the most recent sale, a woman paying for her books found herself $1 short. As a result, she spent a few minutes trying to decide which books she should leave behind, and Jesse helped her go through her stack of books. After seeing the woman’s concern over choosing which books to give up, Jesse ended up giving the woman $1 so she could buy all of her books. Now Membership committee members (from left) that’s going above and beyond the call of duty! Thanks very much to Jesse Bryan Aptekar, Hillary Ayliffe and Carla Reding and all of the volunteers from Wells Fargo Bank for helping to Rathbun reaching out to gain more Friends make the fall book sale a success! at the Gresham Farmers Market.

December 2005 5 Branch Profile – Serving Kids of All Ages By Patrick Provant, Library Assistant at Holgate hen you visit the Holgate great, they are inadequate to WBranch Library (SE meeting the need; we frequently Holgate and SE 79th), keep per- see people wait in lines over two spective in mind. It would be hours long for their turn to use easy to say things like “Good the computers. grief, there are too many kids in Holgate serves as a gathering here,” or “Why aren’t all these place, where friends meet (and teenagers doing their home- increasingly, stay) to work and work?” or “Isn’t there a section play together. It is a place where for adults?” What we staff like you can get information, work to think goes more along the on your resume, read materials lines of “They’re here at the li- in your native language (if that brary because they need us.” is Chinese, English, Russian, Sometimes we even achieve a Spanish or Vietnamese), have zen state of understanding, with access to cultural events, meet thoughts like “They’re playing with your friends, have fun, and games now, because that’s age- stay warm and dry — all for free. appropriate behavior.” The truth There’s no other nearby venue of the matter is that Holgate has that fulfills these roles. more children under 18 living We’re glad to have you come within a 2-mile radius than any other even if everyone is talking at a rea- visit us at Holgate. It’s a busy place, Multnomah County library. It shows! sonable volume, there’s always a hub- so come prepared to wait your turn, While we do our best to keep noise bub pretty much any time school is but you will get the help you need. down to a dull roar, this is not your out of session. You might hear sing- And if you are looking for a volun- grandma’s library. So many people use ing or clapping from one of our vari- teer opportunity where you can make our branch for so many purposes that ous storytimes, laughter from the a difference, give us a call at (503) Wednesday Teen Lounge, or witti- 988-5389. Thank you for your generous cisms and banter shot back and forth donations to the Friends! during the International Chess Club Anonymous on Saturday. There might be animated Marilyn Drichas chatting heard from the Book Club, Florence Heim Adult Discussion Group or multilin- Shirley and Bill Hendrickson gual conversation practices, or maybe Louis and Ruth Kaufman just people working together at the Keith and Marilee Tillstrom computers. Add to this the phone Gerard J Van Deene ringing, library staff helping our Walker Family Foundation guests, then throw in a squeal or two In Memory of Clara N. Paige from a gleeful baby and you get a very Members of the Tustin Public different picture from the bespec- Schools Foundation tacled librarian of the past “shushing” you. In Memory of Elaine Feifers We can accept all this because of From Her Book Group what we perceive our role to be in Matching Funds from NIKE for: Southeast Portland. This is not the Stephen Bahnson most affluent part of town. Many Employee Volunteer Grant from PGE people in the neighborhood do not For Tami Parr’s Volunteerism have their own computers. The de- mand for our public computers is so

6 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org Why I Love the Library... By Bryan Aptekar ne of the many things I love out Tr ue Brits: A Tour Of Great Britain the Trans-Siberian rail trip. I checked Oabout the library is using it as a In All Its Bog-Snorkeling, Shin-Kick- out the Trans-Siberian Handbook for travel research resource. This last ing, and Cheese-Rolling Glory from the descriptions of the various route op- summer I was in desperate need of a library to read up on the sport. It was tions, the visa requirements, and tour vacation — one that truly took me quite a laugh reading the author’s in- companies which help those of us away — the kind where I’d forget the terpretation of competing in this who don’t speak Russian, Chinese or names of the people I’ve worked with event that takes about one part deter- Mongolian make our way across two for years because I was transported mination, one part bliss (as in igno- continents. Given the various route to such a new world. I’d been saving rance equals...), and one part mad- options, I settled on the Trans-Mon- up my vacation time for over a year ness. A few beers probably helps too. golian trip, which would start in and everywhere in the world was on After a week with my friend in Lon- Beijing, with a side-trip to the Great my list of possible destinations. I had don and at the bog snorkeling com- Wall, and the terracotta army in Xian. frequent flyer miles to spare and three petition, I figured I could visit friends Then I’d be off to Mongolia for a few weeks to play — somewhere. But in Prague, in Paris, and in Poland, days where I’d wander the open where should I go? It was time for a where I’d served as a Peace Corps vol- steppe by day, and by night I’d sleep trip to the library. unteer. I checked out books on all of in a felt ger — sort of like a yurt, used I’d been toying with the idea of a these places to see what I might do. by the nomadic herdsfolk of the trek through Europe. I had heard on Much as watching people breath in steppe. Then the trip would lead to the radio some time ago about the ice-cold murky bog water while snor- Lake Baikal in Russia. This is the annual world championship bog keling through the windswept gran- world’s deepest lake, holding 20 % of snorkeling in Llanwrtyd Wells in deur of Wales and visiting my friends the earth’s fresh water, and home to Wales. I’ve been determined to go was a draw, I changed my mind. This the only fresh-water seal species on there ever since I heard about it. I had something to do with ticket the planet. From there the trip would know it sounds crazy, and I think it prices for later August to London and lead to Moscow and St. Petersburg, would have been fun. I’ve got a friend frequent flyer seats that involved at both worthy destinations in their own who was spending the year in Lon- least 4 legs of travel each way. I won’t right. I pored over books on China, don whom I wanted to see and we’d bore you with the details... rural Mongolia and Russia’s cultural both toyed with the idea. If there are So back to the library, where I meccas, but ultimately decided now folks crazy enough try bog snorkel- searched the globe and revisited an was not the time for this trip either, ing then I was crazy enough to go idea I’d had in the past — taking one as I’ve been to Lake Baikal, and watch. So in preparation, I checked of the world’s greatest train rides — wanted more time at each of the other places than the train ride affords. So I was off once again to the library for more research. I finally settled on a gourmet-fo- cused group tour of Japan for two weeks, followed by a week on my own exploring the northern island. This time I checked out several books on Japan’s history, culture, food and some general travel guides. I particularly like getting books from the National Geographic Traveler and Insight Guides travel series from the library before I leave on a trip, as they are full of photos to drool over, to help set my travel agenda. These books are often heavy on photos and This centuries-old cemetery in a beautiful old growth forest in Koyasan, Japan is where light on details about where to stay Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, was buried. Continue on page 8

December 2005 7 Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit No 1791 Portland, OR

522 SW Fifth Avenue Suite 1103 Portland, Oregon 97204-2128 ❄A Holiday Special! Members receive a double discount at the Friends’ Library Store,❆ December 7–10! ❄

Book Sale continued Love the Library continued sale also touch her. “I loved see- and eat, so they are perfect for pre- ing kids on the floor sharing trip planning, perfect for borrowing books with each other and par- from the library. ents huddled with children read- Now that I’d selected the final des- ing to them.” And though the sale tination, I bought the actual travel is well-organized for a volunteer guide that I carried with me on the organization, Surmon laughs trip. In this case, The Rough Guide To about being asked if books are al- Japan proved the best, though I ended phabetized. No, not yet. up buying and bringing the Let’s Go Just one sour note arose. A few Japan as well. Until days before I left, book dealers took huge numbers I was still trolling through the photo of books from tables and hoarded guides determining where I wanted them along a wall while they to venture out on my own. phoned cohorts for information Do I sound like a flip-flopping on resale desirability. Not only travel flake? It’s true — I am. But were the unwanted books left on thanks to the library, I was able to the floor, but also during this time think through all the possibilities, no one else was able to look them travel vicariously by voracious read- over. Several Friends’ members Members Only night at the book sale drew ing and browsing of various travel have complained about this, and hundreds of Friends ready to indulge their guides and books on history, culture love of books. the book sale committee is work- and language. It made purchasing just ing on rules to prevent a recurrence. the right book easy, once I’d landed In the meantime, the work goes on collecting book donations, sorting, box- on the right destination. ing and storing them for the next sale. That will be in Gresham this spring. The trip, by the way, was great.

8 Friends of the Library www.friends-library.org