The end of 2018 is almost here. We want to wish our FOL members the best for the holiday season.

Unfortunately, we have to start this newsletter with sad news. Buddy Neubauer, long-time member and supporter of the Friends and the Mammen Family Public Library, passed away suddenly last week. Our thoughts and prayers are with Debbie and the Neubauer family at this time of great loss. Please check the Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home for service details. We have a new name! The Texas Secretary of State approved our name change to Friends of the Bulverde Area Rural Library District! We are seeking fresh and creative suggestions for our new FOL logo. At our December 10 FOL Board meeting, we made changes to the Financial Management Policy in response to our internal audit. We also approved updates to the Document Retention, Whistleblower, Conflict of Interest, and Standing Rules. These will be posted on the website. The recommended changes to the Bylaws will presented and voted on by members at our Annual Meeting, January 24, at the Bulverde/Spring Branch Activity Center.

T he Book Nook is Back!   Please take a few minutes to find the Book Nook Lite, a temporarily scaled down version of the Book Nook. Just follow the arrows to our temporary space. There is something for everyone at our usual prices. We will try to expand our offerings as space during the expansion permit! We are still not accepting donations as this time. Look for a notice after the first of the year.

FINAL BUS TRIPS OF 2018

The bus trip to the play All is Calm was thought-provoking and very moving. All enjoyed it tremendously. The bus trip to the Holiday Pops was light-hearted and always a highlight of the holiday season, as was the dinner at t Aldino's . Several new people joined our group and enjoyed the trip.

End- of Year Donations There is still time to make a donation to the FOL. Every gift, no matter or large or small, makes a difference. Make a contribution by check or cash so it arrives by Dec 31, 2018. Drop off at the library or mail to the Friends of the BARLD, 131 Bulverde Crossing Rd, Bulverde, TX 78163. You can give to the general FOL fund or designate a specific program or purpose such as the library expansion, furniture for the new children or teen areas, or appliances for the new kitchen. Don't forget to check if your company will match your donation. Many also match funds for spouses or retirees. If you have questions, ask Linda Quintero, our treasurer, at Foltreasurer@bsblibrary.org.

Final Thoughts Please take a little extra time to open and read the emails from the FOL. They will keep you up to date on FOL activities during the expansion and assist you in planning your 2019 calendar. We will see you all at the January 24 th Annual Meeting. Have a safe and relaxing holiday season with your loved ones.