Friends of the Ramona Library (FORL) Newsletter
December 2021
Merry Christmas and happy holidays!!

Visit the Open Book Store this month for great deals on Christmas presents. We never know what treasures can be found for sale!

Big thanks to everyone in Ramona who donates books and DVDs. The Open Book Store sells gently used books, puzzles, and DVDs. Hours are from 11:00 – 3:00 PM. Volunteers are always welcome to help staff the bookstore.

The library is open now from 10 – 4 PM and is able to plan programs for customers over 12 years of age. We hope that in the near future, the library will be able to increase its hours and offer evening and weekend times.

As you may have heard in the news, a change in directive from the California Department of Public Health now requires face coverings for all individuals in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination, going into effect from December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022. Employees and volunteers are required to wear a face mask except when eating, drinking or, if alone, in a private office. You will need to wear a mask when entering the building.
The FORL supports library programs, special events, and beautification projects. Your generosity allows the library to offer many programs—all free for participants. Not every library can do this. Do you have someone who’s impossible to buy for? Consider honoring them with a tile on our donor wall or gifting them with a lifetime membership.

The Ten-Year Celebration Committee is planning the gala celebration on Saturday, February 12 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. The afternoon event will include fun activities for all ages, prizes, music, and refreshments. Storybook characters will greet our guests. A scavenger hunt will be fun, and we’ll have a brief acknowledgement ceremony for the folks that made this beautiful library possible.

The Board had a very productive meeting on Wednesday, December 8 in the Library Community Room. We voted for the incoming 2022 Board (listed below), and welcome warmly new member Princess Norman. Princess has library and management experience and will be a wonderful addition.

We passed an estimated budget. Because future revenue is somewhat unpredictable, we will revisit the budget in several months.
How can you help us support the library?

  • Renew your membership when it’s due and consider giving a little extra.
  • Volunteer at the Open Book Store. An application is available at the store.
  • Donate money to the FORL or gently used books at the Book Store. Because of limited staff, please keep your donation to one bag or box.
  • Sign up for the Amazon Smile program, smile.amazon.com. On your first visit, you'll be prompted to choose a charity. If you would like to change your existing choice to FORL, please see these instructions.
  • Encourage your friends and relatives to become members.
  • Purchase a tile on our donor wall; the application is on our website at friendsoframonalibrary.org/donor-wall.

Sincerely,

Maxine McNamara
President
Friends of the Ramona Library
Friends of the Ramona Library Board 2022

Maxine McNamara, President
Susan Shapira, Vice President, Membership
Flo Firth, Secretary, Book Store Manager
Patsy Heald, Treasurer
Karyn Smith, Ramona Valencia, Hospitality
Karla Brustad, Membership Co-chair
Joan Gansert, Director
Eileen Neveu, Director
Dante Cosentino, Director
Cheryl Storey, Director
Jane Vidal, Director
Michelle Sund, Director
Princess Norman, Director
Teens - Make Beeswax Candles and Peppermint Sugar Scrub to keep or gift. Wednesday, December 22 @ 3 pm.
Adults – Paint your own wintry scene of the Northern Lights. Tuesday, January, 11 2022 from 11 am - 12 pm.
Supply chain woes got you down? Make your own gifts to avoid the shipping bottleneck. Find inspiration with these San Diego County Library titles: sdcl.overdrive.com/collection/1275759
Plus ...

COVID-19 vaccinations, tests, and flu shots - December 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Caregiver Information by Southern Caregiver Resource Center. SCRC offers FREE classes for family caregivers caring for a loved one with memory loss, Alzheimer's or other Dementia. 
The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible families and households who are struggling to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qualifying households on Tribal lands can receive a discount of up to $75 per month for service. Eligible households can also receive a discount of up to $100 for the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. For more info, please visit fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.
To learn more about the Friends of the Ramona Library, please follow us on Facebook or visit our website at friendsoframonalibrary.org/. If you have questions please email us at friendsoframonalibrary@gmail.com. 

For more information about the Ramona Library (hours, contact information, upcoming events) visit sdcl.org/locations/28/.