Friends of the Ramona Library (FORL) Newsletter
January 2022
Happy New Year!! Until I got on the FORL Board, I didn’t know just how much the Friends contributed to the library community. The FORL supports library programs, special events, and beautification projects. For example, with limited programming currently allowed, the Friends have funded most of the craft materials for the very popular Take and Make crafts for all ages. The kits can be picked up at the branch service desk. Each month the branch staff puts together approximately 300 craft kits for different age groups to encourage library use. Your generosity allows the library to offer many programs—all free for participants.

Our major fundraiser is the Open Book Store. You never know what treasures you might find. And our sales make a good deal even better. 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. 

Amazon Smile is the easiest way to help the FORL. You can designate the FORL as your charity of choice. For each book sold online through the Amazon Smile program, Amazon donates a small amount back to the Friends. Bookstore staff eagerly comb through our donations for popular books to sell on Amazon. 

The library is open now from 10 – 4 PM and is able to plan programs for customers over 12 years of age. Since the County of San Diego sets health guidelines, the library must comply. The indoor mask mandate has been extended to February 15. We hope that in the near future, the library will be able to increase its hours and offer evening and weekend times. 

Plans for the Ten-Year Celebration on Saturday, February 12 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, are coming along nicely. Fun activities for all ages will include: games, demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, prizes, story time, live music, henna tattoos and refreshments. We’ll have a brief acknowledgement ceremony for the folks that made this beautiful library possible.
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
Dante Cosentino, Director
Cheryl Storey, Director
Jane Vidal, Director
Michelle Sund, Director
Princess Norman, Director
Upcoming Events at the Ramona Library
For up-to-date information about events at the Ramona Library, plus contact information and details about features and facilities, please visit their website at www.sdcl.org/locations/28/.
Emergency Broadband Benefit recipients fully enrolled as of December 31, 2021 will automatically continue to receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022. You can learn more the program transition and steps you may need to take to stay enrolled after March 1st, by visiting fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program). If your household is eligible, you can receive:

  • Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
  • Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household. To receive the connected device discount, consumers need to enroll in the ACP with a participating provider that offers connected devices. Learn more at acpbenefit.org.
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.