The Word from the Executive Director: |
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Dear Friends,
I am sorry to have to inform you that, after five years of leading the Santa Cruz Public Library (SCPL) System, Director Susan Nemitz has announced her plans to retire in August to focus on her health.
All of us at the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, and I personally, have been so grateful and honored to have a chance to work with Susan. Among her many accomplishments in her tenure as Library Director, Susan utilized both Measure S bond funding and philanthropic donations raised by us here at The Friends to implement the ambitious Facilities Master Plan to bring all SCPL library branches up to contemporary standards through renovation or replacement.
However, I’m glad to say that Susan also built a strong leadership team within the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, and we are glad that The Library Joint Powers Authority Board plans to appoint Assistant Director of Libraries Eric Howard as Interim Director as it conducts a nationwide search for the system’s next director. We have great confidence in Eric to lead the staff and the organization through this transition.
Susan’s legacy includes the beautiful new Capitola Branch Library, opening June 15th. Thanks to everyone involved in the project, especially the Capitola Chapter of the Friends, and the many generous donors who made it possible for this to be the kind of Library we all dream of.
We would also like to take a moment to thank you for your support that makes all this possible! We are endlessly grateful for donors like you that recognize the importance of libraries in our community. Visit our new donor recognition page to see everyone who is making a difference in Santa Cruz County!
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Bruce Cotter, Executive Director
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SCPL Director Susan Nemitz (left) with SCPL Communications Manager Diane Cowen |
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Welcome to the Board: Marc Winquist |
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This month, we are excited to welcome Marc Winquist onto our board.
Marc was the owner of Mollie's Country Cafe in Scotts Valley which operated for many years off of Mount Hermon Road.
A resident of Santa Cruz since 1981, Marc is the past president of the Rotary Club and Lion's Club of Scotts Valley. He is also one of the founding members of our Scotts Valley Friends chapter where he has served as treasurer since 2008!
In his spare time, Marc enjoys reading as an avid fan of Sherlock Holmes. Welcome to the board, Marc!
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Aptos
Aptos Friends are conducting a four week pilot program selling used books on book carts outside the library. Paperbacks and children’s books are $1, and hardbacks and audiobooks are $2. Payment is on the honor system. The sales started May 17 and will run until the branch closes for new construction on June 11. So far it has been a great success, and the Friends are so grateful for the community support! The Our Community Reads book selection group met in person for the first time outside at Aptos Village Park. Everyone is fully vaccinated, and social distancing was observed (except for the picture). The group has several titles that they are excited about, so narrowing it down to five for the selection event will be a challenge. Meanwhile everyone is busy reading!
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Also, The Aptos Friends has a special event coming up in partnership with Erik's Delicafe in Rio Del Mar. On June 23rd, if one purchases anything from Erik's and mentions the Friends then 5% of the sales will go to benefit the Aptos Library Building Fund. Thank you Erik's! |
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Capitola
The really big news this month is that the Capitola Library will be open on June 15th! That date will mark the end of more than three years of construction preceded by several years of community meetings and planning, and, of course, the successful passage of Measure S in 2016. To celebrate the completion of this extraordinary public building, the library staff and the Friends are having a virtual event on June 12th with tours for small groups available for sign-up on the library website.
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Felton
The large display case donated by Felton Library Friends is now filled with the first exhibit arranged by the FLF Arts Team. It features the work of naturalist painter Maryjo Koch, along with specimens from her collection. Maryjo’s home and studio are in Bonny Doon, and her work has been exhibited at natural history museums nationwide.She commented, “ I love painting and illustrating nature. I feel it’s one of the best ways to get close to our surroundings, understand nature, love it, and preserve it. Thank you for displaying my work in the beautiful Felton LIbrary and bringing the importance of our environment to the public.” Maryjo is the author and illustrator of nearly two dozen books, including the best-selling Bird Egg Feather Nest.
The FLF Arts Team will continue to mount changing exhibits in both the display case and on the Les and Nancy Gardner Community Art Wall, where Michael Kauert’s stunning photographs of nature now hang.
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La Selva Beach
This month, if you shop at Deluxe Market in Aptos, make sure to mention the The La Selva Beach Library when you check out. The branch receives 5% of your purchase. Thanks for your generosity, Deluxe!
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Scotts Valley
Friends of Scotts Valley are thrilled to say that last month's pizza event was a success. Thank you for the support! Now in the works is a parking lot book sale with date and time to be determined. Events such as Scotts Valley's open mic night and book club are still active.
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Shop at New Leaf? Help the Friends out by voting for us to be recipients of New Leaf's Envirotokens program. Do so by casting a a vote for us inside the store at their ballot box. |
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Interested in helping us make future Summer Reading Programs the best they can possibly be? Join us by making a donation and ensuring the success for all residents of Santa Cruz County! |
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