Spring Equinox is Coming

Friends of the BARLD

March Newsletter

Bluebonnet circle with Friends of the Bulverde Area Rural Library District at the bottom

Under New Management

A new era has arrived with the election of a new Board of Directors for the Friends of the Bulverde Area Rural Library District (Friends of the BARLD). The 2024 Board is planning new programs and activities that will enhance library services to the community. The 2024 Board of Directors are:

Mary Lu Zellers, President

Joseph DiPasquale, Vice President

Suzanne Kratz, Treasurer

Jodi Perez, Assistant Treasurer

Cat Reid, Secretary

Athena Houghtaling, Director of Committees

Erik Henchal, Director-At-Large

We acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of former board directors. We’ve come so far and now stand on the shoulders of giants. Thank you for your contributions to the library and the community.

Are you creative? A leader? Want to make contributions to the community? This is your chance to support the library by joining the Friends Board of Directors. The Board is currently seeking to fill a vacancy of an “at large” director for one year. If interested in the position, please send an email to folpresident@mfplibrary.org.

Get Your FREE Eclipse Glasses

A Total Solar Eclipse will occur in the Texas Hill Country and surrounding area on April 8, 2024 at approximately 1:30 p.m.. The Friends will provide FREE eclipse glasses (1 pair) to members. Additional glasses may be purchased for $5.00 each prior to the event. Glasses will be distributed at the library on March 5 (9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.) and March 16^th (11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.).

We encourage all members to protect their eyes by using these protective glasses or similar. The library is planning a variety of programs on April 8, 2024. Mammen Family Public Library Eclipse Viewing Drop-In April 8,12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Please see Eclipse Viewing Drop-in | Mammen Family Public Library (librarycalendar.com).

Come watch this unique astronomical event with us!

New Members of the FOL

Rosalinda Alvarado

Janice Balmos

Rhea Anne Burnett

Linda Darnell

Mike Ellaby

Pat Ermel

Brooke Hinojosa

Jenni Johnson

Kathy Linares

Melissa Martinez

Kelly Neubauer

Buddy Neubauer

Eric Overstreet

Scott Schroeder

Penni Wells

Betty Jo Engelman (Sponsor)

Library Golf is coming Back!

The Foundation of the BARLD will sponsor this emerging annual favorite August 3-4, 2024. We all love 18 holes of miniature golf in the comfort of the library stacks. Last year’s event was a huge success, and this year it will be even better. Kids of all ages can test their golfing skills. The Foundation is also planning an associated adult gala. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting event.

FOL Eclipse Glasses Distribution, March 5, 2024, 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Foundation Board Meeting, March 14, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
FOL Eclipse Glasses Distribution, March 16, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
FOL Board Meeting, March 18, 2024, 2:00 p.m.
BARLD Trustees Meeting, March 21, 2024, 9:30 a.m.
MFP Library Summer Reading Program "Adventure Begins at Your Library" June 8 - August 2, 2024

“The times, they are a-changin’”. Just like the Bob Dylan song, the new Board is planning a variety of programs to enhance library services and strengthen the Friends of the BARLD. Expansion of the library in the next decade will provide exciting challenges and opportunities for us. As the library grows, the Friends must also grow and adapt.

We currently are recruiting for the following volunteer positions:

Outreach Coordinator. If you are a “people person”? How about helping us establish new relationships with sponsors and members. You will work across committees (i.e membership, electronic communications, marketing, and more) and the Board to inform the public and library patrons about our activities.
Photographer. Are you a photo enthusiast? We need someone who will take pictures of our events and members contributing to library programs. Photos would be used in promotional materials for the Friends.
Graphic Artist. Are you a creative artist? We need someone skilled in graphic arts to develop promotional materials for our activities.
Marketer. Do you have experience in marketing or public relations? The Friends need your help to craft fundraising and membership campaigns to support our mission and the library.

Please contact Erik Henchal (ehenchal@gmail.com) with your interest.

Join the Friends of the BARLD

Support Your Library

The Friends promote public use of the Bulverde Area Rural Library District’s (BARLD’s) Mammen Family Public Library (MFPL), advocate the MFPL’s value as a cultural and educational asset to the community, supplement library services and materials beyond the library’s normal operating budget, and encourage the extension and improvement of its services. JOIN US!

Friends of the Bulverde Rural Library District is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the Friends are tax deductible.

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