Exploring New Worlds With the James Webb Space Telescope

Come explore new worlds with Dr. Mark Clampin of the Goddard Space Flight Center as he discusses the study of extrasolar planets and the advancements possible with James Webb Space Telescope on Tuesday, May 22, 7:00 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium in the Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.

This program is presented by the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library.

The Friends Bookstore Semi-Annual Sale

The Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library are holding their semi-annual sale of special books on Saturday, May 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Friends Bookstore at the Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica.

The sale features books from $2 to $75 on art, photography, history, cookbooks, signed fiction, collectible classics and more.

The Friends Bookstore gladly accepts your quality book donations.

Many Thanks to All Those Who Support the Friends

Proceeds from these semi-annual sales, plus daily sales, have enabled the Friends to raise over half a million dollars since the bookstore opened in 2006, money which is used to support the programs of the Library.  Adele Clark, Membership Director of the Friends group, sends thanks on behalf of the Board:

“I know I speak for the Board of Directors of the Friends of the SMPL when I tell you that your patronage of the Bookstore is deeply valued. What we gain from your purchases, added to our resources, provides the generous funds that have helped the Library become the wildly successful community institution it is. For this, we thank you many times over.

Your assistance provides:

·        Support for Children’s and Youth Services programs

·        Materials and equipment such as audio books, CDs, DVDs, computer equipment, furniture, and shelving

·        Support for programs such as Citywide Reads, and cultural and educational programs

·        Support for special services such as aids for the visually and hearing impaired and “Service to Shut-Ins” which brings the Library to those unable to leave home.

What we do, how we spend our money, and how to become a member of the Friends is detailed on our blog (friendsofsmpl.blogspot.com) and our web site (www.friendsofsmpl.org). The Board meets at the Library the second Monday of each month at 7 PM. We welcome your attendance and participation.

We are very grateful to you for buying books, videos, and CD’s at our Bookstore and for joining the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library.”

Friends' Special Book Sale

Save the Date:  Our next special sale of higher value books is scheduled for Saturday May 19^th starting at 11:00 am.   Books range from $2 to $100 and include signed and inscribed books, first editions, art books, and other books with special value.  We hope to see you there.

A Five-Star Award Winner

Take a look at the recent press the Santa Monica Public Library and the Friends received in the Santa Monica Mirror.

Bookstore has sixth anniversary

January 2012 marks the sixth anniversary of the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library Book Store.   With your help, we have raised over half a million dollars, used to support library programs such as Citywide Reads and the Image Archive Collection, and to supplement funding for books, CDs, videos, movies, furniture, Children’s and Youth Services programs, new technology, and preservation of historical documents.  We thank all our patrons and volunteers for their fabulous support!

New books and audio/video materials arrive by the dozens every day, so drop by soon. Bookstore hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 11-4:30, Sunday 1:30-4:30, closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Location is on the left as you enter through the north entrance of the Main Library at 601 Santa Monica Boulevard.

To learn more about the Friends and the activities we support, to become a member, or to make a donation, check out our website at www.friendsofsmpl.org.

New Library Boardmember Kathie Sheldon

The Friends wish to welcome new Library Board Member Kathleen Sheldon. Her connections with UCLA include a Ph.D. in history, and an affiliation as a independent research scholar with the Center for the Study of Women, which awarded her the Tillie Olsen grant for travel and research. Her work focuses on sub-Saharan African women’s history from early times to the present. One of her recent publications is Pounders of Grain: A History of Women, Work, and Politics in Mozambique.

Sheldon previously served on the Santa Monica Commission on the Status of Women from 1992-2002. Her dedication and commitment to SMPL is strong, and she is pleased to bring a woman's perspective to what was an all-male board.  “The Library is such an essential part of the community …  to  support its continuity and growth is my goal.” She fills the vacated seat of Edward Edwards, who now serves on the Arts Commission.