Monthly Archives: November 2015

About:

Ann Elliott has been a pillar of support to the Chico Friends of the Library since her move to Chico in 1996. While she is the current liaison for the book sale, Ann has held other positions on the board, including president.

Ann Elliot explores the mystery section of the library.

Ann made the move from the sandy shores of Cambria, California to the City of Trees 19 years ago with her husband and twin boys. Before retiring, Ann was an Instructional Special Aid Assistant for the Chico Unified School District.

Interested in being involved, Ann sought out the Friends of the Library in Chico, having knowledge of the group from being previously involved with them in Cambria.

While Ann’s main duties for CFOL include setting up for the weekend book sales, she also works on any projects that need doing at the library. She loves being crafty and enjoys making posters.

Even in retirement Ann is a busy bee. She takes guitar lessons and tries to enjoy the outdoors as often as possible, whether that is hiking, bird watching or gardening. If she can’t be found outside or at the library you can probably find her reading the latest mystery to catch her eye.

Why Libraries?

Ann believes that libraries are important because of the support they give a community. Having a library reflects how our society values the spread of knowledge and allows everyone to have access to the same information.

“Public libraries are free and available to everyone,” says Ann. “It is good to be exposed to this place of knowledge.”

Books:

Ann’s favorite genre is mystery, though she reads a variety of books because of her participation in a local book club.

Authors Ann recommends to those on the hunt for a good mystery include Anne Perry, Laurie King and Jacqueline Winspear. The Maisie Dobbs mystery series is one of her favorites.

On November 6, Chico Friends of the Library competed in and won the 9^th annual Trivia Bee for Literacy.

The event, which promotes literacy and raises support for the Butte County Library Literacy Services, took place in the Sierra Nevada Brewery big room last Friday.

This year’s winners, the “Bibliomaniacs” represented Chico Friends of the Library. CFOL won in 2012 and were thrilled to bring in another win at this year’s event.

“It’s always a lot of fun,” said Nancy Leek, Bibliomaniac team member. “I always see people I am happy to see and we have a good time.”

There were three rounds of trivia with 20 seconds to answer each question. There were numerous teams of three, representing various groups, organizations and businesses. One point was allotted for each correct answer. At the beginning of each round, the teams restarted at zero points.

When it came to the finals, the Bibliomaniacs were in first place and five teams were tied for 2^nd and 3^rd place, so they had a tiebreaker to determine the runner-ups.

Chico locals cheered on the competitors and played along from their seats.

Chico Friends of the Library Board Members, Diane Friedman, Marian Milling, Rupert McDowell and his wife, Joan McDowell, supported the Bibliomaniacs from the audience.

There was catered food served before the trivia began.

The Bibliomaniacs, Nancy Leek, Jean Ping and Phil Midling, took the gold medal.

NEW MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICE

Your CFOL, along with the Oroville Friends of the Library, donated funds to supplement a grant providing an innovative new way to bring library books and services to schools, communities and events in Chico and Oroville. Patrons can not only select from the hundreds of books carried by the mobile library, but also can access needed library services including issuance of new library cards, renewals of books and cards, downloading ebooks, and making book requests. Come and admire this locally designed and built Library on a Bike on display in the Chico branch library. And kudos to Greg Degouveia for designing and building the bike, and Oliver Allen, library outreach coordinator, for co-writing the grant and supplying the pedal power.

QUILT DRAWING!

Annie’s Star Quilt Guild has once again generously donated a handcrafted quilt which you might win at the Chico branch library.  Sized for a twin bed (72″x 84″), the quilt also incorporates its own hanging sleeve.   You can view this fine example of fabric art on display at the Chico branch library now.  Donation amounts for tickets:  $1 each, 6 for $5, or 13 for $10.  The drawing will be held in the library on December 12, after the book sale.  Proceeds will provide new children’s books for the library.   

PUZZLES NOW HALF PRICE!

Do you know someone who likes to be challenged by multi-piece jigsaw puzzles?  Does that person like it even more when the finished puzzle depicts the wonders of your Chico library and the joys of reading?  And what about the added benefit of supporting your Chico Friends Of the Library?  Purchase of one of the colorful 500 piece jigsaw puzzles created from a limited edition poster by local artist Steve Ferchaud entitled “Love Your Library.”  It just might be the perfect birthday, holiday, or “just because” gift for the jigsaw puzzle solver in your life. And it can provide hours of cool indoor entertainment during the hot summer days ahead. Visit your Chico branch library to acquire one of these unique items.  They are now available for a mere $5 donation each or 2 puzzles for $8!

ONGOING BOOK SALES

CFOL members and others will find many, many new books, movies, music CDs, and magazines added to the materials offered at the next book sale. The members-only First Friday book sales are held each first Friday of the month from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the Chico library’s conference room.  This month’s sale is on Friday, November 6 . Don’t miss this opportunity to browse the many bargain items in a more leisurely atmosphere than prevails at the regular Saturday morning (9:00 to 11:30 am) sales.  Daily sales and discount specials on the designated shelves inside the library and on the cart in the lobby have proven to be extremely popular and an additional source of income for your CFOL.  Thanks to all the CFOL book sale volunteers who have made these efforts highly successful.

FUNDRAISING SUCCESS DURING ANNIE B’S DRIVE

Library supporters donated $14,722 through the North Valley Community Fund during August and September, with the Fund adding another $1,023. The City of Chico contributed an additional $7,687 for a grand total of $23, 432 to be used to remodel that public computer area in the Chico branch library. Any excess funds will aid other remodeling projects in the library.