by Marcia Buompensiero

At its May 13 meeting, the SDWEG Board of Directors unanimously voted to support the Friends of the Central Library with a donation of $250, and voted to consider a future annual donation in an amount to be determined.

The Anthology Marketing Committee brought the recommendation forward for consideration. “Libraries provide access to books, thousands of publications from around the world, and also serves as a support system in many communities, including supporting local authors,” Marcia Buompensiero said. “The Anthology Marketing Committee considered the benefits that the Central Library provides, including the annual Local Authors Exhibit which provides a platform for local authors to display their work.” For several years, SDWEG has participated in the Local Authors Exhibit by displaying the current edition of The Guilded Pen, the SDWEG anthology. The exhibit is well attended, usually over 300 in attendance, and it provides a venue for local recognition for the SDWEG and its members. The Central Library has promoted individual authors' exhibits and continues to hold author events.

The Board was enthusiastic in its support and encourages members to support Friends of the Library in their local communities.

A little about “Friends of the Library”—

Friends of the Library groups are composed of volunteers and are independent nonprofits formed to support local libraries. San Diego County Library enjoys active Friends groups at almost every branch, and their support allows the library to provide enhanced levels of service, programming, and collections to better serve the public. Friends groups advocate for libraries as the positive voice spreading the word of library services in the community and with local government and business entities.

They provide financial support to the library with funds earned at their bookstores, collection of membership dues, by accepting donations, fund raising, grant writing, or online sales. All proceeds go directly to support the library’s community initiatives with the purchase of physical and digital materials, buying equipment, computers or furniture and to sponsor library programs.

The local branch chapters of the Friends of the Library are supported by the County-wide umbrella organization, Library Friends of San Diego County (LFSDC) which coordinates activities and shares best practices that benefit all groups. This organization also coordinates shared resources from the individual organizations to provide support for system-wide County Library initiatives. 

If you would like to be an advocate for libraries and literacy in your community, join your local Friends of the Library. To do so, please visit your local library's group's website or contact your local library branch for information. Libraries with Friends groups and bookstores include those listed below.

• 4S Ranch

• Alpine *

• Bonita-Sunnyside *

• Borrego Springs

• Campo-Morena Village

• Cardiff-by-the-Sea *

• Casa de Oro

• Crest

• Del Mar

• Descanso

• El Cajon *

• Encinitas *

• Fallbrook *

• Fletcher Hills

• Imperial Beach *

• Jacumba

• Julian *

• La Mesa *

• Lakeside

• Lemon Grove *

• Lincoln Acres

• Pine Valley

• Potrero

• Poway *

• Ramona *

• Rancho San Diego *

• Rancho Santa Fe *

• San Marcos *

• Santee *

• Solana Beach *

• Spring Valley *

• Valley Center *

• Vista *

* Friends of the Library bookstores can be found at these library branch locations.

For more information visit: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/partners/friends

https://www.sdcl.org/friends/ (local branches)