Member Appreciation Party

Friends and invited guests gathered on April 17th for a Mocktail. It was a time to meet face-to-face and say "You are appreciated!"

A special thanks go to the Bookstore volunteers and  Library staff for joing us.

(Photo: Jennifer Giltrop, Executive Director of FVRL (l), Rachael Ries (r) and Friends.)

Bingo cards made it fun to put names to faces while discovering interesting "facts!"

Discussions will be on-going to plan ways for Friends to meet.* 

Don't miss out. Keep an eye out for the next invitation and plan to join in.

Highlights of Board Actions - April Monthly Meeting - As the fiscal year draws to an end, the report by Rachael Ries, Branch Manager Librarian, was a particularly succinct overview of the Friends impact on the CPC Library for 2024-2025. Generally, the Friends significantly support the costs of food, supplies and program presenters. 

Specific examples show the wide range of programs made possible: the Sourdough starter program, Basic Oil Pastel program, Pizza and Poetry, Seed Library, Staff Anniversary and Employee Recognition, Drying rack for kids art, a Button Maker for programs and outreach. 

Judy Musa, FVRL Foundation Business Development Officer, provided a much anticipated update of preparations for the Levy Lift campaign. Details are forthcoming, but for certain, the campaign will be the most active in June and July. FoCPL look forward to giving the campaign its full support.

Call for Help - Preparations by Library staff for summer programs are underway and the following items are needed:

• cardboard (can even be cereal boxes)
• small plastic containers (like yogurt or cups)
• bubble wrap
• egg cartons
• containers for paint shakers: coffee cans, larger plastic containers with lids, shoe boxes
• cardboard tubes (from toilet paper or paper towel)

Your reusable trash will be gratefully accepted at the Front Desk!

Thanks to your help, the Seed Library opened in time for planting, fully stocked and organized. Thank you for your help donating and counting seeds. According to Rachael Ries, "Patrons have been taking lots of seeds." 

News about Library Matters - 

"FVRLibraries braces for 30% cut in staff if August levy lid lift fails: Library system board approves plans if levy passes, or is defeated." The Columbian, April 22, 2025

"Free for All: The Public Library" - how public libraries shaped a nation and remain a beloved sanctuary for Americans today. A documentary film by Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor, PBS Independent Lens. Premiered on April 29, 2025. Check for viewing availability.

Some facts and figures:

• 18 - the number of current Bookstore volunteers.
• 3 - the number of current substitute volunteers.
• 207 - the average number of volunteer hours donated per month.
• Steady (more or less) trickle of donations by Friends to stock the shelves.
• Constant stream of buying by Friends to create shelf space.
• 1 - Volunteer Bookstore Manager/Master Juggler of volunteers and books.

What do you fancy - goats, red worms, reptiles, birds or jazz? How about a little magic? Mark your calendars NOW so you won't forget.

May 9 2025 – Friday  - 11:00 to 12:00 - Goat Happy Hour™ 

May 14 2025 – Wednesday – 6:00 to 7:30  - Recycling Done Right

May 17 2025 – Saturday – 2:00 – 4:00 - Trashion Show 

May 28 2025 – Wednesday – 6:00 to 7:30 - Conscious Consumption Series: Worm Bin Composting 

June 17 2025 – Tuesday – 2:00 – 5:00 - 75th Anniversary Celebration: Reptile Man 

June 21 2025 – Saturday – 2:00 to 3:00 - Comedy & Magic with Angel Ocasio / Comedia y magia con Ángel Ocasio 

July 5 2025 – Saturday -  11:00 to 1:00 - Birdwatching for Beginners 

July 8 2025  - Tuesday – 5:00 to 7:00 - Art of Henna with Roving Horse Henna 

July 12 2025 – Saturday - 3:00 to 4:00 - Live Music with Bossa PDX

This is just a sampling of events in the next 10 weeks - check the CPCL online calendar for more.