Friends of the Oakland Public Library
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"Public libraries receive less than 1% of all tax dollars and are used by more than 50
percent of the population." |
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Friends of the Oakland Public Library
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Thanks to Oakland and Its Library Friends
The Oakland Public Library's future looks much brighter thanks to the overwhelming generosity of Oakland.
Libraries continue to be a beloved institution in Oakland. Over the past year, we have witnessed an outpouring of community support for libraries. Neighborhood branches have been threatened with reduced hours--even closure--due to lack of funds. Support for libraries was demonstrated not only by passage of Measure Q, but in numerous other ways. For example, on February 21st, twenty-five local authors turned out for a well-attended fundraiser for the Oakland Neighborhood Library Coalition. Each author shared a sampling of his or her work and a personal story about the library. Volunteers worked long hours in the weeks before the election to educate voters about Measure Q. Many individuals and local bookstores have purchased books for the library through the "Buy A Book" program. Another indicator is FOPL's membership--up by over 15 percent--allowing FOPL to continue to make annual grants to the library to enhance programs and collections. Community support continues to be the key to the future of libraries. Fortunately for Oakland, passionate support of libraries is alive and well! - Winifred Walters, FOPL President
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