Year 2008-2009 Grants
The FOPL board of directors approved $80,000 in grants to the Oakland Public Library for its Fiscal Year 2008-2009. These grants are made possible by FOPL’s 800 members, 50 volunteers, and countless booklovers who donate and purchase books at the Bookmark Bookstore. The grants for 2008-2009 are:
- Self Check Equipment: $47,500
- Teen Zone at Main: $20,000
- National Library Week Event: $6,000
- Library Staff Scholarships: $2,500
- Youth Leadership Council Meeting Stipends: $2,000
- Library Director’s Discretionary Fund: $2,000
Earlier this year, the FOPL board approved grants for the East Oakland Community Library capital fund, Children’s Services, Second Start Adult Literacy, and the Oakland Libraries After School program for students in grades K-5. These grants, totaling $44,300, were made possible by special, designated donations.
And to round out this report, in January, the board approved a grant of $4,000 to support the April 24th National Library Week appearance of author Nikki Giovanni and a grant of $2,000 for book bags. The attractive royal blue book bags are available for a donation of $20 in the Main Library Children’s Room.
Self Check Equipment
This grant will make it possible for the Library to purchase two self-check machines for the Main Library. Coming soon, patrons will have the option to check-out books using a machine that reads their library card barcode. The Library is installing these machines to free up staff to provide other services to patrons and to give patrons a self-service option.
Teen Zone at Main
FOPL funds will be used to help renovate the southeast corner of the second floor of the Main Library for the Teen Zone. The renovations will result in an attractive and functional space dedicated to teenage library patrons. The project includes group study rooms, quiet reading nooks, and seating areas for socializing.
National Library Week Event
The Friends will be a “co-sponsor” of the Spring 2009 author event offered free to the public. The 2008 event featured poet and writer Nikki Giovanni; prior author appearances include Michael Pollan, Isabel Allende, David Eggers, Alice Walker and Terry McMillan.
Library Staff Scholarships
The Library will use these funds to assist Oakland Public Library employees who are enrolled in an accredited Master of Library Science degree program.
Youth Leadership Council Meeting Stipends
The Youth Leadership Council offers valuable skill and relationship building opportunities for young people. FOPL’s support will provide modest stipends for teens attending the monthly meetings.
Library Director’s Discretionary Fund
Thank you to our members, Bookmark volunteers and customers, and other friends and supporters who make it possible for FOPL to provide this special support to the Oakland Public Library.