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2012 Annual Meeting January 29, 2012

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Category: Library Friends News

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The Friends of the St. Thomas Public Libraries (FOSTPL) hosted its Annual Meeting on Sunday, gaining a new member of its Board of Directors:  Former Governor Dr. Charles Wesley Turnbull.  The anticipated St. Thomas Regional Public Library is slated to be named in his honor, and FOSTPL warmly welcomed him into its midst. Mistress of Ceremonies Cynthia Perry Richards opened the meeting and welcomed all guests as the remnants of a brilliant day shone through the picture windows of the Sun Room at the Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC). 

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Secretary Bonnie Braga read the minutes of the last meeting, which were accepted, and the organization's financial report by Treasurer Richards indicated healthy progress towards the "Key to Knowledge" campaign to raise funds for the new library, often referred to as the "Tutu Library".

President Judy King-Edmeade then took the floor to deliver a review of the highlights of the group's activities for the past year, as well as an exhortation to everyone to continue to be vocal, present and tireless in encouraging our policymakers to prioritize the new library - that it should be staffed well, have convenient hours, and have the proper materials and equipment to best serve the community. Also noted was the early success of the Eye-Q program as instituted locally by Violeta Mack-Donovan. You may read her full address on our web site.

Presentations were made to selected honorees, including Hospital Book Cart program volunteers (Beth Gembus, Judy Moore and co-ordinator Dr. Rosary Harper), and the Day Care Literacy Program (Gita Berger, Diane Windisch, Ruby Todman, and co-ordinator Carol Lotz-Felix).   The Friends of the St. Thomas Public Libraries fully appreciate their heartfelt service and the joy they bring to all whom they touch.  

Another presentation was made to former FOSTPL Board Member Gwendolyn Blyden, whose retirement has never diminished her efforts on behalf of local libraries.  The Board of Directors bid a fond farewell in absentia to JJ Estemac, Past President, former Advocacy Chair, and former co-ordinator of the Book Redistribution Program, currently maintained by Bonnie Braga, through Fortress Self Storage.

Much discussion came about as a result of outgoing President King-Edmeade's speech - among the topics from the floor were the public's concern about the new library and its delayed opening;  the effects of the economy on the island's only bookstore (Dockside Books) and our danger of losing this important outlet, venue and supporter (Dockside has generously provided gift certificates to participants in our Summer Reading Program for many years, hosted book signings, and offered to provide space for a proposed St. Thomas Book Club, to be hosted by FOSTPL);  the loss to our Public Library System of Annette Olsen, who drove the St. Thomas Book Mobile - with the lack of after-hours library services and the lack of a full-service library in the eastern part of the island, this service will be sorely missed by children all over the island.  We appreciate all that Annette has done for the Book Mobile Program, and it is our fervent hope that it will be able to regain its full schedule soon.

Newly elected Board Members are Annette Olsen, Dr. Turnbull, and Ellen MacLean (a Friends founding member). It is clear from the discussion that took place, that the community is aching for a library with late and weekend hours, with internet connectivity, and gathering spaces for sharing ideas and enriching minds.

Related:  St. Thomas Source article:  Library Group:  Stalled Tutu Facility a 'Waste of a Precious Resource'

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