Friends of the Beatley Central Library
5005 Duke St.
Alexandria, VA 22304

Dear Friend,

The Friends of the Beatley Central Library had a very productive year for fundraising and supporting library programs. The Alexandria Library appreciated the support of the Beatley Central Friends. Due to City-wide financial challenges, the Alexandria Library's budget has been cut more than 25% over the last two years resulting in fewer services, staff and materials as well as reduced hours. Without the Friends' financial support, the Library would not be able to purchase some supplies and materials, update equipment, purchase new furniture and provide special programming for adult and children's programs.

Financial Highlights and Support for Library Programs, Equipment and Materials for2010

Our opening balance was $17,810.53 and our closing balance is $19,529.30. The Friends raised $9,820.00 from book bag sales, book sales, membership fees and silent auctions. Our annual book sale earned the highest amount at $5,157.00. This year, we started online books sales in July as another avenue to raise funds through library book donations.

This year, the Friends spent $8,101.00 on library programs, equipment and materials. The Friends sponsored children's programs for National Library Week, SummerQuest and young adult programs for teenagers. This year, the Beatley Central Friends celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Beatley Central Library by providing funds for programs and refreshments. Besides programs, the Friends purchased new library shelving for the music collection and updated library equipment (printers and keyboards) and provided funds for children's art and crafts supplies.

Membership and Officers for 2010 and Membership Drive for 2011

The Beatley Central Friends have 61 members. Our officers are Charles Ziegler, President and Margaret Peiffer, Vice-President. All officers are volunteers. We continue to seek Friends to volunteer for the positions of Secretary and Treasurer. The Beatley Central Library Manager, Karen Russell has been the Acting Treasurer for four years. It is important to fill these positions so the Friends can function independent from the library staff. If you are interested in applying for these positions, please contact Charles Ziegler at candjziegler@hotmail.com.

February is membership drive month for the Beatley Central Friends. It is time to renew your Friends membership and encourage friends and neighbors to join the Friends to support your local library. In 2010, we earned $2,255.00 on membership fees which provided funds for the above programs. If you have recently joined the Friends please pass on your membership form to a friend or neighbor.

Activities and Library Wish List for 2011

For 2011, we have scheduled the annual book sale for Friday, April 8 through April 13. Friday, April 8 will be the sorting day. The book sale will be in the library's meeting room on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. We need Friends to sort materials on Friday and sell items on Saturday and Sunday. The library staff sells the books Monday through Wednesday in the hallway outside the meeting room. Please mark your calendar and volunteer to help with the Friends Book Sale.

For 2011, the Beatley Central Library staff requested $9,003.00 from the Friends to cover the costs of special children's programs, materials, equipment and supplies and adult materials and equipment. Youth Services asked for $4,615.00 for children's and young adult programs as well as arts supplies, programs prizes, replacing bean bag furniture, a new printer and two new barcode scanners. Adult Services requested $4,388.00 to cover adult programs, update ESL materials and purchase new barcode scanners for the Circulation and Information desks. If you disagree with any of the above funding for library materials, equipment and programs, please contact Charles Ziegler (candjziegler@hotmail.com) by February 28. Please give us your ideas for projects, activities and fundraising events. We need more active membership participation to make the Beatley Friends stronger and advocate for better library services.

Library News

Karen Russell, the Beatley Central Library Manager, retired effective January 1, 2011. Karen worked for the Alexandria Library for 38 years. She started at the Burke Branch as a reference librarian. She was the Branch Manager at the Burke Branch, Duncan Branch, Barrett Branch and the first manager of Beatley Central Library. Karen was instrumental in setting up and establishing library services at the Beatley Central Library. She plans on enjoying retirement by chasing after a new puppy and becoming a complete dilettante.

Renee DiPilato has been selected as the new Beatley Central Library Manager. Renee has worked with the Alexandria Library for six years—most recently at the Duncan Branch, where she has been the Branch Manager since 2006. Prior to moving to Alexandria, Renee worked for the Virginia Beach and Norfolk Public Library systems. She holds a Masters in Library and Information Science from the Catholic University of America and a Masters in Public Administration from George Mason University. Renee is currently studying for a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at Simmons College. When not buried in homework, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their pets, two dogs and a cat. To contact Renee, please email her at rdipilato@alexandria.lib.va.us.

Charles Ziegler
President

Karen Russell
Treasurer