02/11/10 - City Council Newsletter

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events for the public in the coming year, including summer reading programs for children and teens. The Friends is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to strengthening the library by encouraging community involvement and providing financial support for programs and projects. Its members raise money through sales of donated books at the Friends’ Book Sale each April and at the Second Hand Prose book store in the Downtown Library, as well as through Friends’ membership dues. “All of us at the library deeply appreciate our Friends,” says Bennett, “and everyone in the community will benefit from their dedicated work and this generous gift. This represents investments by a huge number of community members – not only the Friends for the thousands of hours of labor and years of expertise that made it possible, but also every person who donated a used book to the Friends or purchased one from them. It’s an honor to be part of a community that uses and supports its library the way Eugene does.” The Friends of Eugene Public Library formed in 1976. One of its first events was a Ken Kesey talk for which the admission “ticket” was a Friends’ membership receipt. Ever since, the Friends have been tireless fundraisers and advocates for the cause of strengthening and expanding library services. Friends’ gifts bought the library’s first public computer (an Apple IIe for children’s use), funded the beginning of the CD music collection, and provided $100,000 for the new Downtown Library and $25,000 each towards establishing the Bethel and Sheldon branches. Since 1976, the Friends have given more than $1 million to support the Eugene Public Library. Work on the Friends’ 2010 Book Sale, April 10 and 11, at the Lane County Fairgrounds, is now in high gear. “However,” says Jane Gilbert, book sale coordinator, “we still need donations. If you have some gently-used books you’re ready to part with, now is the time to support your library by contributing them.” All donations are tax- deductible. The best place to bring books is the parking level of the Downtown Library. Donations may also be taken to the Bethel Branch or to the Rite-Aid store next to the Sheldon Branch. To have a large donation picked up, or for questions about the sale, contact the Friends at 541-484-1452 or friendseugenelibrary@gmail.com. For more information about the Eugene Public Library, call 541-682-545 or go to www.eugene-or.gov/library. Now’s the Time for Some Fun on the Snow Recreation Services offers many opportunities to play in the snow and enjoy the natural world this month and next. The Adult Services Program invites snowshoers to explore the beautiful canyon area on a daytrip to Salt Creek Falls on February 16. There’s another snowshoe daytrip on February 22 to the Island Lake area east of Santiam Pass, and a three-day snowshoe or cross-country ski trip to the bountiful snow near Mount Bachelor, March 1 - 3. This trip includes a stay at a hotel in Bend. For teens and adults, the Outdoor Program will take snowshoers on a hunt for animal tracks and signs on February 28. Those ages 13 and older can learn how to snowboard over three Saturdays, from February 27 to March 13. Recreation’s Alpine Adventures, for individuals with disabilities ages 8 and up, is in full swing with adapted skiing offered on multiple dates in February and March. The prices of these winter adventures vary, but all trips include transportation and some include lift tickets. For more information, contact Craig Smith at 541-682-5334. Telecommunications Program Expands Access to Computers Today, access to a computer means being able to apply for a job, search for a place to live, or even just stay in contact with friends and family. Being homeless can create huge barriers to accessing these services and the information that exists online. In order help address this problem, the City of Eugene EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 February 11, 2010