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Mar 23, 2024
Dear Friends, Supporters, and Members,
Happy New Year, and welcome back to another promising year with the Hermosa Beach Friends of the Library (HBFoL)! As we step into 2024, we're filled with gratitude for your unwavering support and enthusiasm for our mission to foster literacy, reading, and education in Hermosa Beach and the South Bay region.
Volunteer with Us!
First and foremost, we're on the lookout for volunteers! This year, we've made significant improvements to the HBFoL Bookstore operations and need your help to keep the momentum going. If you have a love for books and a desire to contribute to our cause, please consider volunteering. We’ve had an extraordinary turnout thus far, and have met so many exciting people eager to help. We are grateful for our community’s support and trust!
For more information, visit hbfol.org/volunteer or email volunteer@hbfol.org. Feel free to spread the word to anyone who might be interested in joining our wonderful community of volunteers!
HBFoL Programs: A Year of Celebration and Growth!
As we celebrate our 65th year, HBFoL is thrilled to announce the launch and expansion of several key programs:
Bookmark Contest Expansion
We're enhancing our long-standing support for the LA County Bookmark Contest with more bookmarks, bigger prizes, and community partnerships.
Mobile Libraries Initiative
We will expand the network of micro-libraries across Hermosa, building a team to keep them supplied with fresh reads while drawing attention to these vital community resources.
Librarian’s Fund
To further support the Hermosa Beach Public Library and its staff, we're establishing a Librarian's Fund to help our Library build stronger connections with the surrounding community and a close-knit, collaborative team.
Digital Archive Project
We're digitizing our extensive archives to preserve and share the rich history of HBFoL with the community and future generations.
Learn more about these initiatives and how you can contribute at hbfol.org/give. Every donation, whether individual or corporate, makes a difference!
Patron Program Updates!
Our membership program has been refreshed! Thanks to our members, we've raised over $1,400 in the first two months of 2024. A special shoutout to our first Collector-tier ($500.00) donor! If you haven't renewed your membership yet, please visit hbfol.org/give to do so and support our cause.
Bookstore Operations: A New Chapter!
Thanks to the tireless efforts of our Bookstore Operations Manager and dedicated volunteers, we've revitalized the HBFoL Bookstore. With over 1,000 books donated in January alone and a surge in sales, we're more motivated than ever. Visit us at 701 11th Pl, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 to see the improvements firsthand. You can find pictures of the improvements on our Instagram!
Additionally, we're exploring options for expanding our bookstore operations. If you know of any available spaces, please get in touch!
New Bookstore Hours!
Our Bookstore Hours have been adjusted. Please keep an eye on hbfol.org and our Google Business Page for open hours. Current hours are:
Tuesdays: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fridays: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (First and third Saturday of the month)
Select Holidays: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (See hbfol.org for holiday schedule)
Community Events!
HBFoL recently participated in two exciting community events that brought news of our new programs to the community:
St. Patrick's Day Parade
With the support of Refurrrbished, HBFoL rode in the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick's Day Parade! We handed out hundreds of bookmarks and cards while the community learned about our Mobile Libraries program! We thank the Chamber of Commerce for a great event, and the Hermosa Beach community for showing up and supporting!
See our Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hermosabeachfol/) for pictures!
Hermosa Friends Foundation Quick Pitch
Our President Kira Baccari presented at the Hermosa Friends Foundation Quick Pitch contest on Monday, March 6th. Presenting in front of a packed house at Lighthouse Cafe, Kira highlighted HBFoL's new programs in a rapid-fire, 4-minute presentation alongside 11 other nominees. HBFoL was awarded $1,000 for its participation. We thank the Hermosa Friends Foundation (soon to be renamed the South Bay Friends Foundation) for their generosity and for hosting this exciting and inspiring event!