The Friends of the Somerville Public Library held their annual meeting at the Central Library on Monday, June 11. The Friends met their legal requirement as a non-profit organization to read their financials and announce their new officers with this meeting, and they did it with style. Every seat in the compact auditorium was filled with members, new members, and some who came to hear the stories and ended up becoming members. Outgoing President Dvora Jonas introduced the board, Treasurer Maria Spinale read the financials, and the role of president was passed to James Fox. Other board members include Vice President Judy Walter and Members-at-Large Andrea Paulsen and Brendan Short.

When asked about the upcoming year, new President Fox summed up, “We look forward to a new year of activities as the Friends continue to raise funds and support the library, including vital programming, and original events. As our group of members and volunteers grows, we will make sure that we are able to reach all who interested, whether through regular mail, electronic newsletter or social media.”

The meeting closed with entertainment in the form of a "Somerville Story Hour," an hour of well-written, well-read stories about Somerville by Ami Feldman, Patricia Wild, Steve Marcone, Judy Walter, and Judah Leblang who also served as the host. The audience listened attentively, laughed and cried as they heard about placenta-palooza parties (or the absence thereof), the inner life of a Winter Hill gang member, how to shop at Market Basket, Judy's attempts to do the right thing Somerville-style, and Judah's hat with the secret coded message. The evening ended with delicious pies donated by Petsi Pies.

The Friends of the Somerville Public Library is a not-for-profit organization that helps the library and its branches to provide programs, services and materials not covered by the library's normal operating budget. Learn more about the Friends through our Facebook page (link) or you may follow us on Twitter (@Friends_SPL). If you would like to become a member of the Friends or volunteer to help with a book sale or other events, please contact the Friends by email at: FriendsSomervillePublicLibrary@gmail.com