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News & Events

Past Foundation Events

Books Bring in Bounty for the Library
San Mateo Public Library's Annual Fall Book Sale hosted by The Friends of the Library was held September 21-23. The event, which attracted close to 1,200 customers, boasted sales that exceeded last year’s totals by 22%. Sponsors included The Whole Foods Market and The Daily Journal.

Blue Light and Treasure Hunt specials highlighted this lively event. On Saturday, a talented pianist performed, adding a special ambiance to the setting while collectors and buyers browsed through thousands of books donated throughout the year by library patrons.

Book lovers were delighted by the extraordinarily large collection of books offered for sale this year. There was something for everyone. Friends of the Library volunteers had been working tirelessly all year – pricing, sorting, and collecting donated books for the event. The Friends volunteers also maintain the Friends of the Library bookshop located in the library lobby. The bookshop is open to buyers during library hours year round. Funds that are raised through the Friends’ book sales help the Library develop its collection.

Friends of the Library are always in need for gently used books. For more information, please go to the library's website (www.sanmateopubliclibrary.org) for guidelines regarding donations. Book donations are tax deductible.

Foundation Swings into Action
The San Mateo Public Library Foundation partnered with the George Archer Memorial Foundation for Literacy in support of the fifth annual "Stroke of Genius" Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Held at the Peninsula Golf and Country Club on October 29th, the sold-out event featured a round of golf with a PGA professional, a short game clinic with master putting instructor Dave Stockton, a buffet luncheon and silent auction.

Professional golfer George Archer had a secret that he kept throughout his life – he could not read beyond a third grade level. Determined that others would not face the same struggles, he encouraged his wife Donna to establish a foundation to fund programs that promote literacy and reading. The San Mateo Public Library Foundation is honored to be a recipient of Archer Foundation funding. At the library, Archer funds support the George Archer Reading Program. The program, organized in concert with the local elementary schools, targets students in grades 1 through 3 to participate in a fun reading challenge. Over 200 children participate in the program each year.

First Annual Author's Gala - 2012
Saturday, April 28th
We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to all who attended and supported our 1st Annual Author’s Gala. It was truly an amazing evening.

Special thank you to our feature speaker and bestselling author, Khaled Hosseini of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns and Carolyn Johnson, ABC7 News Anchor, KGO-TV for generously serving as our Master of Ceremonies.

Additional gratitude to our sponsors:

Newbery Medal
Franklin Templeton Investments
Michele Freed and Gary Sprague
The Ting Group, Merrill Lynch

Caldecott Medal
Bill and Pam Casey
Ernst & Young
Mills Peninsula Health Services
Oomph Juice
Salesforce.com Foundation
The Fitzpatrick Family
Wells Fargo Bank

"Swings and Kicks": Exercise Your Mind and Body - 2012
Saturday, Feb. 18th
All elementary school children had an opportunity to learn about golf swings & other fun facts directly from Gary Monisteri, PGA Golf Professional. This event was free to the public thanks to our generous sponsor, The George Archer Memorial Foundation for Literacy.