National Library Week will be celebrated October 16 through October 20, 2017. Members will man a table during two shifts each morning to distribute goodies provided by the library to visiting patrons.

The Hospitality Committee will assist with the Chamber of Commerce’s Welcome Night on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at the Civic Center from 6:00 to 8:00.

Patti Phillips reported that 32 of our 72 members were present at today’s meeting. Three members have been removed, Carmen Constable, Joan Wolf and Rose Marie Ricci, as per their requests.

Author Luncheon
Pat Levis and Joan Sambucci recognized all members of the committee for their contributions to the Author Luncheon. In all 280 tickets were sold for the luncheon.

Baby Bags
Pauline Kretzu reported that MaryAnn Mozzo delivered a carton of baby bags this month. Sharon Cattie and Liz Genco will prepare 75 bags this month since a box of unused bags was discovered at the hospital.

Book Sale
Jeanne Pless reported that there is a need for newer books for the dollar cart and the December book sale. She stated that we participated in the Fall Block Party and that DVDs were a popular seller that day. Sign-up sheets will be available at the November meeting for the December 8 (2:00 – 8:00) and December 9 (9:00 – 2:00) book sale. Flyers for the sale will be distributed at the beginning of November with Dot Johnson’s help.

Read Across America
Barbara Riggione reported that Kathleen Woodring has volunteered to help with this year’s program. It will be held on Friday, March 2, 2018.

Special Programs
Lisa Willever will conduct the writing workshops for students at the Intermediate School. The fourth grade programs will be on Monday, October 16, at 8:30 and 11:30. The eighth grade programs will be on Tuesday, October 17, at 8:00, 10:30 and 1:00. Interested members are welcome to observe any session.

Reading Trees
Babs Stefano reported that she decorated the trees in October and Elaine Novello will decorate in November. People interested in serving on the decorating committee will meet after next month’s meeting.

Special Projects
Elaine Novello reviewed the events scheduled to celebrate the book, One Amazing Thing. On October 11, people can share their own amazing thing and on October 19, a meet the author gathering will occur. Indian and Asian items are on display in the library case.

Third Grade Reading
MaryAnn Mozzo reported that the club is planning to meet on the third Wednesday of each month. The advisor is waiting for confirmation from the office with the hope of beginning on October 18, 2017.

Old Business

Our organization sent over 40 boxes of books and school supplies to the Help for Houston drive with a fifth grade teacher at the Belhaven School in Linwood. Our contributions amounted to approximately half of what went to Houston. The $250.00 we received in cash donations was used to purchase new books (at a 20% discount) at Sun Rose Books.

Our participation in the Quiet Festival will involve help with Crossword Puzzle Tournament on Sunday, November 5, in the library atrium.

New Business

The library offers a courtesy of free DVD rentals to F&V Members that all members can utilize.

Elaine Wilson continued the discussion of the F&V history by covering the origins of the book sales.

Proposals for special projects for the 2018 budget should be submitted in writing at the December Board Meeting on Wednesday, December 6. Members are reminded that proposals should fit with our mission.

A Literacy Volunteers Meeting and Brunch will be held on October 22, 2017, from 11:00 to 2:00 at a home at 250 Bay Road, Ocean City.