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Message from the Chairman Tony Scammell has now stepped down as Chairman of the Friends and I have been asked to take his place ... not an easy task! Tony's charm and good humour have made it so easy to be an enthusiastic Library Friend and we do thank him for all he has done. I am sure we have another action-packed year ahead, and with the calibre of the committee that was elected at the January meeting it cannot fail to be successful and fun. Eileen de Bues Chairman Chief Librarian's Report As each of you will be receiving the minutes of the AGM along with your copy of this newsletter, I'll follow Charles' example and not report what's already there. However, I would like to add a couple of things. First and foremost, on behalf of the Boards of the Library and the Memorial Library Foundation, I want to thank all of you collectively for pledging $21,000 to the Special Edition campaign for expansion of the Library. Given the terms under which the Municipality has undertaken to match community donations, the Friends' contribution thus represents a very worthwhile $42,000. All those book sales and $10 memberships and gift shop revenues have made a difference that you should be very proud of. We plan once again this year to participate in the annual Seniors in Action display at Park Royal and will be seeking volunteers to help us man the Library booth, handing out brochures, providing basic information and so on. The dates are March 22 - 24 and if you can help, we'd appreciate hearing from you at 926-1380. Tony Scammell served two years as your president and a year as editor of this newsletter prior to that. The Library Board paid tribute to him at its AGM on January 18 for his outstanding contribution to the health and wellbeing of the Memorial Library. Tony and his family plan to return to the U.K. to live in the near future. We will have plenty of time to give them a proper send-off before their actual departure, but I'd like to take this opportunity to add my thanks to the Library Board's for all Tony has done in support of the Memorial Library - truly a Friend! We're looking forward to working with Eileen de Bues, your new president, as well, already having had the opportunity to appreciate her energetic approach to every challenge and her rich sense of humour. Your fortunes continue in good hands. Jack Mounce Chief Librarian