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Newsletter Issue 108 May, 1997 Retirement of Chief Librarian Our meeting on April 23 marked the last meeting to be attended by Jack Mounce, who retires in the middle of May. A great many Friends attended this meeting as a mark of respect to Jack. Eileen de Bues thanked Jack for all assistance and support over the years and presented him with a gift of a very attractive plaque indicating the address of Jack and Jean's property on Denman Island. Jack also accepted a bouquet of orchids presented for Jean. Eileen expressed the feeling of all us in saying "Jack, the Friends will miss you greatly". At the conclusion of the meeting, a reception was held to honour Jack, and to say our own special farewell. Subsequent to our meeting, the Friends received the following letter: Dear friends- Having attended my final Friends' meeting as chief librarian earlier this week, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the tremendous support you've shown me and the Memorial Library over the past 15 years. In fact, many newer members may be unaware of just how extensive your financial assistance has been - $22,500 to the capital campaign for the Library expansion in 1992-3; $20,000 toward the cost of the new bookmobile; generous 'donations for furnishings, equipment, computers: the magnificent Dictionary of Art ....-a most impressive list of achievements for which you should all be very proud. Many thanks as well for your gifts for Jean and me. presented with such kind and generous remarks by Eileen following the April meeting. I have always found it fun and rewarding working with you and I look forward to continuing "'friendship' in years to come. Sincerely, Jack Mounce Jack, we will miss you! Membership Our Membership Chair, Betsy Lee, reported to our meeting that there have been 81 membership renewals to date this year, including 7 new members. 38 memberships are due for renewal during the year. Chief Librarian's Report Jack Mounce referred to his written report which was tabled at the meeting. ♦ Story House Robert Florian's second mural has now been installed. It now remains to install track lighting to highlight the mural. ♦ Musto Room The sectional meeting table provided by the Friends has been received and this room is essentially completed.