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ARTIST RECEPTIONS Kim Vogt Throughout 2004, artists and their guests have continued to express appreciation of the services and beverages provided by the Friends at the monthly receptions. However, the new co-ordinator, Andre Noble, began to introduce and implement some small changes. The one which had the greatest impact for the Friends was the refreshments being provided by the Library rather than by the artists. This resulted in a small increase in the amount of food preparation done by the Friends. Attendance in 2004 began modestly with the January reception being attended by only a handful of guests. The artist had "double booked" and did not show up himself. The December reception was our largest with over 200 guests of artist. Dr. Sedi Nouri, Thank you to all the wonderful people who have been reception helpers throughout the year. In particular, I wish to say a special "thank you" to Edda Davis an ever willing helper. And to Sophia too, my gratitude for her support and the purchasing of supplies. I look forward to another successful and enjoyable year working with our new coordinator, Michelle Sproule, and with all the valued "Friends" who give so generously of their time and energy in making the 1st Friday of each month a memorable evening at our wonderful Library. AUTHOR RECEPTIONS Edda Davis During the year the Friends of the Library hosted 15 author receptions and five extra occasions. During the year there were many interesting writers who visited the Library. We learned how to write romantic fiction, how to clean our cupboards, we heard about the Blue Bus in West Vancouver - while appropriately enough serving bus-shaped cookies -we walked the trail along the coast from Mexico to BC and visited Afghanistan in a very intriguing picturesque way. All these occasions were well attended, but perhaps the best attended was the Alexander McCall Smith, where he read from his first book Ladies' Detective Agency, and the Friends served "bush tea", which was very well appreciated. I wish to thank all the Friends who helped at the receptions, and Sophia for her help, encouragement and enthusiasm. MUSIC SERIES Kay Alsop In the words of that popular song, "the weather outside was frightful, but inside it was so delightful" when the West Vancouver Memorial Library held its first Musical Evening last November 26th. Despite the pelting rain, more than 100 holders of the free tickets turned up, and hugely enjoyed the infectious rhythms of popular entertainer Marcus Mosely and the Gospel Experience. Mosely and the four members of his group -Lovie Eli, Gail Suderman, Tom Pickett and Will Sanders - took turns as soloists during the well-rounded programme of familiar spirituals. Their arena was the elevator area of the library, with the audience seated around them on three sides, and on the gallery above. The location worked well- except that there wasn't room for "dancing in the aisles", so captivated spectators like our own Chief Librarian Ann Goodhart had to be content with just bopping on the spot. Guests enjoyed the punch and cookies provided by the Friends during intermission and after the performance. Art Gallery Coordinator Andrea Noble organized and MC'd the event. Sophia Weremchuk, indefatigable Friends' president, was in charge of the refreshments, with Marlene Scott and Kay Alsop assisting. The presentation was one of six planned for the year ahead. The next will feature singer Dee Daniels. MEMBERSHIP Maureen Eagle As of December 31,2004, the Friends membership stood at 163, compared with 159 in 2003. The membership included five Honorary members: Lillian Chow, Dorothy Jones, Kay Meek, Jack Mounce, Mary Pearson. Sadly, Honorary Member Kay Meek passed away recently. Kay made a significant contribution to the Friends in recent years. We were also very sorry to lose: Ruth Birch-Jones, Yolanta Collins, Jock Oswald, all of whom passed away in 2004. Jock helped as cashier at our book sales. He was an avid reader and many of his books have been donated to the Library. Our condolences to his family, especially Beverly Oswald, who has been a Friend since 1988. We welcomed 49 new members during the year, and many of these indicated their willingness to volunteer for the various committees. It is very encouraging to note that when our main events are planned, we can call upon an enthusiastic group of people who are ready and willing to help as needed. We must also thank the Executive and a constant core-group of dedicated, hard-working members who contribute all year long, ensuring the smooth running of the Friends.