The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

NORTH SHORE WRITERS FESTIVAL The North Shore Writers Festival was held April 8 - 17. The Friends sponsored the events at the Library and they were an overwhelming success. Commencing on April 10th, we empathized with writer Patrick Lane who spoke of searching for the root of his alcohol addiction in his memoir, "There is a Season". Next was Russell Thornton from North Vancouver, who won first prize in the League of Canadian Poets National Contest in 2000 for his submission "The Beginnings of Stars". April 11th brought us Sharon Butala, one of Canada's true visionaries, relating her evolution to a novelist, short story writer, and author of creative non-fiction. Last year Sharon was honoured as an Off icer of the Order of Canada for giving an important voice to the rural woman. April 15th we welcomed Nick Bantock's reading of "Griffin and Sabine" accompanied by The Mascall Dancers as they gracefully harmonized their movements to the narration. The Library's Reference area was magically transformed into a theatre setting with the addition of a magnificent carpet on loan especially for this event. The Friends served refreshments at all of these events, and our amiable hostesses respectively were Irene Caudwell, Kate Dillon, Claire Giberson, Kim Vogt, and Sophia Weremchuk. BOOK CART Our replenishing teams are doing a splendid job, thanks to Cathie Clinch, Barbara Drummond, Rosemin Ebrahim, Betty O'Sullivan, and to all the Friends passing by who have the urge to tidy up the cart when needed, we thank you. TREASURER'S REPORT Ian Loudon's financial report for the period March 24 to April 27, 2005: Income $20,047 Expenses $882 General Account Bal. $19,165 Gaming Account $37 Book Cart Revenue for the same period was $528, although slightly lower than the previous months, overall year to date $3,062. ART RECEPTIONS "Exploring the Surface", a mixed media exhibition featuring Jim Gladden, Lynn Webster, and Thomas Zimmerman, was displayed during the month of April. Ninety-five guests were treated to the Friends secret punch which was served by Cathie Clinch, June Harris, Patricia Treadwell and Kim Vogt. Editor - Grace Kravac Circulation and Proof Reading: Maureen Eagle Printing and Mailing: Natalie Logan and Committee Contributing Writers: Kay Alsop Ted Hill Sophia Weremchuk