Welcome Rachel Gaither,
                 Senior Librarian,
​         Almaden/Vineland Libraries

Rachel Gaither recently joined the San Jose  Public Library team as the Senior Librarian for the Almaden and Vineland Branches.

She brings with her over 15 years of experience and was most recently the Senior Librarian at the Pacific Grove Public Library.  

She holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree and a Master of Business Administration from Dominican University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from St. Mary's College. 

She has two chihuahua mix rescue dogs, has a cook book addiction and she is very excited to be a member of the San Jose Public Library team.​
​

2020 Volunteer of the Year at Almaden Branch Library - Melinda Stasch



​Melinda began volunteering in 2017. In two years, Melinda has dedicated over 250 hours as a library service volunteer, a Friend of the Library and book club program lead. Working with Melinda is a delight; she is very friendly and welcoming. When Melinda sees a need in the community, she is quick to lend her assistance. She is eager to help with other projects at the library and is a reliable worker. We appreciate all that Melinda has done for our community and are happy she chose the Almaden Branch Library for her volunteer service.
Get to know a little about Melinda:

• As a child... I loved going to the library. I was very proud to have my own library card and read my first chapter book.
• My first job... commitment was in high school. I was a Candy Striper for several years at the children’s hospital in San Diego.
• Libraries are... the heart of a community. They put everyone on equal footing, everyone has the same access.

---

How We Raise Funds

Twice a year, the Friends of the Almaden Library bring out all of the gently used books and media that have been donated and have a one-day sale. The prices are extremely reasonable and the Library's patrons look forward to the events. The money made from these events are donated back to our local library for local programs and needed materials. 
We also have a small amount of books for sale all year round in the lobby of the Library.
Please come and check out our sales. Every dollar donated goes back to your community!

How Are We Using the Funds Raised...

​    Spring 2019:
     FAL donated $6700 towards special collections and various         programs held at the Almaden Library including:
       Summer Learning Programs   $2500

• African Village Celebrations
• Wild Mind: Bay Area Wild
• Magical Moonshine Theatre
• Children's Discovery Museum: Oh Seuss!
• Spencer Grey Magic
• Dave Rocha
  
  Saturday Music Programs with Sean Mendelson  $1500
• June, 2019 through November, 2019
  
  Harvest Festival   $1900
• Not-So-Scary Halloween Show
• Little Explorers
• A New Twist
  Winter Program   $495
• Traveling Lantern Theater
  
  Fall 2019:
  FAL donated $11,770 towards special collections and various programs held at the Almaden Library including:
• Paid Programs  $6800
• Staff Recognition Pizza Party  $100
• Story Time and craft supplies   $500
• Program Room Equipment  $1200
• Program Supplies $500
• Program Hardware  $300
• Programming Subscriptions $270
• Technology Programming Supplies $1600
• Collection Enhancement for Juvenile Non-fiction $500