ALAMEDA
The Alameda Free Library will receive a $10,000 gift from the Carnegie Corp. of New York, a foundation established by Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie, who funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide between 1886 and 1917.
This donation is part of the Carnegie Libraries 250 initiative, a nationwide program celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the approximately 1,280 Carnegie Libraries still serving their communities.
at the corner of Oak Street and Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda’s historic Carnegie Library first opened in 1903, served generations of Alamedans until it closed in 1998 and is one of 126 Carnegie Libraries built in California.
“The gift honors both the legacy of Carnegie Libraries and the central role public libraries play in upholding free access to information,” said Mike Eitner, who directs Alameda’s library system.
Dame Louise Richardson, the president of Carnegie Corp. of New York and former leader of Great Britain’s University of Oxford, echoed this sentiment.
“Our founder, Andrew Carnegie, who championed the free public library movement of the late 19th century, described libraries as cradles of democracy that strengthen the democratic idea, the equality of the citizen and the royalty of man. We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded.”
Alameda’s Main Library at 1550 Oak St. is served by AC Transit routes 21 and 51A. The city’s West End Library at 788 Santa Clara Ave. is also served by AC Transit Route 51A, and bicycle parking racks are available at both branches. The Bay Farm Island Library is at 3221 Mecartney Road, and all three locations are wheelchair-accessible. For more details, visit alamedafree.org online or call 510-747-7777.
— city of Alameda
Scouting for Food Drive collects over nine tons of donations
Alameda Scouts collected 18,477 pounds of food last Saturday for the Alameda Food Bank (AFS) during this year’s Scouting for Food Drive. The nonperishable food donated by residents throughout Alameda will help put meals on the tables of the 1,400 families who turn to the food bank for help each week.
“This will go a long way toward replenishing supplies that were depleted by the recent government shutdown and temporary suspension of SNAP benefits,” said Josh England, the food bank’s warehouse manager.
Information about donating food or funds to AFS is available online at alamedafoodbank.networkforgood.com/projects/259445-scouting-for-food.
— AFS
Kiwanis Club supports Rhythmix Culture Works performances
With funds collected during their annual January fundraiser, the Kiwanis Club of Alameda (KCA) is proud to offer financial support to Rhythmix Culture Works through the Kiwanis Foundation Grants program.
This September/October, Rhythmix hosted four Performance, Art and Learning (PAL) shows serving Alameda County students: Chika Di — Music of Colombia, Sewam American Indian Dance, Manilatown Ancestral Ensemble and Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno.
Working in partnership with the Alameda Unified School District, PAL is a youth arts education program that fosters awareness of world cultures, celebrates diversity and empowers underserved youth by offering professional world music and dance assemblies.
KCA members volunteer as chaperones for the students as they enter the building and say that adults seeing the performers’ enthusiasm and the elementary school children’s response is rewarding. KCA for years has assisted at these performances in the program that began in 2012 and since has served more than 115,000 youngsters. KCA members are among the founders of Rhythmix Culture Works.
Other PAL supporters are the California Arts Council, the Quest foundation, the Alameda County Arts Commission, the Alameda Community Fund, the Alameda Education Foundation, the Alameda Welfare Council, Radium Presents, the Rotary Club of Alameda and individual supporters throughout the community.
— KCA
With support from the Kiwanis Club of Alameda (KCA), Rhythmix Culture Works recently hosted four Performance, Art and Learning shows serving Alameda County students. (photo courtesy of the KCA)
Working in partnership with the Alameda Unified School District, Performance, Art and Learning is a youth arts education program that fosters awareness of world cultures, celebrates diversity and empowers underserved youth. (photo courtesy of the KCA)
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With support from the Kiwanis Club of Alameda (KCA), Rhythmix Culture Works recently hosted four Performance, Art and Learning shows serving Alameda County students. (photo courtesy of the KCA)
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City Attorney’s Office reminds tenants to know their rights
Moe and Zora left their Alameda rental in pristine condition when moving abroad, but landlord Farah refused to return their security deposit, citing vague reasons. They sought help from the Alameda City Attorney’s Office (the tenants’ and landlord’s names have been changed from privacy reasons).
In California, landlords can only deduct deposits for unpaid rent, tenant-caused damage (not normal wear and tear), cleaning to move-in condition or certain property replacements if allowed by the lease. Within 21 days, landlords must send an itemized statement of deductions (with receipts or estimates) and return the balance. If repairs take longer, they must give a cost estimate, then a final statement within 14 days of completion.
If you have a question about the law or a complaint in the city of Alameda, contact the Prosecution and Public Rights Unit of the Alameda City Attorney’s Office at rfenix@alamedacityattorney.org. The Alameda City Attorney’s Prosecution and Public Rights Unit enforces the law and educates the public on issues including tenants’ rights, workers’ rights and consumer protection.
— Alameda City Attorney’s Office
To submit an item for the Alameda Journal’s “In brief” section, which is now published in print on each month’s third Friday, please email it, at least three days before print publication, to njackson@bayareanewsgroup.com. Each item should be 90 to 180 words and include a short headline along with the name of the group or individual to credit for it.