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![\"Marilyn](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774975752_956_ALJ-L-MAYOR-COL-0301-1A.jpg\")
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the mayor of Alameda. (photo courtesy of Maurice Ramirez \u2014 BANG archives)\u00a0<\/p>\nRecently, I was invited for Women\u2019s History Month to be a guest reader at Alameda\u2019s Bay Farm and West End branch libraries\u2019 weekly preschool storytimes.
\nMarilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the mayor of Alameda. (photo courtesy of Maurice Ramirez \u2014 BANG archives)\u00a0<\/p>\n
Libraries are near and dear to my heart, having grown up as a \u201clatchkey kid\u201d in Alameda and spending many hours at the library after school and during summer vacation. In 2000, I got my start in local politics when my friend and later City Council colleague Frank Matarrese and I co-chaired the successful campaign to build a new Main Library and renovate our two branch libraries.<\/p>\n
Libraries support community well-being, literacy and lifelong education, so it was a joy to see our youngest library users \u2014 also their parents, grandparents, and caregivers \u2014 experience the library. Storytime participants at each location reflected the wonderful ethnic diversity of Alameda. I met long-time residents and recent arrivals \u2014 from Algeria, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Latin America, and more.<\/p>\n
The children and caregivers interacted effortlessly with each other. The talented librarians led fast-paced programs that combined music, movement, puppets and reading and held the attention of the enthusiastic young crowd for an hour. I had the best time!<\/p>\n
I am happy to report that, across Alameda\u2019s three library locations, there is now a storytime every day of the week, including story hours in Spanish and Mandarin. For more information on all the wonderful things happening at our libraries visit alamedafree.org<\/a> or just visit any of the city\u2019s three branches.<\/p>\n Thanks, volunteers: Alameda is often described as a family-friendly town for many reasons. We have safe neighborhoods, good schools, parks and recreational opportunities and residents who step up to volunteer. In the past month, I have enjoyed attending two Girl Scout meetings and a Cub Scout pack\u2019s Blue & Gold Banquet.<\/p>\n At each of these gatherings, I thanked the parents for carving time out of their busy schedules to volunteer \u2014 as leaders, chaperones or drivers \u2014 and share their time and talent with these organizations that help foster social connection, teach practical and life skills and build character and community.<\/p>\n On any given weekend across the Island, you will see youth sports teams that also rely on parent volunteers as they earch learn athletic skills and how to be a good sport. We are grateful to our parents and youth program volunteers who help make Alameda a family-friendly community.<\/p>\n Remember to vote: \u201cDemocracy is a verb!\u201d I shared that quote, from my friend \u2014 and Lincoln, Nebraska, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird \u2014 at this past weekend\u2019s No Kings rally in Alameda. I reminded the hundreds of Alamedans of all ages gathered in front of City Hall that we were joining millions of Americans across this country, taking to the streets in a single-day mass mobilization to say, \u201cNo Kings!\u201d \u2014 echoing the democratic, anti-authoritarian principles this country was founded on 250 years ago \u2014 and demonstrating that power in America belongs to the people, not to those who rule through fear.<\/p>\n Protesting alone will not change the course of our nation\u2019s politics, though; only elections can do that. So first and foremost, if you\u2019re eligible to vote \u2014 if you\u2019re at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen \u2014 you must register to vote. It\u2019s easy: Just go to registertovote.ca.gov<\/a> and register today. Then you must vote in every election.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s California primary election \u2014 which includes candidates for governor and other state, county and federal offices \u2014 is June 2, and ballots will be mailed to all registered voters beginning May 4. Your vote is your voice, so make it heard.<\/p>\n Register to vote, and get others out to vote because the survival of our democracy depends on us; because we must provide a brighter future for our children and succeeding generations; and because \u201cdemocracy is a verb.\u201d Remember, we are \u201cAlameda Strong!\u201d<\/p>\n