![\"Marilyn](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/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>\nThere are so many reasons to celebrate the Alameda Free Library system, starting with our new library director, Mary Abler!<\/p>\n
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the mayor of Alameda. (photo courtesy of Maurice Ramirez \u2014 BANG archives)\u00a0<\/p>\n
With 20 years of experience in public libraries in San Mateo and San Francisco counties, Los Angeles, New Orleans and southwest Washington state, Mary brings expertise in developing inclusive and innovative library services for all ages, building coalitions of library supporters and building collaborative library teams.<\/p>\n
She is excited to get to know Alameda and work with its dedicated library staff to develop responsive, community-driven programs for Alamedans of all ages. Mary reports that the Alameda library system\u2019s 2026 Summer Reading Program engaged more than 4,000 participants, proof that Alameda\u2019s love of reading and its library branches is as strong as ever.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s fitting timing, with some upcoming library anniversaries to celebrate. On Nov. 2, the main library branch (and its Friends of the Library\u2019s Books & Bites Cafe within) will turn 20 years old, and the library system itself will turn 150 next year. Stay tuned for more information as celebrations for these two milestones are planned.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, the library system (with its main, West End and Bay Farm Island branches) continues to ensure that our youth have the tools they need to succeed. In partnership with the Alameda Unified School District, all AUSD students from tranistional kindergarten through 12th grade starting Sept. 8 will receive automatic, free access to library books and resources via Student Connect Codes using their Google identification.<\/p>\n
One of these resources is the newly launched HomeworkCA, offering 24-7 access to high-quality, no-cost, personalized tutoring through tutor.com<\/a> for all students on the Island, not just those enrolled in AUSD schools.<\/p>\n \u201cNone of these incredible resources and programs would happen without the generous support of the Friends of the Alameda Free Library, through their fundraising efforts and volunteering, and we are incredibly grateful for their support,\u201d Mary says.<\/p>\n Transit Month: September is Bay Area Transit Month, when we celebrate public transportation \u2014 the buses, trains and ferries that connect and keep the Bay Area moving.<\/p>\n I represent Alameda County\u2019s 14 cities on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), which is the government agency responsible for transportation planning, financing and coordinating for the Bay Area\u2019s nine counties and 101 cities. MTC, the presenting sponsor of Transit Month 2026, reminds us that transit helps reduce traffic congestion, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and makes the Bay Area a better place to live.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s theme is \u201cAdventure Starts on Transit,\u201d and residents are encouraged to discover new destinations, routes and neighborhoods via transit. Alameda is fortunate to be served by three ferry terminals and the AC Transit bus system. Also, Oakland\u2019s Fruitvale and 12th Street BART stations are short bus rides from Alameda on AC Transit\u2019s 51A route.<\/p>\n Did you know you can get to a San Francisco Giants or Golden State Warriors game on the ferry? Why not hop on the transit system(s) of your choice and have an adventure?<\/p>\n Travel alerts: The Nepal tragedy reinforces the importance of enrolling in the U.S. State Department\u2019s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Following the tragic late August floods in Nepal, the office of our U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon recommends that family and friends of any missing persons monitor STEP alerts and local news reports. Learn how to sign up for STEP alerts about Nepal online at travel.state.gov\/en\/international-travel\/travel-advisories\/nepal.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n Family and friends of impacted individuals can send an email with information to KathmanduACS@state.gov<\/a> or call the State Department\u2019s 24-7 emergency contact number at 888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada and 202-501-4444 from all other locations.<\/p>\n Registering their trip through the STEP is always advisable for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. You can also register your trip once you\u2019re overseas, but doing so before leaving the United States is preferable. This free service helps U.S. embassies contact American citizens in emergencies. Also, it\u2019s vaccination time, so get those flu and COVID-19 shots!<\/p>\n Check out the library! Have a transit adventure! Stay stay safe and healthy, and be \u201cAlameda Strong!\u201d<\/p>\n