Starting with our new Library Director Mary Abler! With 20 years of experience in public libraries in San Mateo County, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Southwest Washington, Mary brings expertise in developing inclusive and innovative library services for all ages, building coalitions of library supporters, and building collaborative library teams. She is excited to get to know Alameda and work with the dedicated library staff to develop responsive, community-driven programs for Alamedans of all ages.
[1]Mary reports that Alameda Free Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program engaged over 4,000 participants, proof that Alameda’s love of reading and our library is as strong as ever. Which is fitting timing, with some upcoming library anniversaries to celebrate. On November 2, the Main Library (and the Friends of the Library’s Books & Bites Cafe) turns 20, and the Library itself turns 150 in 2027. Stay tuned for more information as celebrations for these two milestones are planned.
In the meantime, the Library continues to ensure that our youth have the tools they need to succeed. In partnership with the Alameda Unified School District, all AUSD students, TK-12, will receive automatic free access to library books and resources via Student Connect Codes using their Google ID, starting September 8.
One of these resources is the newly launched HomeworkCA, offering 24/7 access to high-quality, no-cost, personalized tutoring through Tutor.com [2] for all students on the island, not just those enrolled in AUSD schools.
According to Mary, “None 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.”
September is Bay Area Transit Month
This month we celebrate public transportation — the buses, trains, and ferries that connect and keep the Bay Area moving. I represent the 14 cities of Alameda County on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), which is the government agency responsible for transportation planning, financing, and coordinating for the nine counties and 101 cities of the San Francisco Bay Area. 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.
This year’s theme is “Adventure Starts on Transit” 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. And both the Fruitvale and 12th Street Oakland BART stations are a short bus ride from Alameda on the 51A. 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?!!
Nepal tragedy reinforces importance of enrolling in STEP
Following the tragic late-August floods in Nepal, our Congresswoman Lateefah Simon’s Office recommends that family and friends of any missing persons monitor local news reports and the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program [3] (STEP) Alerts. You can find Nepal’s here: Alerts Archives – U.S. Embassy in Nepal [4].
Family and friends of impacted individuals can contact the State Department directly using the 24/7 emergency contact numbers below. They can also send an email with information to [email protected] [5].
- From U.S. and Canada: 888-407-4747.
- From all other locations: +1 202-501-4444.
It is always advisable for US citizens who are traveling abroad to register their trip through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You can also register your trip once you are overseas, but it is preferable to do it before leaving the US. This free service helps US Embassies contact American citizens in the events of an emergency. For more information visit mytravel.state.gov [6].
It’s vaccination time
It’s time to get those flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations!
Check out the Library! Have a Transit Adventure! Stay safe and healthy! Be Alameda Strong!
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the Mayor of the City of Alameda. Reach her at [email protected] [7].