Friends of the Brentwood Library
Board of Directors
Kathy Mount
President
Extensive background in the legal and real estate field. After 34 years working in the legal field, switched careers and began working in the real estate sales field. Been involved in Friend’s groups, in several states and California counties for over 20 years. Believes in the necessity of local libraries and what they bring to the whole community and, believes the fight needs to go on to encourage libraries to be open and available to all.
Lauren Kovaleff
Vice President
I have loved libraries since I was quite young. My first volunteer job while in high school entailed sorting notched punch cards for the librarian; long before computers were available. We’ve come a long way. My career was in Emergency Medical Services System Administration and Management for Contra Costa County. Spent several years volunteering at the Danville library and has volunteered as Friends of the Brentwood Library for six years, the past two as 1st Vice President of the Friends Board. I have happily participated in numerous library activities including author events, book sales, and shifts in the bookstore. I was successful in seeing that a system was implemented that allows volunteers to accept credit cards for payment in the bookstore and related events.
Lynn Chen
Recording Secretary
I am retired from Manga Letterer and as a paralegal, I can currently be found homeschooling my youngest daughter or working to expand our FOBL on-line book sales. I have always had a huge passion for books and the education that libraries bring to our communities.
Kim Giuliano
Corresponding Secretary
I became a big fan of libraries since I received my first library card at age 4. I have always had a love for reading and currently belong to two book groups. I believe it is really important to be part of your community and to contribute to the quality of life where you live. I moved to Brentwood four years ago after retiring.
Before retiring, I worked for the City of San Ramon for 25 years in the Parks & Community Services Dept. I wore many hats and was in charge of all the City’s special events Created the San Ramon Black & White Party fundraiser for the arts, the San Ramon Art & Wind Festival that served as an avenue for local non-profits to raise funds by operating the food booths. There were countless other events and the library was always included so they could set up displays with books relating to the program subject or provide a volunteer storyteller for many children’s events. Prior to working for the City of San Ramon, I served as a civilian Recreation Specialist for both the Army and the Air Force. I know when I was stationed overseas, the base libraries were my refuge.
Libraries play such an important role in communities and we are blessed to have a wonderful library here in Brentwood with many great services and programs. I look forward to helping continue the Friends’ mission in Brentwood
Pam Powell
Treasurer
Resident of Contra Costa County for almost 40 years. Moved to Discovery Bay in 2016. Joined the Friends of the Brentwood Library in 2018. Thoroughly enjoy the people I work with and helping to improve our community service. Over the years I have worked in various fields including dental associate, self-sales, jewelry store design and management, and most importantly raising a family. Retired from Bank of America in 2013. Married 54 years with two daughters and four grandchildren.
Madeleine De La Fontaine
Director Membership
I have enjoyed an extensive career as an educator. After teaching for many years, I became an administrator, serving as principal in three elementary schools. After I retired, my husband and I moved to Brentwood where we have lived for ten years. I have enjoyed being a member of the Friends of the Brentwood Library, volunteering in the Second Story Book Shop, working at several book sales and getting to know so many highly dedicated volunteers.I have always loved libraries. I grew up in a small town and every Saturday, my sister and I would walk to the Carnegie library to choose a new supply of books. I look forward to becoming more involved in the work of the Friends and to actively promoting our beautiful library and the great variety services and programs it provides for our community.
Linda Sendig
Director Book Sales
Friends has incredible volunteers working in the Book Shop. They bring their life and career experiences to our volunteer team and customers. Our customers benefit from the volunteers knowledge of books, and authors. One of my goals is to continue to recruit and enhance volunteer training.
Sharon Garrison
Director of Communication
Retired after thirty-five year career in finance and project management primarily with Silicon Valley companies holding management and executive-level positions. Currently holds several board positions including President of a homeowners’ association with over 780 single-family homes in Brentwood, both District and State-level positions with the Daughters of the American Revolution and several other lineage/genealogy organizations. Over 20 year resident of Brentwood. Taught Adult-level, computer classes and genealogy workshops. Avid reader, genealogy researcher, family and history book collector. Sharon holds both a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and a MBA from Pepperdine University. Widow with two children and three grandchildren. Believes strongly that libraries are a great source for learning. It was Walt Disney who said: “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”
William "Bill" Harms
Director Publicity
Served as Associate News Director at the University of Chicago before moving with his wife to Brentwood to be near family. He is active in the Rotary Club of Brentwood and volunteers as a math tutor at Pioneer School.
Diane Alexander
Past President
Served as librarian for Contra Costa County Library System from 1975 to 2016. Many of those years in a substitute postion as I worked as a teacher librarian for Liberty High School for 11 years and then 5 years at Heritage High School. Past President of the Brentwood LIbrary Foundation and served in various positions on the Friends of the Brentwood Library Board. Active in the Delta Quilters Guild and the Discovery Bay Lions Club. Taught sewing and quilting classes at the library and look forward to doing it again.
Andrea Freyler
Ex-Officio Member, Senior Community Library Manager of the Brentwood Library
Community library manager for Oakley Library for five years before coming to Brentwood. Never planned to become a librarian, but looking back; it was meant to be. After graduating from University of the Pacific with a psychology degree, I took some time off to look at my life and focus on my family. I spent a few years volunteering in the community, and then I applied for a library position and knew instantly that I had found my calling. I went back to school and received my Master’s Degree of Library & Information Science from San Jose State University. I have been with the Contra Costa County Library since 2007 and have worked in 19 of the 26 branches, as well as the libraries at the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility and Juvenile Hall that serve incarcerated youth. My favorite thing about being a librarian is helping people find the information they need and helping people learn new and exciting ways to use programs and services. Every time I help a child, I knows I am improving that child’s future and the health of the community. When I’m working, I feel the same comfort that I felt as a child at the library. I strive to show every patron the same warmth and kindness that I was given.
Linda Sendig
Ex-Offico Member, Brentwood Library Commissioner
As your Library Commissioner, I hope to encourage greater community involvement and events. I look forward to spending my time here in a positive and productive manner. COVID brought many families down and as we emerge, I hope the library gives people a reason to once again get outside and get together in a safe manner.
Volunteers are an important part of the team for the Friends of the Brentwood Library.
Events
Friends of the Brentwood Library hosts many events throughout the year.
Second Story Book Shop
Visit our bookshop, located on the 2nd floor of the Library.
Volunteer
It's our volunteers who make us great. Learn how you can join this incredible team.
Support
Learn how you can support the Friends of the Brentwood Library.