Jill Ferguson, Dana Point
I was appalled by what took place at the annual meeting of San Juan Capistrano Friends of The Library on June 1. What ensued was a virtual modern day lynching that would have played out better on stage at the Camino Real Playhouse—circa the early 1900s.
In April I received an official FOL notice via email about a public meeting on June 1. My understanding is that it was an opportunity for both members and the community at large to get an overview of new policies, practices and programming, as well as a celebration of the second anniversary of The Bookstore.
In May I received a letter in the mail, hand addressed with an unknown return name, which was titled, “Attention – Attention!!! We Need Your Help.” I was confused, taken aback, appalled and angered. This was the equivalent of spam mail. The idea of former board members using a confidential list of members (in an unofficial capacity) to circulate their dislike of the current president is classless, unprofessional, and in my opinion, has all the makings of a libel suit. To make matters worse, the letter’s authors included a FOL yellow solicitation envelope requesting money. This is most certainly unethical if not fraudulent.
The signers of this letter had a clear agenda—to incite a mob mentality—and so they did. I felt like I was at a Trump rally. Ben Franklin said there are two things that are certain: death and taxes. I would add a third—change—and the evolution that comes with it. This is the reason there are term limits for board members—they had their day, their service was appreciated, and now it’s time to pass the baton.
In defense of the current president and vice president, I have never met two women who are more passionate about books, more dedicated to The Bookstore’s expansion, or more giving of their time and talents to the community of San Juan Capistrano. They are undeserving of such animosity and are owed an apology.
Anyone who has embarked on a new business venture knows that it takes three to five years to realize a profit along with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. As FOL is a nonprofit organization, volunteers have donated thousands of hours of their precious time. So to all of those so quick to simply “look at the bottom line” and not the back story, your ignorance showed. I applaud all the wonderful new opportunities afforded at The Bookstore. As a volunteer at many of the events, I heard nothing but praise from those in attendance. Perhaps if the balkers had attended an author event, or a concert, or understood the significance of the outreach the FOL are committed to for kids and the under-privileged in this community, they’d ditch their destructive “club member” mentality and instead be proactively involved in a cause they claim is near and dear to their hearts.
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