Friends Board President Richard Gidez welcomed members of the Friends and the public to the annual meeting.

Friends Board Member Vicki Fong provided information on finances and membership.

Library Director Betsy Allen shared information about the campaign for the new library building.

Ed Pope greeted the more than 40 guests who came to listen to him speak about his experience in a Russian prison. During his time there, he read 52 books, including the King James Bible (read twice) and "Streets of Laredo."

Pope shared many stories, including one about an inmate named Sergei who would sing "God Bless America" anytime he saw a TV report referring to Pope.

He talked about and showed some of the many pieces of evidence that prove his innocence.

Pope was given this signed roll of toilet paper by his fellow inmates in exchange for his hand-written "Yankee Go Home" sign.

The inmates also wrote on the toilet paper the words "Yankee Go Home" in Russian.

Although the event was over, people still had questions for Pope.

Before and after the event, people took the opportunity to look at the renderings for the new library.