Dear Mayor Pro Tem Mueller, Mayor Ohtaki and Councilmembers,
A number of years ago, a prior Council worked to save Kepler's bookstore which had shut its doors unexpectedly. Council and the
Community rallied together to keep this important city landmark operating. The result is what we see today: A viable local
institution that's still a bookstore and more! I see the result of a city, public and business/non-profit partnership. Creative
solutions work, but Kepler's core business as a bookstore remains -- or the "rescue" might not have worked long term.
In the same way, along with new ideas, please work to keep the Guild's core business of showing Indy and Foreign films. Much like
the new Kepler's is still a bookstore, please keep the Guild's core business of showing quality "human drama" films. Seeing and
discussing these films (in a group or just with a friend) builds community. The films shown at the Guild give us insight into
other people, cultures and life situations. They broaden our perspective, inspire us, lift our spirits and help us to leave
feeling more empathetic and compassionate. I've been at movies at the Guild where the audience broke into applause at the end, due
to the inspiring nature of the film. I've discussed Guild films with others who also report that the Guild movies allow exposure
to other cultures, lifestyles or situations. We sit in the dark, watch a film, and leave more empathetic and tolerant people.
After discussing the films, we also are more of a community -- including with those who come from other cities to see movies at
the Guild.
Thank you Mayor Pro Tem Mulller for working to line up support to save the Guild. When I learned it was in trouble, via Judy Adams
and her Save the Guild petition I wanted to help. In parallel, as an extension of my Library Commission interest in helping the
library increase it's programming for adults, I conducted a survey as to what respondents would most like the library to
implement! The idea of a film discussion group -- centered around movies playing at the Guild -- was (by far) the number #1
priority. Since June 2017, the Film Discussion group started (which focuses on discussing the current movie at the Guild) and
participation steadily has grown. The group is a collaborative one with people such as Judy Adams, stepping in to be a discussion
facilitator when I cannot be there.
I also value the Guild building because it's one of the oldest buildings in Menlo Park. The Guild adds to our unique "Main Street"
feeling and overall charm of Menlo Park.
So, while I am all in favor of changes that would make the Guild even more viable and important in Menlo Park -- please find a way
to keep the current business of showing foreign and Indy films intact. I would be pleased to contribute to a subscription or
yearly fee and give my services as a volunteer to help in whatever would be most needed.Whatever it would take, I would contribute
financially and practically to help the effort!
Sincerely,
Lynne Bramlett
