On December 3, 2018, Congresswoman Jackie Speier read from her new book, Undaunted: Surviving Jonestown, Summoning Courage, and Fighting Back at the Colma Community Center. Jackie began her presentation noting the immense value of public libraries, “they have become the center of our community and are treasures for our community”.

Jackie read excerpts from the book, which she wrote to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Jonestown Massacre and the George Moscone murder. This tragedy “guided her to the life she was meant to live - a life of public service”. It convinced her how important it was to stand up again, and that she had a purpose.

Jackie then took questions from the audience, and ended the evening signing books for a large group of attendees and supporters.

The event also provided the members a time to acknowledge the transition in the Executive Director leadership. Upon her retirement, founding Executive Director Susan Brissenden-Smith passed the baton to new Executive Director Victoria Magbilang, who brings with her great enthusiasm for our libraries and our community.

The Carl Gellert and Celia Berta Gellert Foundation Board of Directors member Carol Conroy, outgoing DCPLA Executive Director Susan Brissenden-Smith, incoming DCPLA Executive Director Victoria Magbilang, and Congresswoman Speier

The event culminated in the surprise announcement by Carol Conroy, Board Member for the Carl Gellert and Celia Berta Gellert Foundation, that they approved a grant to DCPLA for laptop/Wi-Fi checkouts!