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What We Do

The Library Foundation enriches lives in our community by advocating for a vital library, increasing awareness, raising funds and supporting key library programs.

The Stanislaus County Library Foundation supports the Stanislaus County Library in a variety of ways. For instance, the Foundation has supported children and teen summer reading programs, staff scholarships to encourage completion of undergraduate degrees so they can begin a Masters in Library Science and supported the Third Thursday Artwalk at the downtown Modesto Library; now a new stop on the Artwalk tour featuring a local artist each month.

Additionally the Foundation presents

  • Community workshops on topics such as estate planning and home organization at branches throughout the county, and
  • Shining Star AwardsThe annual Shining Star Awards to recognize an individual, an organization and/or a business that support the Stanislaus County Library through volunteer efforts, advocacy, or monetary support. If you know of an individual, organization or corporation who might qualify for this award, please complete the nomination form (pdf). The 2010 Shining Star Recipients were:
    • Harrison Gibbs - Individual Category for his can do attitude, leading many projects to enhance and beautify the Turlock Library.  He currently serves on the Turlock Redevelopment Committee and is a committed member of the Friends Group.
    • Susan Helm-Lauber - Friends of Turlock Library serving over 12 years, working hard on behalf of the library in many capacities from book sales, newsletter editing and Friends Treasurer.
    • Stella Beratlis - President of Modesto Friends recruits, motivates and leads an effective team of volunteers.  Under her direction a quarterly newsletter is now published and the "Little Shop" at the library is open for all gift buying needs.
    • Jim Sterling - Founding member and current President of the new Friends of Empire Library, he is strong advocate of the library and staunch supporter of the Empire Community.
    • Dittos Printing - local business making significant contributions to the Friends of Modesto through donations of copies and other print services which help raise awareness of the library.

We are pleased to act as a as a fiscal agent for special projects, such Ryan’s Reading Tree or the Omega Nu sponsored Family Dinner Theater. The Foundation would consider it an honor to work with you on a library-related project to honor a loved one, a corporate sponsorship or a grant for a specific library program. Please contact the Foundation at info@stanislauslibraryfoundation.org. We are here to make your idea happen.

RyanRyan’s Reading Tree

Ryan’s Reading Tree is an extraordinary example of what a partnership can accomplish. The tree was inspired and is dedicated to the memory of the life of Ryan Hunter Dickerson, a Modestan who died suddenly in the summer of 2007 at the age of 18.

Ryan, the son of Ron and Lynn Dickerson and brother of Ross Dickerson, was an avid reader, library user and Children’s Department volunteer.

Family and friends who loved Ryan and wished for his memory to live on raised the funds. The Stanislaus County Library Foundation acted as the project’s fiscal agent. The tree is the centerpiece of the Modesto Library’s Children’s Room. An existing column has been transformed into a beautiful monumental oak tree that is a lasting tribute to Ryan. It is also the focal point of an inviting and welcoming atmosphere that promotes the joy and magic of reading for generations of children.