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Who We Are

Concerned citizens established the Stanislaus County Library Foundation in 1994 to raise funds and friends for the Stanislaus County Library whose 13 branches serve communities throughout Stanislaus County.

The Foundation, a non-profit organization, supplements existing library funds through fund raising, grants, and/or donors who wish to sponsor a specific project.  Educating county residents about the library’s fiscal problems is also an important aspect of the Foundation.

Currently 85 percent of the library’s budget comes from a 1/8-cent sales tax last approved by voters in 2003.  Voters will be called upon to renew the tax in 2012. Declining sales countywide during the economic recession means less sales tax generated for the library.  This makes the Foundation’s fundraising efforts even more important.

The 13 libraries in our county system are exciting places.  There are books, computers, reference material, DVDs, literacy programs and other programs that enhance the library experience.  Over 300,000 county residents have library cards. Find out more about the Stanislaus County Library at www.stanislauslibrary.org.

The Stanislaus County Library Foundation Board of Directors includes:

 

Denise NordellDenise Nordell, Modesto

Marketing Professional,
California State University Stanislaus,
Communications & Public Affairs.

I began reading at the age of four, read “Gone With the Wind” for the first time in seventh grade, and have never looked back.  A Modesto resident for most of my life, I have fond memories of the Children’s Room in what is now the McHenry Museum.  Nevertheless, I believe that libraries, like newspapers, while they are revered, are also easy for the public to take for granted.  My goal as president of the Library Foundation is to work to raise public awareness of the value of the Library and to increases the level of support from the community.

 

 

Bob Dowd, Modesto

Retired PR Executive

My family moved to Modesto eight years ago, attracted by lots of eye candy here...like the city’s nearness to San Francisco and Yosemite.

What I didn’t realize...and what’s still a secret...is the brain candy...all those things that stimulate our minds and souls.

The County’s library system is high on that list.

Helping the library system achieve its mission is a way for me to give back for the many things my family has been blessed with here.

Peggy Gardiner, Modesto

Community Activist/Entrepreneur

My deep feelings for the library began when my children were small. Money was tight, but we could count on the library for free entertainment from story hours to checking out many books each week. My children grew up to love books, something they’ve passed on to my grandchildren.  I was a founding member of the Friends of the Library in 1974. It was a pleasure to move back to Modesto in 2007 after being gone for 20 years and see that we still have a great library. It was wonderful to find out we have a Library Foundation that raises funds that are used for special library needs when the standard library budget has been cut. I do believe that a public library system is needed to maintain a true democracy.

Richard Hagerty

Business owner/civic activist for non-profits

Literacy and education are critical if we are to attain a quality workforce in our community. Our library is the linchpin to raising literacy standards. We must maintain a high quality library system if we are to continue to attract business that pays good wages and benefits. If our library system fails then our economy will also fail.

Maree Hawkins, Modesto

Retired Public Relations professional/community volunteer

The Stanislaus County Library allowed me to enter the world of books when I was nine.  At age 16 it provided my first job.  Now I’m a very frequent patron and library cheerleader.  A well-rounded library system is vital to the well being of our community.  The Foundation can help ensure that the library system continues to meet the needs of all of our county residents.

Mark Heinzinger, Modesto

Educator,
Modesto City Schools

I am on the Foundation because I believe that public libraries are one of the cornerstone institutions of our democracy. Being able to obtain information is a necessary element of our society so that people can be good, well rounded citizens. I have worked with the Friends of the Modesto Library for over 20 years and see the Library Foundation as a way to strengthen the public libraries for all the residents of our county.

Derald Lahti, Modesto

Financial Advisor,
Edward Jones

The Stanislaus County Library Foundation is important to me for several reasons. I recognize that a vibrant public library system is vital to a community’s health. My two elementary school age boys enjoy quality time utilizing the libraries' many services. In addition, the library offers free services to those in our community who could not access these services in any other way.

Rabbi Larry Moldo

Newly hired Rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom in Modesto

Books have always been a part of my life.  Public libraries throughout the country have satisfied my desire for more to read and re-read.  There were many other times when a set of lectures or an old TV series were both useful and readily available.  It is appropriate now that I help ensure others will be able to take advantage of the same experiences I enjoyed growing up.  The Library, of course, is not just for children.  Over the years I have amassed a small collection of my own, both professional and personal.  The public library still serves as a useful supplement, helping me discover new authors or topics.

Joan Patterson

Community Volunteer

The public library provides essential nourishment for the healthy functioning of the democratic society in which we live.  I support and cherish the library for the resource it is for sustaining that ethos in Stanislaus County.

Carol Shour

Stay-at-Home Mom/Community Volunteer

The library is near and dear to my heart. It was a weekly stop as a child, became a wonderful resource for school projects and later was helpful in my job searches out of college. My son always has his head in a book; I took him to story time and special programs as a toddler and we continue to utilize the quiet area for homework and books for research or fun. It's free to all and a vital link to our community. I serve on the Foundation as a way to give back to the special place that has given so much to my family. I believe the future of the library is in all of our hands.

Melissa A. VanDiepen

Modesto Bee,
Director of Information & News Operations and ModMomsClub site administrator

I have been a public library user since I was child. I remember writing my first country report about Sweden in 6th grade and being taken aback by all the books the library had on Sweden. Libraries serve a vital purpose in the community, bringing kids in touch with aisles of information.