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Who We Are

 

Concerned citizens established the Stanislaus 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 87 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.

The Stanislaus Library Foundation Board of Directors includes:

 

 

Carol Shour, Modesto

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.

Kathi Cohn, Modesto

Retired Fund Development Manager

I have been a constant user and ardent supporter of the library all my life.  I believe a strong library system is the cornerstone of democracy.   The library is the place where knowledge is available to everyone, past, present and future.  

“The health of our civilization, the awareness of our… culture and our concern for the future can be tested by how well we support our libraries.” Carl Sagan

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.

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.

 

Kristi Kelley, Modesto

Office Coordinator/Parent

Don's Mobile Glass

As a frequent library visitor myself, I believe our county's library system is essential to a prosperous community.  The library offers various programs and activities for our youth, who are our future leaders. I believe many of us take this element for granted, but it takes the support of the public to ensure a progressive future for our county's libraries.

Martha Mataka, Modesto

Bank Manager

Wells Fargo

I was appointed to the board this year because of my passion for books and our library system.  I hope that in upcoming years that I can help serve my community by keeping this important institution viable.

 

Lee Ockey, Modesto

Commercial Real Estate Agent,

The reason that I joined the board is to help the community and support literacy at every level

Joshua Tigner, Modesto

Branch Manager,
Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.

I joined the board in order to ensure the continued success and prosperity of our library system. As someone that greatly benefitted from the County Library system as a kid, I want to ensure that this resource is there for future generations.