 On The Line -- Issue 577 -- April 7, 2006  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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On The Line -- Issue 577 -- April 7, 2006 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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Among the noblest of American institutions is its public library system. The first free circulating libraries in North America are generally credited to Benjamin Franklin while what is now the eastern part of the United States was still a British possession.
Like so many blessings we take for granted, the library offers us an opportunity to expand our horizons and enjoy the amassed culture of all nations, of all eras. It has enriched us all to different degrees. That we may have a palpable reminder of the library beyond its use, National Library Week has been set aside every year. This year it ran from April 2 through April 8, and the San Benito County Library observed. During that period all overdue books could be returned without the borrower paying a fine. Kids' Night was observed on April 6 with Carole Willette telling stories to the young readers. On the evening of April 5, staff members, Friends of the Library and other volunteers gathered to honor the staff, volunteers and the Volunteer of the Year following the traditional potluck served on the Barbara Memorial Room and eaten at tables in the library. Many excellent dishes had been prepared and brought in and diners exclaimed about the goodness of the entrees and side dishes. (One old party kept saying, "I brought the chips. I brought the chips" but he was ignored). It was a special evening for it marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the local Friends of the Library branch under the leadership of Librarian Jo Wahdan with many ready volunteers from the community assisting. FOL President Mary Schneider and interim Librarian Karen Schaffer awarded pins to volunteers and staff members. Ruth Erickson was recognized for 23 years of membership. Mrs. Erickson has filled every office of the Friends and was editor of its newsletter. She is now a board member. Also receiving a plaque as Volunteer of the Year was Sally Tiffany, accompanied by husband Bill Tiffany. Mrs. Tiffany has worked many hours every week for more than two years and was a popular choice as evidenced by the applause she received. She thanked the staff members and volunteers for being knowledgeable and easy to work with and said that she enjoyed meeting the public and helping people find the books or information sought. Besides Mrs. Schneider, other charter members of Friends of the Library present were Cathy Granados and Janet Brians, the FOL's first president. Husband Bob Brians accompanied her that evening. Life members Richard Fish, Martha Moses (who was absent because of her handbell ringing practice that evening) and Mr. and Mrs. John Blake were also honored during the evening. Noticeable by her absence was Joyce Young who, despite being confined to a wheelchair, is very active in the FOL in many functions and who presides at the frequent book sales on Saturdays. At the last minute, she found herself without a ride to the library and so had to miss it. Harriet Brin, the FOL's secretary/treasurer, was there and in her low-profile manner helped set up the potluck buffet, saw to the coffee making and made herself useful in any number of ways. Sandy Eklund, a former Volunteer of the Year who later became a library staff member, talked with many friends that evening. She is another lady who accomplishes a lot without making a fuss. The library staff would be poorer without her. It was good to see Adele Pimentel again. She is a volunteer for story telling and many a child has been fascinated by her singing and dancing puppets. Her signature smile is a boon to her friends. John and Don Kirkvliet, both Friends of the Library members, were among the guests that evening. They fell into conversation with Bill Brin, another Friend, and reminisced about the early days of World War II. The Kirkvliets were married early in the war when he was in the Navy and each recalled a number of anecdotes from that time. Brin had been an air cadet and was near the end of the course when it was discontinued. He saw a lot of combat with the Army in Europe during the war and related an incident in which he captured a German soldier near an enemy outpost. Carole Willette, a Friend who presides at story time for children at the library, loves to help people. She was there and exchanged a few anecdotes with a friend about Marland Holte's community dinners at Thanksgiving and Christmas where she has been a fixture for years. She has a new hairstyle, by the way, and many commented on it. Nancy Tulchinsky, a Friend who is often seen at the book sales, exchanged a few pleasantries with James and Teresa Henry. He also helps out at the book sales, which bring in funds to buy items for the library not included in the county budget. Dolores Conroy circulated and talked with many guests. Another person not present although she wanted to be was staff member Dilia Gamez who is getting things settled in her new house. All the ladies present understood that and endorsed her absence. It was good to be part of an enterprise in which all the other guests are selfless people who give freely of themselves for no other reason than that a need exists and they step in to fill it. And so the evening ended with Mrs. Brin, Mrs. Erickson and other Friends taking down the buffet tables, wrapping some of the food to send home with the guests and putting the rest in the lounge refrigerator. Mrs. Tiffany received many compliments after the ceremony and it was apparent that she was touched by all the expressions of goodwill from persons she works with and from others. When one considers the great amount of good that volunteers do, whether at the library, youth groups and other organizations it is amazing how much we have come to depend upon them and the good they do. |
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