The Stanislaus County Library will be celebrating National Library Week by honoring the individuals and businesses that help the 13-branch system thrive.
The Stanislaus Library Foundation will be handing out its 2013 Shining Star Awards to the winners at 2 p.m. April 20 at the Nick W. Blom Salida Regional Library, 4835 Sisk Rd.
The Shining Star Awards were established in 2004 to honor individuals, businesses or organizations and Friends of the Library for their support of the library. Support includes volunteer efforts, advocacy, a special program or financial contribution.
The 2013 Shining Star recipients are:
Clare Noonan - Friends Category
Noonan joined the Friends of the Modesto Library in 2009 and has been working diligently ever since to raise funds and support the library. She helped establish the Friends' Little Shop inside the Modesto Library. In 2010, Noonan spearheaded a successful used book sale that raised nearly $10,000. The book sale effort, which has become an annual event, spans several months and relies on a team of volunteers who collect and sort thousands of books in preparation for the sale. She has enlisted the support of Beard Land Improvement Company to provide space for storage and sorting. Noonan is also the Friends newsletter editor and she is a Home Delivery Service volunteer, who brings the joy of books and reading to homebound residents.
Peter LaTorre - Friends Category
Latorre and the Friends of the Patterson Library were the driving force behind the successful Measure T campaign in Patterson. Volunteers staffed a table in front of the Patterson Save Mart for several months to get the word out about Save Stanislaus Libraries, recruiting volunteers and gathering endorsements. LaTorre facilitated the Spanish translation of the Save Stanislaus Libraries fact sheet, which was used throughout the county. He organized volunteers to phone voters and walk precincts and he coordinated the installation of Yes on T signs in both Patterson and Salida. As a result of all that effort, 86.46 percent of Patterson voters supported Measure T in June 2012.
Bev Finley and Scott Monday - Individual Category
Finley and Monday teamed up to co-chair the Save Stanislaus Library campaign. Their commitment began two years before the actual election and both continue to provide support to this day, almost a year after Election Day. The pair found the time to make hundreds of speaking engagements throughout the county. Under their direction, the Save Stanislaus Libraries executive committee strategized about fundraising, gathered key endorsements and ensured essential campaign activities were carried out. They were instrumental in raising more than $170,000 to the campaign, exceeding the goal.
Hypower Hydraulics - Business Category
HyPower Hydraulics has been instrumental in the success of the Friends of the Turlock Library's annual used book sale. The late Vivian Manha, a former Friends member whose family owns HyPower, enlisted the company's support. HyPower provides tables and sorting space. Then, packed boxes are stacked on pallets, shrink-wrapped and stored until needed for the sale each January, when they are loaded by forklift into Friends member's pickups for transport. Manager Konrad Hack spearheads HyPower's efforts on behalf of the Friends, even releasing employees from other duties to help as needed. As a result, the Friends of the Turlock Library's annual used book sale has grown in magnitude and success. This eagerly anticipated event raises approximately $5,000 for library programs each year.
Waterford News - Business Category
The Waterford News weekly newspaper has been a constant support of the Waterford Library for many years. Editor Wendy Krier keeps the community informed of all that the library offers nearly every week. As a result, the community has whole-heartedly supported activities such as the Mayor's Book Club and the Snuggles Project.
Richard Hagerty - Joan Patterson Stellar Achievement Award
Hagerty was a member of the Stanislaus Library Foundation Board for many years, and served as president and treasurer. Even after retiring from the Foundation board at the end of last year, he continued to provide support as interim treasurer, until a replacement could be found, and continuous to be an ardent supporter of the library.
