By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Ceres Library volunteer Pedro honored
Volunteer Appreciation and Shining Star Awards 2014 April 12
Carol Blomquist (Ceres Library Branch Manager), Ann Pedro (Shining Star Award recipient, awarded in the Friends of the Library category), and Patricia Portwood (President of the Stanislaus Library Foundation). - photo by Contributed to the Courier

The Stanislaus Library Foundation presented its annual Shining Star awards Saturday and honored several library volunteers from Stanislaus County's 13 libraries, including Ann Pedro, a friend of the Ceres Library for over four years.

Pedro volunteers with sorting and filling the library's request list. Treasurer of the Friends, she also organizes the group's annual book sale and sorts books throughout the year.

The Shining Star awards were established in 2004 to honor an individual, business, or organization and Friends of the Library members for their exemplary support of the library. Support includes volunteer efforts, advocacy, a program, or financial contributions.

The event was held at the Nick W. Blom Salida Regional Library in Salida.

The Library Foundation raises funds and awareness for all 13 libraries in the county.

Shining Stars were also Susan Hansen, secretary of the Friends of the Denair Library for several years; Luan Oney, treasurer of the Friends of the Waterford Library since 2008, assists with the annual book sale and walked precincts in support of the of the 2012 measure T campaign; Gabee Abarca, Riverbank Library volunteer, works two days a week, doing a variety of tasks such as shelving and organizing in the children's and teens area; Sheridan Beuving, a member of the Library Advisory Board since 2002, has served as chairman since 2008; and Maudeen Martin and her therapy dogs Arthur and Nellie participate in the library's Read to a Dog program.

This provides a non-judgmental atmosphere for independent readers to practice reading out loud. Ms. Martin helps to foster a love of reading for the younger set.