Summer 2011
The Friends of the Corona Public Library is an independent, 501(c)3 non-profit support group for the Library. We were first organized in 1964 by a small group at the old Carnegie Library. That small building, located at Main and Eighth Streets, was the site of Corona’s first true Library. The first "Friends", a group of six Corona women, were dedicated to expanding what at that time were very limited Children’s services. Many long-time Corona residents fondly remember those first story-hours complete with colorful felt-board characters voiced by an enthusiastic narrator. From that humble beginning, The Friends organization has grown to become an integral and vital part of the Library’s supporters.
Our mission is to create community knowledge, interest and awareness about the Library. And, in so doing, we provide many necessary contributions to the book collection, fund special events and projects, and donate many wonderful physical enhancements to the Library environment itself.
The Friends have a long history of funding Corona Library enhancements and sponsoring Library events. In the recent past our sponsored events have included the Written By Author Speaker Events, the annual Photo Contest, Book-a-Palooza Street Fair, the Summer Reading Program, The Family Movie Nites, Adopt-a-Book matching funds for additional book resources, Children's Area soft furniture and murals, Teen Area decor, Library's new signage, the lobby Aquarium, Seasonal and Summer Music Events, and more.
Learn more about these projects »
Mary Stein and Becky Vasels were announced as 2010-2011 “Friends of the Year” at the Friends of the Corona Public Library annual meeting in June 2011. There are approximately 60 volunteers involved in Friends activities (such as the Board of Directors, BookShop, and various committees) at the Library. For the past 22 years one or two volunteers are recognized each year for their exemplary service to the organization. Their names are engraved on a plaque, which is displayed in the Library on a wall across from the entrance to the BookShop.
Both of this year’s "Friends of the Year” reported that they were surprised at being recognized and felt undeserving of the honor. They are long-time very close friends and were, however, delighted to be able to share this year’s award.
Mary Stein:
Mary volunteers in the Friends’ BookShop every Monday doing shelf stocking and straightening and anything else that is requested of her. She routinely helps customers, dust shelves and glass cases, goes downstairs to a large storage area in search of something that is needed or wanted upstairs in the Shop. She also subs for desk volunteers in the Shop.
Mary says, “It just feels right to start my week by being in the BookShop on Monday. I’m glad to help the Friends make money in the BookShop that will enhance the Library in some way.” Mary is known by other volunteers for her smile, congenial manner, and her willingness to pitch in. She spends three to four hours each week in the BookShop. Lynda Scott, BookShop manager, reports that Mary is always willing to come in to the Shop on short notice when a special need arises
Coming to Corona as a young adult, Mary has lived here most of her life and has always been involved in the community. Mary is an avid reader, as are most of the BookShop volunteers, and enjoys participating in a book discussion group.
Becky Vasels:
Becky has been a cheerful and steadfast BookShop volunteer for the past 12 years. She stocks and straightens shelves in the Shop while helping customers that appear with requests while she is working. Becky also manages (prices and stocks) the over-sized bookshelves. Becky works with a smile and a caring word for everyone.
Over the years Becky has often worked on the “team” of volunteers that water and care for the beautiful holiday poinsettias that the Friends buy to decorate the Library during December each year. And, when the Friends have an event, Becky will often decorate the tables with flowers from her garden and appear to work in the kitchen with food preparation and clean-up.
Becky and her husband Homer moved to Corona in 1954 from the Chicago area, becoming an integral part of the community raising their four children and owning a popular local retail business for 25 years. Both Becky and Homer are long-time Library supporters and have worked on various Friends’ committees over time.
She is a life-long reader as was her Dad who she says taught her to always get a library card. Becky adds, “I volunteer in the BookShop because I enjoy it! And, it’s great to be part of something that benefits the community.”
