Making Ornaments for McHenry Museum, November 2025.
One of the McHenry Museum’s Christmas trees had a literary theme this year and City of Modesto staffer Jessica Flores invited Friends of the Modesto Library, plus others, to help make ornaments for it. About 20 crafters went to work and created miniature books, plus angels and stars using pages from old, unwanted books and scrapbook paper. Friends members Kathy Sniffen (L) and Shen Rushin (R) were among the volunteers.
Halloween Activities, October 2025.
LEFT: Oct. 28: Friends of the Modesto Library joined Modesto Library staff, the McHenry Mansion, and other community groups to sponsor a Spooktacular community event on Oct. 28. More than 1,470 parents and trick or treaters filled the streets, mansion grounds, and McClatchy Park with bags ready for treats. FOML volunteers gave out over 600 treats and information about library services. Left to right: Anne Britton, Isa Wiechmann, Judy Pierce and Karen Bowman.
RIGHT: Oct. 31: Anne Britton hands out cookies at the Halloween-themed Wiggleworms.
Bookish Fair at Lo-Fi Dining and Lounge, October 18, 2025.
Julia Washington, owner of Prose & Glow, and Bookish invited the Friends to participate in their fair at Lo-Fi Lounge and Dining on J Street. We used the opportunity to promote library card sign-ups and our upcoming Pop-up Gift Shop. Below, attendees hold up their Modesto Library cards.
Youth Craft Fair at Salida Regional Library, October 11, 2025.
FOML secretary Anne Britton (L) and co-president Jennifer Pereira (R) staff a Friends information table at our annual youth craft fair.
International Heritage Festival, October 4, 2025.
Friends members set up our new canopy in Graceada Park during the International Heritage Festival. They shared information about all the benefits of having a free library card. Volunteers pictured (L to R) are Shen Rushin, Nancy Rieti and Sue Conner.
Library Card Sign-up Month, September 2025.
Friends volunteers invited shoppers at the Modesto Certified Farmers Market to stop by our booth and sign up for a free Modesto Library card. If they already had one, we took their picture holding it and wearing the button we gave them–“A Friend carded me today.” Everyone was entered into a prize drawing. Prizes were donated by vendors at the market.
Great prizes!Happy winners.More happy winners.
Modesto’s 4th of July Parade, July 4, 2025.
Friends of the Modesto Library was chosen as a co-grand marshal of this year’s parade. Lots of Friends members, as well as some of their children and friends, walked the mile-long route. Kids and teens were decorated with balloons and photos of popular books. Adults carried signs describing some of what our organization does. During the parade, we distributed 450 new books to children along the route, many accompanied by a crocheted bookmark.
Summer Reading Kick-off Party, May 24, 2025.
Friends of the Modesto Library handed out free books to readers of all ages at the Modesto Library’s first kick-off party for the summer reading program. We also had our own table where we talked to visitors about our organization and signed young children up to receive free books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Modesto Library staff Allyssa Sepulveda (L) and Jessica Geiss greeted shoppers and told them about the summer reading program just getting under way. On the right is Yarning with Friends’ newest yarn art project tied to the summer reading theme “Level Up at Your Library.” Visitors tried to find matches by lifting each flap to reveal a gaming character or icon.Volunteers (L to R) Lisa Napoli, Jill Aja-Yates, Marylou Rousseau, Nancy Rieti, and Anne Britton put smiles on faces all morning as they gave away every book they had!
The State Theatre’s airing of the documentary Join or Die, May 14, 2025.
The State Theatre invited local clubs and organizations to staff tables in the lobby during the hour before this documentary about the value of belonging to groups in America. Volunteers from Friends of the Modesto Library and Yarning with Friends spent the time telling people about our groups and encouraging them to join one or both.
Friends members (L to R) Isa Wiechmann, Marilyn Drew, and Ellen Dambrosio shared information with State Theatre patrons before the night’s documentary.
Stanislaus County Office of Education’s Day of Educator Well-Being, May 10, 2025.
Yarning with Friends accepted an invitation to teach crochet to educators at a recent well-being workshop. Seven volunteers offered personalized instruction to attendees on a drop-in basis. Both the volunteers and the participants enjoyed the day.
Jan Hammond (R) teachesLaura Wilson (R) teachesMaria Craig (R) teachesJeanine Oliver (L) provides instruction.
Shining Star Awards, April 19, 2025.
Numerous Modesto Library friends were honored at the Stanislaus Library Foundation’s annual volunteer appreciation event. Lynn Dickerson and Katy Menges (left) received their awards for the significant roles they played in A Lifelong Legacy, the Friends’ capital campaign to raise money for the Modesto Library renovation. Marilyn Drew (right) was recognized for her many years of work with the Friends, including her role as volunteer coordinator. And Modesto Subaru was the business that received a Shining Star this year. Owners Chris and Jessica Godden (not pictured) chose Friends of the Modesto Library as the local charity to receive donations during the 2024 Subaru Share the Love Event, raising over $36,000 for A Lifelong Legacy. Congratulations to all on your well-deserved recognition! And thank you!
FOML’s Annual Membership Meeting, March 5, 2025.
At our well-attended annual meeting, President Denise Nordell provided members with an overview of all that the Friends have accomplished this year, including a campaign update. Guests enjoyed listening to Paula Treick DeBoard, a local author, bookstore owner and UC Merced lecturer. And of course, we enjoyed good food and the company of friends. Salida Library hosted our annual meeting this year.
Incoming co-presidents Jennifer Pereira and Ellen Burchett.Guest speaker Paula Treick DeBoard.We like to mix business. . .. . .with pleasure.Current board members Back (L to R): Isa Wiechmann, Pat Glattke, Anne Britton, Maree Hawkins, Judy Pierce, Beverly Schlegel, Ellen Dambrosio. Front (L to R); Judy Sly Herrero, Cathie Peck, Denise Nordell, Pam Pallios, Marilyn Drew. Not pictured are Christine Brereton, Cande Brody and Julie Saugstad.
Modesto Express Library Grand Opening, January 6, 2025.
During the Modesto Library renovation, some services will be available at the Modesto Express Library on the 10th Street Plaza downtown.
Please come in!Friends welcomed visitors with coffee and cookies. Pictured here are Isa and Beverly.New materials and children’s books, are available for browsing.Library staff did activities with children in the plaza.
Used Book Sale, October 26, 2024.
This was the last book sale we’ll have for two years or so due to the upcoming library renovation. The last day the library will be open to the public is Nov. 27, 2024.
Peggy (R) kept the tables of children’s books organized during her shift.Anne always posts lots of information about the Friends to share with anyone passing by!Dozens of volunteers were on hand to help as needed. Shoppers loved the price of $.50 per book!Volunteer cashiers Anne, Marilyn, and Lin-Ching accepted money for books as well as donations for the campaign.This young man is a reader! Not only did he buy these two boxes of books in the morning, but he came back later and bought another box!Tables of books line the wall of the library on the portico, neatly organized to make shopping easier.Shoppers look over the fiction books on tables surrounding the library.Yarning with Friends sold some of the items that have been on display in the library this year and last.
Farmers Market, October 19, 2024.
The Friends had an information table at dozens of farmers markets in recent months. On this morning, Beverly and Jennifer talked to lots of shoppers, sharing information about A Lifelong Legacy and other Friends’ projects.
Thermometer Update for A Lifelong Legacy, August 24, 2024.
Campaign volunteers join with local families to celebrate Friends of the Modesto Library’s fundraising successes. A Lifelong Legacy, our campaign to raise $3 million to provide enhancements to the upcoming library renovation, has reached $2.75 million in contributions and pledges. Now that’s worth celebrating!
Yarning with Friends Hangs New Yarn Art Mural in Library Lobby, August 16, 2024.
“A Child’s Garden of Books” was created by a small group of yarn enthusiasts for the enjoyment of visitors to the library. Children can participate in a “search and find” activity to locate 12 mushrooms, 2 dragonflies, a rabbit, and many more items. Book recommendations are available in the books scattered throughout the garden.
Thermometer Update for A Lifelong Legacy, June 19, 2024.
Campaign volunteers are all smiles after updating the thermometer to show we now have $2.4 million in donations. (L to R) Jane Manley, Lynn Dickerson, Katy Menges, Melissa Monday, Denise Nordell.
First Thermometer Posting for A Lifelong Legacy, May 12, 2024.
Lynn Dickerson and Katy Menges show the oversized thermometer displayed outside the library to track Friends of the Modesto Library’s fundraising efforts. These two volunteers spearheaded the initial phase of the campaign to raise $3 million to supplement the budget for the library’s upcoming renovation. In six months, the Friends quietly raised $1.78 million. Now the campaign goes public.
Used Book Sale, May 4, 2024.
Members Jennifer Pereira and Pat Glattke post signs on the portico the night before the sale.After months of careful sorting and packing, books were transported by U-Haul truck to the library.Volunteers sorted and moved about 300 boxes of books in preparation for the sale.Members Jeanine Oliver (L) and Ellen Dambrosio are ready to accept electronic payments at the sale. Marilyn Drew accepts money for the books a man is buying.
Scholastic Book Fair, April/May 2024.
Friends of the Modesto Library member Gin Miller (L) and secretary Anne Britton are dressed similarly as they work their shifts at the book fair.
Shining Star Awards, April 20, 2024.
Garrad and Dallas Marsh, owners of McHenry Bowl, just before receiving their award.Donna Flanders receives her award.
Library friends Dallas & Garrad Marsh and Donna Flanders were honored with Shining Star Awards by the Stanislaus Library Foundation for their outstanding contributions to Friends of the Modesto Library. Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition!
El día de los niños/El día de los libros, April 20, 2024.
Anne Britton, Friends’ secretary, stands behind a cart of new children’s books ready to be given away to Modesto children at the Dia event.A young mother and her toddler enjoy themselves as they choose their free children’s book.
DoMo First Fridays, April 5, 2024.
The Modesto Library participated in the Downtown Modesto Partnership’s first First Fridays event of the 2024 season. Friends of the Modesto Library kindly shared their booth with us. Some of the participants were Annika Jimenez, library employee, (L) and Jeanine Oliver, an active member of the Friends (R). They talked to lots of people and gave away lots of prizes!
Annual FOML Membership Meeting, March 6, 2024.
Members Marilyn Drew, Anne Britton, and Denise Nordell participate in a readers’ theater written by member Maree Hawkins. It was titled “Friends for 50 Years: The Story of Us” and told the organization’s history since just before its inception in 1974. It will appear in future issues of the Friends newsletter.This year’s annual membership meeting was well attended; it was both informative and entertaining.
Scholastic Book Fair, November 8-13, 2023.
Book fair chairperson Anne Britton (L) and member Kathleen Heinzinger (R) work a shift together.It warms our hearts to see parents and children together at our book fairs.Members Marylou Hacker-Rousseau and Linda Wilson volunteer at the fair.
National Friends of Libraries Week, October 15-21, 2023.
At right, Friends of the Modesto Library volunteers prepare treats for a library staff appreciation event we sponsored during National Friends of Libraries Week. L to R: Isa Wiechmann, Judy Pierce, Sue Conner, and Linda Owen.
Below, Isa Wiechmann prepares balloons for the festivities.
Outreach at Modesto Farmers Market, October 19, 2023.
Member Mark Heinzinger helps a child spin the prize wheel as other Friends look on. L to R: Michelle Levario, Isa Wiechmann, Ellen Dambrosio, Jeanine Oliver.A customer chooses from a selection of handmade flowers and produce.This child thinks the crocheted apples look good enough to eat!
Outreach at Modesto Farmers Market, August 24, 2023.
FOML members Cathie Peck, Sue Connor, Judy Pierce, Anne Britton and Isa Wiechmann recently spent a Thursday morning doing community outreach at the Farmers Market. They signed up young children for the Imagination Library’s early literacy program, reminded people of all that the library offers and made new friends for FOML.
Shining Star Award winners, April 29, 2023.
The Library Foundation annually sponsors a Volunteer Appreciation Event where Shining Star Awards are presented to library volunteers from throughout the county. Two of this year’s award recipients were nominated by Friends of the Modesto Library. Isa Wiechmann (L) represented the Dewey Crew, a group of FOML volunteers who keep the shelves in the children’s area of the Modesto Library well-organized. Other Dewey Crew members are Sue Conner, Linda Owens, and Judy Pierce. Linda Owens (R) received a separate Shining Star for many years of tireless, behind-the-scenes volunteering not only with the Dewey Crew, but also the newsletter, book sales, tutoring, and other programs. We are grateful for all these volunteers do!
El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros, April 29, 2023.
Anne Britton’s favorite Día activity is giving away a free book to every young person.Donna Flanders helped with craft activities.Sue Conner, in white jacket, helped with craft activities.
National Library Week, April 23-29, 2023.
Friends vice president Beverly Schlegel staffed the Friends table, sharing information and working the prize wheel.
Certified Farmers Market, April 8, 2023.
Friend Jeanine Oliver shared information–and free cookbooks–with Farmers Market shoppers. Vegetables in left photo were knitted and crocheted by Yarning with Friends for a farmers market display coming to the Modesto Library in June.
Annual general membership meeting, March 1, 2023.
Guest speaker Marin Martino kept the audience riveted as she explained her work with MY Project at Juvenile Hall.The audience engaged in a Q & A with Marian.Modesto Library manager Chris Moreno describing some recent library programs.Slideshow presented by president Denise Nordell. Click image to view slides.
Yarning with Friends hang a new art installation–Wonders Under the Sea–in the library lobby, January 26, 2023
Friends assist with Opera Modesto’s PoeCon/Story Into Song initiative, January 14-15, 2023
Friends volunteers included Judy Pierce, Denise Nordell, Jeanine Oliver and Isa Wiechmann.
Friends of the Modesto Library volunteers greeted guests and assisted with the various Edgar Allan Poe-related sessions throughout the PoeCon/Story Into Song two-day event.
Another successful fundraiser at Modesto’s Barnes & Noble, December 2022
New Friends of the Modesto Library member Jeanine Oliver greeted BN shoppers while volunteering at her first Friends event.Friends members Gin Miller and Julie Saugstad informed BN shoppers about the fundraiser.
National Friends of Libraries Week, October 2022
Our theme for the NFOL Week celebration was “Show me Yours!*” (*library card, that is). We were present at Modesto Farmers Market on Saturday, Oct. 15 and Thursday, Oct. 20. Visitors who “showed us theirs” and agreed to have their photos taken, or those who applied for a library card on the spot, were given a raffle ticket for a chance to win the gift basket valued at more than $150. Photos were posted on social media. We collected more than 50 library card applications.
Friends of the Modesto Library participated in the city’s Independence Day parade, July 1, 2022
Stanislaus Library Foundation created and drove its Very Hungry Caterpillar float in the parade.Friends president Denise Nordell gives caterpillar bookmarks to children.
Modesto Library and Friends of the Modesto Library attended the DoMo First Friday event, July 1, 2022
To spread the word about Friends of the Modesto Library, we handed out newsletters, flyers, and bookmarks at July’s DoMo.Some of the books given away to children at the DoMo First Friday event in July. Librarian Christin Hutsell watches as a family selects a “forever” book to take home for their daughter. Giveaway books were donated by the Friends. Downtown Modesto Partnership brought back DoMo First Fridays in June 2022 after a hiatus during the pandemic. The event, which takes place at 10th & J Streets in Modesto, occurs every first Friday of the month until October, bringing community, vendors and dancing together.
Yarning with Friends decorated the lampposts with flag-themed knit and crochet, June 10, 2022
Annual Used Book Sale May 7, 2022
Book sale chair Pat Glattke and grandson Mitchell Evans were among the volunteers setting out thousands of books at 7 am.Julie Saugstad and Pat check the display of books for sale.Pat, Judy Herrero, and Ellen Dambrosio process PayPal payments.Children browse the children’s books.Adults browse the children’s books.Happy shoppers comb through thousands of gently used books.These people are shopping the reference section.Cashier Marilyn Drew was busy throughout the day.Key Clubbers from area high schools were very helpful volunteers.
President’s report from annual membership meeting March 2, 2022
Click image to open slide show.
Yarning with Friends yarn bombs a chair for the children’s department, presenting it Jan. 18, 2022
Pam Pallios (L), who helped make the chair, stands with staff from the children’s department who gratefully accepted the colorful gift from Yarning with Friends. (L to R) librarians Christin Hutsell and Michele Machado and library assistant Brian Lillie.
The Friends paired with Barnes & Noble for their third bookfair fundraiser, Dec. 4, 2021
FOML President Denise Nordell and member Alice White set up a table outside Barnes & Noble. Friends greeted shoppers for six hours on Saturday and again on Sunday to tell them about the BN/Friends bookfair. This was our most successful bookfair yet, raising over $4000.
Yarning with Friends Yarn Bombs Library Nov. 29, 2021
Ellen Dambrosio, Denise Nordell, Cande Brody and Pam Pallios installed the group’s third yarn art project in the library–“square” holiday trees.A closer look at the trees. Knitted and crocheted squares create a backdrop for a variety of ornaments, all handmade.
Modesto City Council Proclaims Oct. 17-23 as Friends of Libraries Week, Oct. 12, 2021
FOML president Denise Nordell (2nd from left) and vice-president Beverly Schlegel (center) hold the City Council proclamation that Oct. 17-23, 2021, is Friends of Libraries Week in Modesto. The official proclamation.
El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros, April 2021
Children’s librarian Amber O’Brien-VerHulst directs passersby to the Día display/giveaway.Library assistant Angélica Ruíz Maté is ready to hand out books to children.
Annual General Membership Meeting, March 3, 2021
Click here to see a presentation of the Friends’ accomplishments since March 2020.
Annual General Membership Meeting, March 4, 2020
Click here to see a presentation of the Friends’ accomplishments since March 2019.
All Things Jane, Jan. 3, 2020
Friends members Anne Britton, Christine Brereton, and Judy Pierce helped at the event.Fans of author Jane Austen gathered for an evening program. Participants discussed Austen’s work and were treated to a preview of “Mansfield Park,” an Opera Modesto Story Into Song production coming in January 2020.
Harry Potter Yule Ball, Dec. 14, 2019
Transformed for the evening. . .. . . the library was well-protected.Here students practiced charms.And here they made sweets.Potions were concocted in this area.All attendees were sorted into houses.Hogwarts headmistress Amber O’Brien-VerHulstOne of many costumed familiesEager Harry Potter fans hurry to hear the headmistress’s welcome. Gryffindor students look happy to attend.Friends Beverly Schlegel and Pat Glattke dressed as Hogwarts professors.Professor Hagrid arrives.Families wait patiently to participate in one of the many stations throughout the building.Families, many in costume, flocked to the 2019 Harry Potter Yule Ball. This popular annual event is organized by the staff of the Children’s Library and co-sponsored by the Friends of the Modesto Library.
Read-to-a-Dog Afternoon, Oct. 2019
Relaxing with Abby and a good book.Abby was tired after hearing lots of stories.Mariah and Mom enjoy reading to Carson.Sophia pets Carson as brother Isaac reads.Meyer and Ruthie Roseman read to Carson, a whippet.Children color as they wait to read to a therapy dog.Erynn Lucas and her therapy dog, Carson, with Sophia. These dogs are certified with Therapy Dogs Alliance.A young reader has a rapt audience, including Abby, a yellow lab.Read-to-a-dog events occur throughout the year.
Summer Reading Challenge Movie, July 2019
Friends president Denise Nordell was happy to see so many kids attending.Some of our happy readers.Brian Lillie and Michele Machado, from the children’s library, greeted moviegoers. Anne Britton and Pat Glattke staffed the Friends table.Not only was the movie free, but so were refreshments, thanks to a generous donation from Alfred Matthews.
Magic Reading Carpet, June and July 2019
Olga Cardenas, a Friend of the Modesto Library and the creator of a new summer literacy program, stands beside a banner used to attract children at the El Rematito Flea Market in June and July of 2019.Friend Gin Miller helps a young girl select a book to take home.Friend Sue Conner reads with a young girl.Olga Castañeda reads to two children.
All Teens Craft Fair, June 2019
Friend Jean Haven and librarian Elisa McDaniel greet customers attending the All Teen Craft Fair.
Scholastic Discount Book Sale, May 2019
Anne Britton recommends two of many excellent children’s books available from Scholastic.
El día de los niños/El día de los libros, April 2019
Anne Britton distributes books during Modesto Library’s Día festivities.One of 340 children who took home a book on Día.Isa Wiechmann is ready to talk to people about the Friends of the Modesto Library
Scholastic Book Fair, Nov. 2018
The fair is set up and ready to open.Shoppers have arrived.Volunteers sell books while Clifford sits for photos.
Clifford Visits Book Fair, Nov. 2018
Sue Conner spends a moment with Clifford.Friend and dog lover Jenlane Matt shares a book about dogs with Clifford.Friends Anna Seidel and Marilyn Drew wave with Clifford.
Halloween Story Time, Oct. 2018
These Friends volunteers organized a parade for the children following story time.170 kids and their families listened to Wicked Witch Christin Hutsell and Elisa McDaniel, as Snow White, tell stories.
All Kids Craft Fair, Oct. 2018
William Lewis made garden ladybug rocks.
Used Book Sale, May 2018
Teen volunteers check in with coordinator Pat Glattke.Friends member Ellen Dambrosio sets out fiction books before the sale opens.These empty boxes contained thousands of donated books which generated a profit of over $4000.Shoppers line up waiting for the sale to begin.Shoppers continue arriving throughout the day.Anne Britton and Mike Leamy are ready to share information about the Friends.One of many happy shoppers!Both sides of the north portico are lined with thousands of books for sale. Note our new sponsor Alfred Matthews.
2018 Shining Star Awards, April 2018
Denise Nordell, left, received the Joan Patterson Stellar Achievement Award for her ongoing commitment of service to Stanislaus County Libraries. Pat Glatkke, right, received a Shining Star Award for her contributions to Friends of the Modesto Library.
Used Book Sale, May 2017
Maree Hawkins, Cathie Peck, and Pat Glatkke sorted thousands of donated books by genre in the months before the 2017 sale.Pat Glatkke marks boxes of sorted books in the warehouse.Carmen Pedrioli and Jean Haven set out mystery books before the sale opened at 8:00 am.
