Modesto writer, meal, auction merge to help library

Modesto writer Paula Treick DeBoard, a catered meal and a popular dessert auction come together later this month to raise funds for Stanislaus County’s libraries.

The event Sept. 26 at a private home generally takes in about $30,000 for the libraries, according to Pat Portwood, president of the Stanislaus Library Foundation, which helps fund several programs at the county’s 13 branches.

“The foundation is a small but mighty group, supported by thousands of people in the county who believe in the public libraries,” Portwood said in an email interview.

Among the events funded through the foundation are Children’s Summer Reading Programs, which reach more than 11,000 children annually; 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, part of a commitment to school readiness; the library’s Shining Star Awards and Employee of the Year award; and a children’s book giveaway at the Stanislaus County Fair.

“We also supplement the eBook funds,” Portwood said. “There has been a phenomenal 140 percent increase in eBook circulation.”

The gala – the third held by the foundation – has a Sept. 14 deadline to purchase tickets.

Author Treick DeBoard said she will speak about childhood literacy and the influence of books on her own younger years.

“And of course, I’ll talk about writing,” she said. “I know Bob Gausman, the emcee, has a few tricks up his sleeve, and it’s going to be a fun night.”

“It’s a fantastic cause, with proceeds going to after-school programs that benefit the youth in our community,” Treick DeBoard added in an email interview. “As a former junior high and high school teacher, I’m thrilled to be involved and honored to be asked.”

Treick DeBoard – whose Harlequin-published books include “The Mourning Hours” and “The Fragile World” – has a lifelong connection to libraries: “My mother took my three sisters and me every week to the Henry County Library in Napoleon, Ohio, and we would load up our tote bags with books. I credit the library (and my mom) for helping me fall in love with reading, and that’s made all the difference in my life.”

The Stanislaus Library Foundation was established as a nonprofit in 1994 as funding decreased for the branches, Portwood said. Today, there are 10 board members who volunteer their time.

“Prior to the passage of the first dedicated library sales tax in 1995,” she said, “all cities in the county contributed funding to the libraries. Funding from the cities had decreased dramatically, resulting in restricted hours, services and programs at all sites.” As an eighth-cent sales tax in 1995 was dedicated to support the libraries, the foundation continued as a group of concerned citizens to supplement those funds.

Dinner at the gala will be catered by Surla’s Restaurant. Local bakers are donating sweets to be bid on during the “lively” dessert auction, Portwood said.

The foundation also welcomes donations from those unable to attend the gala, she added.

“Of course, we love to see our supporters and be able to personally thank them,” she said, “but we also understand busy schedules.”

Treick DeBoard also looks forward to meeting library supporters. “It’s always a thrill to connect with readers, young and old,” she said.

This story was originally published September 6, 2015 at 7:26 PM with the headline "Modesto writer, meal, auction merge to help library."