NEWS AND PHOTOS
The Benches are Here!
Funds from the Friends of the Nipomo Library were used to purchase two commemorative benches for the patio area out front. The plaques read: "In honor of the dedicated Nipomo Library volunteers, past, present, and future. Your service enriches our community."
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In addition, a plaque has been temporarily installed in front of our library. This plaque honors the subject of arguably the most iconic photo of the Great Depression, "Migrant Mother," by Dorothea Lange, taken in 1936 right here in Nipomo. Then plaque will remain at the library until it can be moved to a permanent home in Jim Miller Park on Tefft Street. Be sure to stop by to see this tribute to a nationally significant photo and the woman behind it.
THANKS FOR YOUR MANY YEARS OF SERVICE!
FONL Board members honored three long-timers who left our ranks at a Board lunch recently: Nancy Brown, a former Board secretary; Bill Palmer, who was treasurer; and Marie Kyle, a former Board member who most recently managed intake and sorting of all book donations. Thank you so much, Nancy, Bill, and Marie!
REMEMBERING EVA MAY BETZ
"One in a million.... an amazing woman with an amazing life." That's how those who knew her describe Friends of the Nipomo Library "pioneer" Eva May Betz, who passed away on Feb. 21 at the age of 99.
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Born in Montana, Eva spent her formative years in Los Angeles, where she eventually met and married her husband of 66 years, William (Bill) Betz. Upon Bill's retirement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in the late 1970s, the couple moved to Nipomo, which became their much-loved home for nearly five decades.
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"When they retired, she blossomed," notes their daughter, Janet. It was at this point that Eva became a dedicated volunteer and with her husband was a founding member of the Friends. In its early days, the organization was focused on raising money for what would become the library in its present site on West Tefft. Eva held various board positions through the years and dove headfirst into fundraising. The library was dedicated in 1996 and this year celebrates its 30th anniversary.
"Even well into her 80s she was helping at the book sales...lifting up boxes, displaying books..."recalls longtime Friends member Linda Short. "She was passionate about the Nipomo Library."
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The driving force behind Eva's devotion and community involvement was her love for children. "She was an avid reader and wanted to be part of something that would be important to young people," Janet continues. Libraries represent the "best of humanity" and are open to everyone, young or old, no matter their means or station in life. Eva rounded out her community advocacy as a member of the original group behind the rebuilding of the Dana Adobe and was also an elementary-school volunteer.
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Through the years her work was recognized by many. Honors included the Nipomo Chamber's Citizen of the Year Award in 2003 and in 2013 The President's Call to Service Award, accompanied by a congratulatory letter from President Obama.
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Eva was preceded in death by her husband, who passed away in 2014, and a daughter, Paula Betz, and is survived by her daughters, Janet Betz and Susan Tolson, as well as a granddaughter and a great-grandson.
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BOOK SALE
March 14 was warm, but that didn't deter the many book- (and jigsaw puzzle- and digital media-) lovers from the Friends' first book sale of the year. The sale netted nearly $1,200. Mark your calendars for our next sale: July 11.