Focus on Stanton Volunteers keep library branch going

The you can hear a pin drop silence that ordinarily blankets libraries of all sizes is pleasantly broken by laughter and conversation. Five volunteers are going about their work in the Stanton branch of the Orange County Public Library. The active members of the Friends of Stanton Library, two of whom are in their 70s, spend at least one morning a week covering and patching books, stamping due dates and organizing shelves. But the Friends do more than common, necessary tasks. They also improve the morale of the shrinking staff, funds to the decreasing budget and recognition of all the Stanton branch has to offer. "They're like a mother to the library," Librarian Elke Faraci said of the volunteers. "They want only the best for the library and the kids (who use it)." The library support group has been in Stanton for about six years. The once-large group gradually has dwindled to five active members. And it's only been since July, when Faraci began working at the Stanton branch, that the Friends' worth has been fully realized. "The ages are not young here but what they do, compared to larger libraries, is amazing," Faraci said. "Other groups have 30 or 40 volunteers and three of them do all the work. We only have five volunteers, and they do the work of 30." Of the active members Pat Royce, Dorothy Miller, Ballita Schafer, Shirlean Speidel and Joan Montgomery only Royce lives in Stanton. The others volunteer for various reasons. Miller worked at the library for 15 years and couldn't stay away after she retired. Speidel, who lives in Garden Grove, said her home is right in between two"But you needed me more," she said to the other women with a smile. Speidel brings an extra contribution each Christmas. Her sister, Norraine Voegtle, from Rochester, N.Y., comes to visit but spends her stay volunteering at the library. Both help with crafts and decorations. "For Christmas we had ribbons on everything," Faraci said. The Friends make money to support all they do with used-book sales. The money goes to both essential and "wish list" items for the library. The group has paid for videos, books, a camera, batteries for emergency flashlights and a coffeemaker. They also give the libary staff morale boosters, such as holiday parties. "Budgets are being cut severiy so we are completely dependant on the Friends," Faraci said. However, their efforts reach beyond library walls into the community. The Friends sponsored a Back to Civic Center Night in the fall and a Chamber of Commerce Mixer in December. "It really allowed us to hit the business community in a postivie way," Faraci said. "