Call Her Tenacious!
/
County Library Director Jose Aponte, Volunteer of the Month Christine Connell, Supervisor Dianne Jacob, Alpine Library Branch Manager Elisabeth Newbold
The County’s Volunteer of the Month doesn’t mind the moniker at all. Christine Connell was recognized as Volunteer of the Month by the County Board of Supervisors Tuesday. The Alpine resident was commended for donating her time to the Alpine County Library for the last nine years. She’s so devoted she’s also serving as the President of the Alpine Library Friends Association or ALFA.
Originally from England, Connell moved to Alpine from the Bay area 13 years ago. The first thing she did after unpacking her boxes was get a library card. She volunteers because she believes it’s important. The rest is history.
Among her many duties, Connell sets up for branch programs, runs meetings and helps out in the bookstore.
During the Board meeting, Supervisor Jacob described Connell as a passionate and energetic advocate for the San Diego County Library.
“She’s very tenacious, I can tell you that personally,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob. “She continues to push for that Alpine Library.”
In response to the commendation, Connell said she feels like a fraud. She’s one of 200 members of the Alpine Library Friends Association and they all work like a well-oiled machine. Admittedly, she says, sometimes as a cranky old machine what with lugging books around and fund-raising.
What is most rewarding about giving her time? The people. Connell says it’s a joy to volunteer for branch manager Elizabeth Newbold. The admiration is mutual.
“She never lets you down,” said Elisabeth Newbold. “Even if she’s out of town, she makes sure things stay organized.”
But what about that new library? The current library has been in the same location for 30 years. The branch is only about 3,000 square feet and Connell says there just isn’t enough space for the branch’s many programs and library patrons who want to read.
The lot for a new library was purchased several years ago and will be four times larger than the current one. The hitch, of course, is funding to furnish and equip the library so Connell is working hard to get it.
“I think Supervisor Jacob said I’m tenacious. I think we have to be because we really, really, really need our new library,” said Connell. “And she’s promised to do her best to make that happen so we’re push, push, pushing to bring our new beautiful, beautiful library to Alpine.”
Tenacious? That’s just another word for not readily letting go of, or giving up. And that sounds exactly like the County’s Volunteer of the Month for October 2012 Christine Connell!