In 1998 Copperopolis was growing in leaps and bounds and some folks in our town made it clear that we too deserved a library. Soon thereafter a library was forthcoming. A small little office type library located in Cosmic Court with Valerie at the helm. Locating the library was not easy except for the fact that there was an aged oak tree in the parking lot that was estimated to be well over 100, pushing 200 years old which helped with directions. Within a few years, the tree long since gone much to the dismay of the community, the library found a new home by Primo's Pizzeria. Valerie moved right along with it.
By her side every step of the way was her daughter Cassidy. As Cassidy grew Valerie chose to homeschool, so 'Cass' would often be found in the library researching, studying or helping people research or study. Cass was often found by her mother's side as she volunteered also. As treasurer of the Lake Tulloch Lions Club, Valerie wears many hats within that organization enjoying the outreach that she does in the community through Lions Club medic alert bracelets, eyeglasses and medical equipment for those in need.
With literature running through her veins Valerie is a staunch supporter of reading banned books and celebrates authors that are challenged by those who wish to silence their works. This month was Judy Blume's birthday "the most challenged author today." To bring the joy of reading into young person's lives Valerie volunteers her time at Copper Elementary working with the Read Naturally program helping children to learn and read in a one-on-one setting.
One would think with her life steeped in literature Valerie's passion would follow along those lines, but she claims her real passion to be "real foods, homegrown" but quickly adds "children, too." This passion has allowed her to run the local CSA (Community Sustainable Agriculture) through the library bringing local and seasonal homegrown produce to the community. Following along the line of natural, sustainable and joyful, Valerie makes a conscious effort to shop locally, meaning handmade, hand grown, etc. She enjoys the challenge of matching a handmade product perfectly with the person she has chosen the gift for. So if you ever receive a gift from Valerie...it was chosen specifically with you in mind.
When not reading, talking about reading, teaching reading, or helping someone find something to read, Valerie enjoys the outdoors, "the water, the desert, the mountains" she loves it all. Currently, due to working two jobs she finds that wearing crazy socks substitutes her desire to be outside. Just one look at her mismatched and wildly colored socks and one can easily see why they make her smile.
After all these years Valerie's favorite part of her job is working with the public. The variety of people and the different ages that pass by her desk on any given day lights her smile and keeps her mind sharp.
This job seems to suit Valerie to a 't' as she says, "I am always learning, thirsty for knowledge."
Valerie's favorite book is 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran.
The final line of The Prophet, 'A little while, a moment of rest upon the wind, and another woman shall bear me.'
