Red-clad tables banked with silver lanterns and red poinsettia wrapped in green foil greeted the Friends of the Library meeting in the lobby of Downey City Hall. Presents for everyone, as Myra and her associates handed out the green-tinsel-tied red mini-boxes of See’s Candy.

Claudia Daily was throwing one of her annual parties to celebrate the Friends and volunteers who make the Downey City Library’s outreach programs work. Even though the bricks and mortar building is closed until next June, the library’s cadre of active and committed volunteers is busier than ever while they are waiting.

In her welcoming remarks, Claudia thanked the Friends of the Library and the volunteers. Friends Treasurer Susan Bouris added to that a list of specifics the Friends have made possible with the remarkable $32,000 they donate yearly: expenses for the children’s summer reading program, Story Times, teen programming, a new lap-top kiosk in the library, and two recent children’s author events held at the Columbia Memorial Space Center and the Downey Theater.

There are a lot of gently used 50 cent books sold in the Friends’ Bookstore Around the Corner.

**Susan Bouris, pen in hand, ready to enroll new members. Photo by Lorine Parks**

Susan also made a pitch to sign up members for 2020 and she collected several $15 payments to enroll. Only $5 for students, $25 for families. The Friends also raise money at the every-other-month-dinners at participating restaurants. Next meeting: Yoli’s Mexican Kitchen at 9006 Gallatin Road. Contributions can also go to the Friends if you shop at Ralph’s or Amazon.

It seems that the older the volunteer, the more they have taken on. And they aren’t just confining their interests to the library. They are involved in so many Downey doings. What a delightful and inspiring group.

“She’s a jewel,” said Colleen Edmonson, of hostess Claudia. Colleen, who used to be a primary grade teacher, now enjoys tutoring adults in learning the English language. Students want to be able to use English to pass the DMV written test, get their high school GED, or talk by phone with representatives of the phone company when they are not getting satisfactory service. Teach that last one to all of us, Colleen.

Colleen has become good friends with so many of her students, ranging from Spanish speaking Guatemalans to transplanted residents of South Korean, Cambodia and the Ukraine.

“Tonight I’m invited to a Christmas dinner by my Spanish speaking student,” said Colleen, “and last week I went to eat with my Ukrainian student’s family. We had special seasonal delicacies. I am so lucky.”

Colleen also coordinates a Bible study group. Who do you suppose is the lucky one?

If one quality could be said to be common to the volunteers, it might be the desire to pass on the treasures of the civilized mind that libraries have traditionally preserved.

“I love to teach and to learn,” said Colleen, who also keeps fit taking line dancing, with co-volunteer Virginia Yoshiyama. “And I teach Sunday School to third to fifth graders. They’re 8 to 10 years old, and they are so eager to learn. They’re smart and responsive at that age.”

Colleen is also planning to learn conversational Spanish from Duolingo online.

Colleen taught, then retired to raise a family, taught again, retired, and now is back at teaching at the library’s literacy program. She also takes on a few children for piano lessons, for those who can’t afford it.

“One student is 12 years old,” Colleen said, “and he was teaching himself to play by watching YouTube. His parents had gotten him a keyboard from the thrift shop, and he was learning to read notes. He is so motivated, he learns quickly.”

Seen in the festively decorated lobby (such a good use of public space by the City of Downey): Vicki Spearman and Beverly Mathis, both library board members and both long time Soroptimists, that group that works tirelessly to secure “the best for women and girls.”

Other volunteers: Sue Klein, Virginia Yoshiyama, who always wears a beautiful flower in her upswept hair; Mary Stevens, who doubles as an active member of the Downey Symphonic Society board; and Elsa Frasier, who coordinated work schedules for the Around the Corner Used Book Store.

We feasted on “country cooking,” as Claudia termed all the goodies she herself had baked and brought. “They’re not perfect.” Well, Claudia, they are close.

Walnut brownies and tiny pecan pie bites were offered next to a perfect moist angel food cake, my favorite, which sat beside mini-muffins with cinnamon crumble crust; cookies with great lumps of macadamia nuts and cranberries; and two platters of fresh watermelon slices and other fruits.

“Claudia makes everyone so comfortable in her reading sessions,” said Colleen, who has been tutoring for over 15 years. “The students are not afraid to try to speak up and write because the atmosphere is so warm.”

Claudia herself oversees the Literacy endeavors, and my table mate Colleen agreed that Claudia is the heart and soul of the programs.

And then there’s volunteer Ethyl Kendrick. I couldn’t even get past the first days of the week on her busy calendar.

“Monday’s there’s the children’s program,” Ethyl said, “at Old River Elementary. We have a Child Evangelism Good News Club after school. A song, a prayer, a Bible story and then review. We give them a snack on their way home at 4 pm. Then I go to the Methodist Church at 5th Street and Downey Avenue. We eat first and then have Bible study, and then I go home to my family.”

“Tuesday is therapy,” said Ethyl. “I go to the beautiful pool on Florence that Jack LaLanne left to the city. From 9 to 10 I’m in the water – that’s for my knees. Then 10 to 12, chair exercises. Wednesdays I decide between the program at the Downey Women’s Club and the Paramount Women’s Club – my girlfriend gave me a membership there for my birthday.”

“You are really plugged into the action,” I said.

“I have nine grandchildren,” Ethyl said, a bright spot on a dull overcast day in her silver spangled black filigree blouse with six-strands of pearls to fill in the neckline, over a red top and pants and shawl, with a sparkly red hairband and a black-bowed cap. Ethyl’s smile is irresistible.

“Get out and meet people,” said Ethyl.

“Life is overflowing,” I said.

“The Bible says to enjoy,” replied Ethyl. “God wants us to be happy.”

Downey Library volunteers celebrate the holidays and look forward to 2020