About The paso robles library foundation
Our Impact
We are a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the services, resources, and facilities of the Paso Robles City Library. Our mission is to support the library's role as a vibrant community hub where learning, creativity, and connection thrive. Through the generosity of our donors and the hard work of our volunteers, we have been able to make the following impact in recent years:
Library Study Center Facility
We've been able to open the Library Study Center, a modern space designed to provide a quiet and focused environment for students and learners of all ages. This facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and resources to support academic success and lifelong learning.
Summer Reading Program
To foster a love of reading and learning among children, we launched a dynamic Summer Reading Program. This initiative encourages young readers to explore new books, engage in educational activities, and develop their literacy skills during the summer break.
Zip Books Program Expansion
Our expansion of the "Zip Books" program has made it easier for library patrons to access a wider range of books and materials. This innovative service allows users to request books that are not available in the library's collection and have them delivered directly to their homes.
New Furniture for Staff and Visitors
We understand the importance of a comfortable and welcoming environment. That's why we've funded the purchase of new furniture for both staff and visitors, enhancing the overall experience at the library.
Back Patio Development
The newly built back patio provides a beautiful outdoor space for reading, relaxing, and community events. This addition has created a versatile area for patrons to enjoy the library in a fresh, open-air setting.
Study Center Water Fountain
To support the health and convenience of our visitors, we've installed a water fountain in the study center. This addition ensures that everyone has easy access to fresh water while they work and learn.
Children's Library Launchpads
We've added 12 new Launchpads to the Children's Library, offering interactive learning tools that make education fun and engaging for young minds. These devices are loaded with educational apps and games, providing a valuable resource for parents and children alike.
At the Paso Robles Library Foundation, we believe in the power of libraries to transform lives and communities. We are proud of the progress we've made and are excited about the future projects and initiatives that will continue to support our beloved library. Thank you for being part of our journey!
Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community through the power of knowledge and learning.
Our Purpose
The Paso Robles City Library is a jewel in our community which provides access to the tools for lifelong learning. In addition to traditional resources, special programs are developed for the enrichment of all age groups. As a city library, core funding is provided by the City of Paso Robles. However, our Library can only grow its collection and continue to offer enrichment programming with donations from the community to library support organizations such as the Foundation.
Our Mission
The Paso Robles Library Foundation is dedicated to enriching our community by supporting the Paso Robles City Library. Through advocacy, fundraising, and volunteerism, we aim to enhance library programs, expand access to educational resources, and foster a love of reading and lifelong learning for all residents. Our commitment is to ensure that the library remains a vibrant, inclusive, and essential hub of knowledge, culture, and community engagement.
Our board members
President Alicia DiGrazia
Vice President Traci Townsend-Gieg
Vice President Traci Townsend-Gieg
Alicia, a proud California native, relocated to the Central Coast in 2000 to pursue her education at Cuesta College and Cal Poly State University. Upon graduating, she settled in Paso Robles, where she launched her successful career in real estate. Alicia is passionate about contributing to the community and is excited to support the Paso Robles Library Foundation's efforts to help the library thrive.
Vice President Traci Townsend-Gieg
Vice President Traci Townsend-Gieg
Vice President Traci Townsend-Gieg
Traci Townsend-Gieg moved to Paso Robles from Carmel Valley with her husband in September 2020 and joined the Foundation board in April 2021. As a military child from ages 7 to 17, she cherished visiting local military base libraries and securing a library card at each new duty station.
Traci's passion for books and libraries is long-standing. She worked as a library student assistant in high school and managed a bookstore in Philadelphia in the 1980s. Her commitment to ensuring access to books has been a central part of her life. Now retired, Traci previously worked as a nonprofit and small business consultant, specializing in program management, executive staff and board training, and grant writing.
Treasurer Diana Leahy
Vice President Traci Townsend-Gieg
Secretary Cathy Pinney
Diana and her husband relocated to Paso Robles from Orange County, a place they frequently visited with their two children, especially when their son was attending Cal Poly.
An avid reader and book lover, Diana has always enjoyed volunteering at the library. Now working part-time, she continues to find joy in supporting the library and its staff through her service on the Foundation board. She is thrilled by the community's vision and the head librarian's plans, and she eagerly anticipates seeing these exciting developments come to life.
Secretary Cathy Pinney
Secretary Cathy Pinney
Secretary Cathy Pinney
Cathy and her husband moved to Paso Robles from Santa Rosa, CA, in 2017, transitioning from one beautiful locale to another. They have found the Central Coast to be a wonderful place to call home. Cathy has worked in the insurance industry for over 30 years as a Surety Bond Agent, a specialized field of insurance.
A passionate reader and lifelong learner, Cathy developed her love for books early through visits to school and community libraries. She can spend hours among the book stacks, especially drawn to rare books with their evocative scent of history and ability to ignite the imagination. This fascination began during her college years while studying at the Bodleian Libraries in Oxford, England.
Cathy is excited to contribute to the Paso Robles Library Foundation, where she looks forward to supporting the library's growth, innovation, and response to community needs.
Pamela Alch
Secretary Cathy Pinney
Pamela Alch
Pam retired to Paso Robles ten years ago and immediately began volunteering at the library. Her dedication led her to join the Board of Trustees, where she served as President for four years.
"My mother instilled a love of reading in me as a child by taking me to the local library almost every week," Pam recalls.
She firmly believes that the library is a vital part of the community and is proud to be part of the Foundation, which supports the library's growth and future development.