DeJamaer lauded for devotion
to Blanchard Community Library

Blanchard Community Library recognized service at a recent meeting where they honored retired Board Trustee Brenda DeJamaer who stepped down in December.

Those governing the independent library district at the special reception at the December 16 meeting lauded DeJamaer, a BCL Trustee since 2001.

Board President Linda Spink said DeJamaer built a solid reputation of hard, diverse work during her years of board service, as attested to by former Trustees Ed Geis and Gene Marzec, who both attended the reception. 

Spink noted the BCL accomplishments and milestones that occurred during DeJamaer, who also served various terms as board president, ranging from her support of the library remaining a special district and refurbishment to the facility and parking lot to selling the vacant lot just north of the library.

DeJamaer helped craft the agreement with the city on development fee payments and create new vibrant space in the back of the library building by participating in the cleaning and shelving projects.

She also served on the BCL Personnel Committee, established the Employee Recognition program and “Came to every meeting,” committee, board and otherwise.

DeJamear was also active with library fundraising including the gala Swing for the Seats celebration to replace library chairs and the Tea, Tarts & Art event. 

Spink noted she has been on the BCL board for two years and found early on that DeJamaer was not only helpful, “But became one of my mentors... “

DeJamaer was presented with a plaque recognizing her service inlaid on a wooden storage box and a watercolor of Blanchard Community Library painted by Trustee Maureen Coughlin.

“It’s gorgeous, I just love it,” said DeJamaer, who noted her BCL board service, “Truly has been a labor of love... and I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wonderful board,” through the years. I’ve lived at this library since I was my grandchildren’s age.” 

DeJamaer’s early library devotion spawned a career: a school librarian who is Santa Paula Unified School District Library Educational Specialist, she is recognized for being a strong advocate of reading programs for children. She also has and continues to oversee the school district’s annual Young Writers Contest that each year draws hundreds and hundreds of entries.

Spink noted that DeJamaer is a devoted Western dancer and now, after retiring from the BCL Board after serving three terms, she can now devote more time to dancing at Toby Keith’s.