Solano County Library Foundation: Enriching Lives Through Literacy
Who We Are
Our Mission & History
Here at the Solano County Library Foundation, our passion for spreading the joy of reading and lifelong learning runs deep. Since our inception in December 1994, we've been dedicated to supporting the programs of the Solano County Library and addressing the literacy and lifelong learning needs of our community. Over the years, our commitment has enabled us to raise over $3.5 million, empowering us to make a tangible difference in the lives of many.
Our impact extends far and wide, reaching various segments of our community:
- Early Literacy: Through partnerships with family doctors, we ensure that children aged five and younger receive their very first book, setting them on a path of discovery and imagination from a young age.
- Youth Engagement: Programs like Solano Kids Read Program engage school-age children in exciting literary events, fostering a love for books and learning that can last a lifetime.
- Academic Support: We provide crucial online homework help to elementary and middle-school students, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to excel academically.
- Adult Literacy: Our efforts extend to adults seeking to enhance their literacy skills, opening doors to new opportunities in the workforce and beyond.
- ESL Support: English as a Second Language learners find invaluable support through our services, guiding them on their journey to mastering a new language and integrating into our community.
Each day, our libraries serve as more than just buildings filled with books—they become havens for book lovers and avid readers, nurturing a lifelong love affair with literature. Through our collective efforts, we strive to create a community where access to knowledge is abundant and where the joy of reading is celebrated by all. Join us as we continue to make a difference, one page at a time.
Solano County Library Foundation Executive Board
Dr. Genea Brice, President
Inaugural Poet Laureate, Vallejo
Genea’s passionate belief in the power of words served her well as Vallejo’s first Poet Laureate. She attributes her love for the spoken word to Dr. Maya Angelou as well as to her mother who, like Genea, is a published poet. “Our home was filled with words...LOTS OF WORDS!” she says. “There were lots of books and someone was always preparing a speech, singing songs, or writing something. The fire of inspiration was stoked early in my young life” After a long day’s work you might find Genea unwinding at her favorite browse-the-aisles haunt-Ross, hiking Pena Adobe Park or exercising at the gym.
Jeanne A. Strong, Vice-President
Literacy Mentor, Tutor
Solano County Library’s tutoring program gives Jeanne the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of adults, most of whom are learning English as a second language. She also discovered another pastime through connecting with a group at the library This group introduced her to Project Linus, an initiative that provides children up to 18 years old who are seriously ill or traumatized with handmade crocheted or knitted blankets. “My mother used to knit” says Jeanne. “It’s a soothing pastime and so gratifying to provide warmth for these kids in need.”
Karren Moore-Jordan, Treasurer
Attorney-at-law
Strong family ties are a hallmark of SCLF board members. “I most admire my maternal grandmother” shares Karren, who loves to quilt and spend time outdoors capturing the wonders of nature with her camera. When asked if she could have any other job, Karren is quick to say that she would cherish teaching young people the art of quilting. A perfect ending to her work day includes a walk where she can watch the sun set.
Ravi C. Shankar, BSEE, MBA, Secretary
Redwood-Banyan & Vallejo Business Services
“Solano County’s seven cities contain such diverse cultures”, says Ravi. “Plus the wide range of non-profits wanting to make a difference inspires one to contribute.” He admires the work of such visionary leaders as Jimmy Carter, Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa. Supporting community gardens is just one of Ravi’s passions and he can often be found jogging on Vallejo’s waterfront, joining multi-cultural chants and hanging out with his grandkids.
Patricia Kutza, Board Member-at-Large
Author, Partner – DGMS & Co.
“Since I was a kid, libraries have provided a safe place for expanding my imagination,” says Patricia. “I met my first role-model, Nancy Drew, in the stacks of the Portage Park Library (Chicago).” Supporting the Foundation’s mission to increase literacy skills is a natural reflection of her belief that words matter. When she wants to revive her spirit, Patricia can be found playing jazz piano, swimming laps or challenging a chess bot.
Shantelle “S.Ladybug” Brumfield Board Member
Director of Community Engagement/Story2Brand LLC
Shantelle has crisscrossed the world, connecting communities and cultures with her passion for crocheting. The words of her grandmother Virginia are ever-present for this native Vallejo resident: “Never allow grass to grow under your feet and never give up on your dreams.” After a long day’s work, a warm bath, a glass of wine and a home-cooked meal of African, Caribbean or Asian-infused food suits her just fine.
Essex Cook, Board Member
Commissioner, Suisun Parks and Recreation Department
Essex delights in the diversity of Solano County’s ‘beautiful rich cultures’ and getting to know his neighbors. He thinks of himself as a ‘walking testament’ of what the men he most admires instilled in him: the virtues of patience, kindness and humility. “I was taught”, he says “to always walk two miles with someone even if they ask for one.” He does it with his personal motto: HBHF – Handle Biz Have Fun!
Cheryl Stiles-Haskins, Board Member
"There’s a lot to love in Solano County!" says Cheryl. She enjoys sharing its physical beauty and sense of community when visitors come calling. While traveling the world holds its allure, when she is at home she likes nothing better than kicking back in a peaceful spot lulled by the sweet sounds of jazz or classical music. Keeping her circle of loved ones close is paramount to Cheryl, honoring the strong example set by her mother.
Natalie Kidder, Board Member
Founder, Another Chapter
Solano County gets high points for providing its residents with a ‘great sense of community.’ says Natalie. She applied her formidable project management skills to her lead role in managing the Foundation’s signature fund-raiser, the 2023 Author’s Luncheon. Her work and her advocacy for the Solano County Library Foundation are a perfect fit for her favorite pastime: Reading! Spending time with her family, she says, is about as good as it gets.
Ariel Ortilla, Board Member
A great book creates a strong bond with its reader. This year as he does every year, Ariel revisits “The Little Prince.” He also loves to visit libraries where postings of events throughout Solano County help feed his passion for gardening, dancing and hiking. They are also great places for learning more about the person he most admires-Abraham Lincoln. If Ariel was to meet his younger self today, he would exhort him to “listen, read, think and act.”
Mario Saucedo, Board Member
President, Solano AIDS Coalition
Like many of SCLF’s Board Members, Mario feels enriched by Solano County’s diverse mix of cultures. It informs his artwork which he takes such pleasure in crafting. When asked which person he most admires, Mario is quick to mention his mother. Given the chance to meet his younger self, he would advise him to “do the best that you can as a human being.”
Roosevelt Tarlesson, Board Member
Bio coming soon
Ramona Thomas, Board Member
Author, Economic Development Project Manager
Tutoring adults in Solano County Library’s Adult Literacy Program is a natural impulse for Ramona who fondly remembers her mother as an “independent, forward-thinking woman and generous philanthropist.” After a long’s day work, she relishes relaxing in the jacuzzi or taking a class at a local gym. While Ramona has enjoyed her career choices, she would still jump at the chance to be a film critic and talk show host.
Our Staff
Colleen Porter
SCLF Office Administrator
With lots of farms and open spaces, Solano County still has “a county feel’, says Colleen. And plenty of festivals that connect its residents with farmers and artists one might not find in the nearby Sacramento or San Francisco. She is a voracious reader and finishes about 2 books a week. In her imagination, Coll
SCLF Office Administrator
With lots of farms and open spaces, Solano County still has “a county feel’, says Colleen. And plenty of festivals that connect its residents with farmers and artists one might not find in the nearby Sacramento or San Francisco. She is a voracious reader and finishes about 2 books a week. In her imagination, Colleen visualizes herself as a linguist, so skilled that she could “speak with any person” -- expanding her ability to better understand her universe.