Shafter Library receives collection of books

The Bakersfield Republican Women, Federated, made a donation of value-rich books to the Shafter Library last Thursday. Linda Kissack-Watkins and President Annette Londquist visited the library and gave the large collection of books to Samantha Saldana, Shafter's librarian.

"We usually give the books to a school, but this year, we heard about the challenges that the city of Shafter and its library went through, and we had to give the books to them," said Kissack-Watkins. "I think it is so awesome what Shafter did after being abandoned by the Kern County Library System."

Established in 1963, Bakersfield Republican Women has a history of fostering women as leaders and promoting the party. Their main focus is to educate people on issues through speakers and conferences, and they are very involved in the issues of education and literacy. The donation is a part of the Mamie Eisenhower Library Project, which is celebrating its 60th year of book donations. The first lady was active in developing projects to promote literacy in children.

Londquist said that the renovation of the library was amazing, and she commented on the murals and the new classrooms. "I look at the kids on their tech devices, and I think that is great, but what thrills me is when I take a look around here and see all of these kids reading."

Each year, the NFRW Literacy and Education Committee compiles a list of books that reflect Republican conservative beliefs of self-reliance, freedom and independence. In 1992, DVDs and streaming services were added to the list.