Jean Vincenzi Honored as Friend of the Library

When Jean Vincenzi retired from her professorship at Saddleback College after 25 years of teaching mathematics, she decided to turn her attention to the community. A San Juan Capistrano resident since 1979, Vincenzi felt the urge to volunteer in some capacity and considered helping at a local hospital.

“I’m not exactly a blood and guts person with the nerves necessary to work around emergency operations,” Vincenzi admitted. 

So she decided to donate her time somewhere much calmer than an emergency room—the public library.

“Books are nice and clean,” Vincenzi said. 

For the past 14 years, Vincenzi has been one of the most outspoken and involved members of Friends of the Library, a nonprofit group that has actually existed longer than the itself. She just recently retired from the position of president of the organization, leaving behind a list of accomplishments, including a much needed refurbishment.

“I’ve always wanted to give something back and stay busy in the community,” said Vincenzi, an 81-year-old native of Buffalo, N.Y., in reaction to her name being added to the city’s Wall of Recognition during a June 28 ceremony. 

During Vincenzi’s tenure as president of Friends of the Library, the building and its interior have undergone some subtle and prominent changes. It received fresh paint and carpeting for the first time in 22 years during a recent renovation that wrapped up in December.

There is actually now a sign in front of the building that identifies it as the city’s public library. “I had quite a few people come up to me and ask where the library is located, despite the fact that it was right in front of them,” Vincenzi said. “It just didn’t make much sense not to have a sign.”

The library received a major technological touch-up during the renovation as well—a new computer center.

Friends of the Library has been tested more in recent years than in the past because of government budgetary cuts, according to Vincenzi. 

“Library funding is always among the first thing to be cut from spending, which is a shame,” Vincenzi said. 

The group strives to make up for a lack of financial assistance in different ways, including a used book shop near the back of the library. They’re also always on the lookout for donations.

“We’re all volunteers trying to make a difference and continue improving the library,” Vincenzi said. “It’s a community effort so help is always appreciated.”