Poway's Wendy Rios Named Vice President of County Library Friends

Poway's Wendy Rios, who said the library saved her life as a child, has been named vice president of a countywide library fundraising group.

"The library was my rock," Rios said. "I'm honored to be chosen and it's going to be a challenge."

Rios was elected the 2013-14 vice president of the Library Friends of San Diego County, which raises money for county library branches. She's also led the Poway Friends of the Library, which she currently serves as vice president.

She was nominated and elected from 32 Friends of the Library groups, which the library system's director called the "greatest allies."

"They not only support us financially through their fundraising efforts, but are also steadfast advocates within the communities we serve," Library Director José Aponte said in a statement.

But while Rios is serving the library now, it was the library that served her when she needed it most. Rios said she had an abusive childhood and an alcoholic parent, but the library was a way out for her.

"Without the library, I never would have been able to do all the things I did in my life," she said.

In 2011, Rios was chosen as one of Patch's Prime Poway Women and said not a day goes by without her reading.

"I grew up with books in my crib," she said.

Earlier this year, Rios won a library essay contest and donated her cash prize back to the library foundation.

Other 2013-14 Library Friends of San Diego County officers:

• Pat Freeman, president (Del Mar) 
• Leslie Ward, treasurer (Fletcher Hills and Lakeside) 
• Nancy Stone, recording secretary (Imperial Beach)
• George Steinitz, corresponding secretary (Campo)
• Members-at-large: Shirley Fisher (Jacumba), Dick Wayman (Ramona) and Irene Blacklock (Bonita-Sunnyside)