On Wednesday, the San Diego County Library El Cajon Branch Library turned 100 years old. Its beginnings were humble, first established in 1912 located in Crabb’s drug store with 100 volumes of popular and standard works, free to the public.
On Wednesday, the San Diego County Library El Cajon Branch Library turned 100 years old. Its beginnings were humble, first established in 1912 located in Crabb’s drug store with 100 volumes of popular and standard works, free to the public.
Nancy Saint John, library branch manager said at that time, you could go to the drugstore on Main Street, buy some hair tonic and check out a book at the same time. When thinking what would be good for the centennial celebration of the library and recognizing Older Americans Month, that nothing could be better than the Rhinestone Grannies.
“Their show is perfect for the centennial,” she said. “Today was fabulous and looks like about 85 people showed up with standing room only. It was a great turnout and I am just delighted. I think for older Americans to see the Rhinestone Grannies be so spry and energetic is a real positive feeling.”
And spry they were. The troop of seven performed for a solid hour, constantly changing costumes and provided funny, memorable and moving sets from “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” to “God Bless America.” An unforgettable performance was its rendition of “Memory” from the musical “Cats,” complete with lack of memory and hysterical lines of forgetfulness.
Adrienne Hart founded the group 15 years ago, is 73 with two children and three grandchildren. The entire troop’s age ranges between 65 and 82.
Friends of the Library Rita Cloud, one of the founders of the group is reaching its 50th birthday in June. It sells books and does fundraisers to raise money to support the library.
“We have a bookstore and when it began if we made $2,000 once a year at a book sale we were doing good,” said Cloud. “Now we make that much a month. Volunteers run it and they work very, very hard. I am very proud of that because we used to work all year to make that much money.”
Friends of the Library take donations, books, textbooks, DVDs, VHS, music, and even unopened board games. Volunteer Barbara Price said ways the public can help the library is by shopping at its bookstore, become a member, volunteer and donate. She said one of its largest fundraisers of the year is its Christmas Auction, full of great auction items, wonderful food and a good time.
