Published: November 01, 2009 11:23 pm      

'I love libraries': Longtime supporter helped make fundraiser a success

Libraries are a treasure house of information, according to Berenice Mihalick, one of the founding members of the Friends of the Cambria County Library.

Mihalick, who was practically born with a book in her hands, and other like-minded people formed Friends in 1985 to help the library grow.

As the first president of the organization, she was instrumental in making a fundraiser called the Trash for Treasure sale a success.

The event, held each November for more than 20 years, became the organization’s largest fundraiser, consistently raising more than $1,000.

Manpower and storage space for the donated items, however, became serious issues, so Friends decided to make this year’s event the final one.

It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday in the Community Room of the library, located at 248 Main St., Johnstown.

Mihalick and her friend Genevieve Schaefer, who was chairperson of the fundraiser for many years, worked hard to make the event succeed, fellow members of the organization said.

Mihalick said people from the community along with the library staff and members of Friends donated items for the sale.

“Through the years, we had excellent support,” said Mihalick, who served as president for 15 consecutive years and remains an active member.

Items that are being sought for the event include clean household goods such as sheets, pillowcases and blankets, jewelry, dishes, dolls, toys and knickknacks.

“I love libraries,” Mihalick said about why she is involved with Friends.

“It is exciting to be able to go to a library and have access to all the books. You have the world at your fingers when you are able to secure books to read.”

Mihalick said Schaefer did a great job for many years with the Trash and Treasure Sale.

Mihalick believes it’s important to be involved in the community. She is an active member at Our Mother of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church in Westmont and with the Memorial Medical Center Auxiliary.

For her efforts, Mihalick, who resides at the Presbyterian Home in Upper Yoder Township, is the Person of the Week.

Trudy Myers, public relations coordinator for the library and a member of Friends, said Mihalick made a great president.

“Her gregarious personality made everybody feel welcome and comfortable,” she said.

Deb Winterscheidt, past president of Friends and now its recording secretary, said Mihalick is one of those people who is genuinely nice.

“You enjoyed working with Bernie,” she said. “She always has cared not only about the library, but also about the people involved,” she said.

Friends has other fundraisers with its used book sale, held each September, now the most successful.