The Sun, San Bernardino, CA - November 11, 2004

DOLLY D. CONTRERAS never asked for recognition for the thousands of hours of volunteer service she gave to the San Bernardino Public Library. She just wanted to inspire children to read. “Whenever she gave to the library, it was always for something having to do with children. She recognized that children are our future,” said Mike Clark, a friend and associate librarian at the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library in San Bernardino.

Contreras, a longtime resident of San Bernardino, died October 28 at Reche Canyon Convalescent Hospital in Colton. The cause of death was unavailable. She was 88. She was born April 17, 1916 in Richmond, VA. She graduated from Antes Township High School in 1933. While working in Honolulu during World War II, she met her future husband, Joe. They were married until his death in 1997.

The couple moved to San Bernardino in the late 1950s. Contreras worked at Norton Air Force Base until she retired in 1967. She then became a volunteer for the San Bernardino Public Library, mostly volunteering in the children’s department. “Whenever the children’s department needed something, Dolly provided it,” Clark said. “The library’s aquarium in the Children’s Room became too expensive for the library to maintain, and Dolly became one of the major contributors for aquarium maintenance.”

In 1996, Contreras transferred to the Rowe Branch Library, where she processed books, doing a lot of work at home. Even in her 80s, Contreras found ways to volunteer for the library. “From the time she retired to the time she passed away, she was always calling to see if there was some sort of volunteer work she could do, even at home,” Clark said. “She would take National Geographic pictures, cut them out and past them on boards for teachers to use as aides.”

More than anything, Contreras will be remembered for her infectious smile and laugh, friends say. “She took such delight in seeing everyone in the library,” said Irene Thomsen, a friend and manager of the Rowe Branch Library. “She really had a great personality. She could be such a crackup. She could smooth over any rough edges no matter what the situation.”

There are no survivors. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. November 19 at the Norman F. Feldheym Central Library, 555 W. Sixth St. The Neptune Society handled arrangements.

Donations may be made to the Del Rosa United Methodist Church, 3350 Del Rosa Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92404, or to the San Bernardino Public Library, 555 W. Sixth St., San Bernardino, CA 92410.

NOTE: Submitter is not related in any way to deceased. Obituary is provided for genealogical interest only.

~RIP~