The Oakdale-Riverbank-Escalon Branch (ORE), founded in 1962, is committed to the educational, cultural and environmental improvement of our area as well as our world. We offer thought-provoking programs, varied interest groups and the opportunity to socialize with a diverse group of educated, interesting women. We share a common commitment to continued learning, women’s issues and community betterment. Our common mission in AAUW is to break through barriers for women and girls. Our branch’s primary function is to support and mentor young girls from our community, beginning in junior high with Tech Trek and continuing through high school and college.
Our membership base draws from the three Central Valley towns – Oakdale (population 23,045), Riverbank (population 25,001) and Escalon (population 7,246). There are no barriers to membership based on gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. We are privileged to share membership in the National AAUW and the California AAUW communities.
Current Events – 2025
2024 -2026 officers – Leah Silvestre Franklin, Co-President; Sharon Hawley-Crum, Treasurer; Carolyn O’Neal, Secretary; (not pictured, Mary Wolgamot, Co-President)
Sarah Dentan, Stanislaus Library Director: “On the Freedom to Read and other Library Issues” Saturday, April 12, 2025, 1000 A.M.
A strong community has a strong library.
– Cindy Hohl, American Library Association President, 2024 – 2025
Benjamin Franklin is credited with founding America’s first lending library and being the predecessor of the free public library. Public libraries are one of the few truly public places left in America – places that are inclusive and that welcome everyone. But they aren’t without challenges such as inadequate funding, book ban battles, and becoming less a repository for books and more all-purpose community centers offering community interaction and access to social services, in addition to traditional materials and programs. The Stanislaus County Library is no exception. On Saturday, April 12th, we will hear from County Librarian, Sarah Denton on how our local free public library is handling all these roles. Promoting reading and literacy is still a primary focus for the library. As such, Ms. Dentan will discuss the state of book challenges and related legislation nationally, and the passage of the California Freedom to Read Act, including the bill’s context, history and requirements. She will also discuss how the library builds and maintains a collection designed to serve all of Stanislaus County, a community of diverse needs, perspectives, and interests, including addressing community concerns. Additionally, she will bring us up to date on the recent funding changes to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an independent agency of the United States federal government whose mission is “to advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grant making, research, and policy development.”
Sarah Dentan was appointed Stanislaus County Library Director in October 2019, after working in Libraries for 25 years. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Cornell University, and a Master of Library Science degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, Sarah’s initial plan was to be an academic librarian, but the job market dictated she make the shift to public libraries, where she remained throughout her career.
After a brief stint as a Teen Services Librarian in Texas, Sarah served as a Teen Services Librarian in Stanislaus County from 1996 to 1999. Since that time, she has gained a range of knowledge and experience working in libraries in Sacramento, Berkeley and the United Kingdom.
Focused on providing excellent customer service and community-centered materials and programming, Sarah has managed a wide range of public services. In addition to overseeing adult and family literacy programs and youth services, Sarah has implemented research-based early childhood development programs and comprehensive Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education initiative for all ages.
Currently, Sarah is focusing on a number of library refurbishment projects, including a major renovation of the Modesto Library. Sarah is also working with staff to implement the Library’s new Strategic Plan, supporting a vibrant reading community, ensuring access to resources, and fostering community.
The April 12th, 10:00 A.M. meeting is open to members, guests and prospective members. Individuals wanting more information about the meeting, its location, or about AAUW’s mission can email membership director, Gail Marganelli at gmarganelli@att.net .