Annual Report
Volunteer Spotlight
One Book at a Time: Judie Shaw’s Legacy of Care
Some of the most meaningful programs begin with a simple act. When Judie Shaw walked into Marin Community Clinics’ Novato site years ago, she hoped to volunteer in a role connected to health and children. Instead, she found a stack of donated books in Dr. Tracey Hessel’s office — thoughtful gifts in need of a distribution program. While Dr. Hessel had been handing them out individually, Judie saw an opportunity to do more.
With Dr. Hessel’s support, Judie helped secure bookcases and launched the Book Nook Program, creating a welcoming space where children could choose a book to take home during their visit.
One of Judie’s earliest memories still stays with her. Before the pandemic, she would sit with children and help them choose a book. One young girl proudly shared, “My big sister has a book of her own, and now I will have one, too!” That moment confirmed the program’s impact — and the joy that comes from a child owning their first book.
As the Book Nook Program grew, so did the volunteers — the Book Angels. Nancy Schlegel and Doris Hunker joined after meeting Judie at a Summer Solstice event, helping expand the program to additional sites. Today, bookcases are available at five clinic locations, supported by volunteers Linda Roth, Karen Hertz, and Mary Waluk.
Generous donors help keep shelves full, including the Baumgarten family, whose daughter Gabby gathered more than 3,000 books last year, along with School Fuel and individual donors throughout the community.
As Judie steps back, her commitment remains strong. “Volunteerism doesn’t stop with age,” she says. “I will always continue gathering books for those eager hands and happy smiles.”
Judy Shaw