In a heartfelt tribute at the Turlock Public Library, community leaders, friends and family celebrated the life and contributions of Pat Portwood, a dedicated library advocate who transformed local literacy efforts.
Stanislaus County Supervisor Vito Chiesa highlighted Portwood's extraordinary commitment, calling her a "North Star" for the community. "Pat always put children first in everything she did," Chiesa said, praising her pivotal role in the library's $12 million renovation project.
Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak remembered Portwood as a uniquely persuasive community leader. "She touched everyone for the good," Bublak noted. "It didn't matter your party or preferences - she was just such a positive person."
Mary Ward, President of the Friends of the Turlock Library, shared Portwood's remarkable journey. Portwood was a longtime advocate for local libraries, joining the board of the Stanislaus Library Foundation in 2010. She coordinated the Measure T campaign for funding of the library system and served as county co-chair for the Measure S campaign, which extended library funding for the system through 2029. She served on the board and as president of the Friends of the Turlock Library and chaired the capital campaign which made possible the renovation of the Turlock Library, and its grand reopening in 2021.
When a sizeable donation was made to start an author program Portwood enthusiastically spearheaded the project, securing the first author for Library Presents, Jamie Ford and the subsequent appearance of Tara Westover. Portwood was so successful and dedicated to the Library Present that it was subsequently renamed in her honor.
Portwood died unexpectedly on Nov. 2, 2023.
The tribute included special recognition from Congressman Gray's office and the presentation of a commemorative plaque celebrating Portwood's "passion for knowledge and unwavering support for literacy." The County also put up a street sign for the library entrance proclaiming it Pat Portwood Lane.
Portwood's legacy extends beyond the library walls, having been a key figure in securing critical funding through local sales tax measures that now support 85-95% of the library system's budget.
