Tribute to Clovis Librarian Joe Augustino

The Fresno County Public Library lost one of its most dedicated staff members with the passing of Joe Augustino on January 15, 2010.  As the supervising librarian for the Clovis Regional Library, Joe was passionate about the library and the community of Clovis.  He served on the Board of the Clovis Boys and Girls Club and was past President and current Assistant District Governor of the Clovis Rotary, and collaborated with these organizations and many others to ensure that the library continued to serve as an integral partner in improving the quality of life for Clovis residents.  Especially notable was Joe’s work with the senior center to bring the joy of reading and literature to its patrons.

Joe came to work at Fresno County Library in December 1997 working in Clovis and the California History and Genealogy Room.  He became the supervisor of the Clovis Library in March 1999.  Joe shepherded the many changes that took place at the Clovis Library following the approval of Measure B.  He was an alumnus of the Leadership Clovis program, and worked with many Clovis leaders both formally and informally.  He was unfailingly courteous, professional, and knowledgeable about many subjects.  He loved his Italian heritage, and with his wife, Yvonne, shared a love of travel, especially to Italy.

As always, we are saddened by the loss of one of our library family.  Joe will be remembered for his great gift of elegant diplomacy, graciousness, compassion, and loyalty to his friends and family.  On behalf of library staff and patrons as well as the Clovis community, our hearts and prayers go out to Joe’s family.  We are indeed blessed to have known and worked with him.