About Friends of the Vista Library

The Friends of the Vista Library, Inc. (FOVL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Vista Branch of the San Diego County Library. FOVL is entirely funded by the generosity of Vista residents, via sales from the ENCORE Bookstore, membership dues, and donations.

Board Members

President:

Nanci OechsleVP Membership and Bookstore Volunteer: Nanci Oechsle

Nanci started volunteering for Friends in 2007. She currently manages the membership and also communicates with the ENCORE Bookstore volunteers.  She loves to read all kinds of fiction and her top three favorite books (because how could you possibly choose only one?) are Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde, and A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux. Nanci also works a shift at the bookstore where she loves talking with customers about books. Her background is in retail where she managed a Walden Books location.

Secretary and Bookstore Volunteer: Louise Vandling

Louise started volunteering before there even was a Friends of the Vista Library. She and a few others were instrumental in chartering the organization in 1981 and completing its first huge undertaking: to find the library a larger building, which was accomplished in 1994. She loves to read mysteries or any books by Louise Penny, Daniel Sylva, and Michael Connelly. Her favorite book is West with Giraffes.

Sandi LeyvaTreasurer: Sandi Leyva

Sandi became Treasurer in 2025. She currently performs the bookkeeping tasks for the Friends. Her favorite genre is very specific: she likes fiction with a strong female lead character based on a true story. The book she has had the longest on her bookshelf is Thich Nhat Hanh’s Peace Is Every Step. Sandi’s core cause is literacy, and she loves how all of the Friends work together to serve the Friends’ mission.  Her background is in marketing, where she owned her own marketing agency for 23 years.

Board member and Bookstore Volunteer: Gail

Gail has been with the Friends for more than 10 years and joined the Board in 2025. She volunteers at the ENCORE Bookstore and loves meetings all of the nice people that come into the store. Her favorite genre to read is mysteries and her favorite author is Leif Enger.  To Kill a Mockingbird and Peace Like a River are among her favorite books.

Board member and Bookstore Volunteer: Jan Lewis

Jan has been volunteering for Friends for more than 35 years. She puts her organizational skills to good use sorting and pricing the books that are donated to the store. Her favorite genres are mysteries and thrillers, and she loves reading Louise Penny, David Baldacci, Lee Childs, Michael Connelly, and Harlan Cohen. What she likes best about Friends is the proceeds from the bookstore go to the library to purchase items and provide programs that are not in the County budget.

 

Bookstore Volunteers

 

Bookstore Volunteer: Cynthia

Cynthia started volunteering for Friends in September 2022. She enjoys the bookstore’s causal friendly atmosphere, loves being around books, and likes to meet the new people who come into the store.  Her favorite genre is mystery. On the job, Cynthia likes helping people find a book to try as well as shelving all the donated books received by the bookstore.