Hulit an avid reader, volunteer

Being a book lover from as early on as she could remember, it was only natural that Violet Hulit would become a volunteer at the Bottom Shelf Bookstore, the used-book shop operated by the Friends of the Fallbrook Library to raise money for a new community library.

“As a child, I loved reading books,” said Hulit. “My grandmother tried to teach me how to crochet and knit, and after one summer, she told my mother, ‘Don’t try to teach Violet anything – just put a book in her hand.’”

As a kid, Hulit made countless trips to the public library in Philadelphia, often returning with an armful of books. In her younger years, her favorite reads were mysteries.

“I loved the Nancy Drew mysteries,” said Hulit. “Oh, they were my favorite!” To this day, Hulit still adores a good mystery novel.

Thinking twice about becoming history teacher, Hulit decided to pursue a career in nursing. She became a Registered Nurse and holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

“I worked in OB [obstetrics], in the OR [operating room], was an office nurse and ended up retiring as a nurse manager from a large medical office,” she said.

In 1979, Hulit and her husband moved to Fallbrook, since he was in the Marine Corps. “After he retired from the Marine Corps, we decided to stay in Fallbrook; we love it here.”

About 15 years ago, Hulit began volunteering at the Bottom Shelf. “I am such a book lover that this place appealed to me,” she said.

Book lovers young and old can certainly discover a gold mine at the Bottom Shelf. “The Bottom Shelf is a haven for readers,” said Hulit.

The prices are phenomenally low, with book prices starting at 25 cents.

“Our [newly released] 2007/2008 hardcover novels are $4 and our [newly released] 2007/2008 paperbacks are $1.50,” noted Hulit.

A lot of senior citizens on limited incomes like the store’s prices, and children’s books offer incredible deals, said Hulit.

This store offers a nice alternative for readers who don’t have enough book storage room. After they read a book, they can bring it back and let the store sell it again to help the cause.

Every Thursday, Hulit can be found keeping herself busy around the bookstore. “It’s a fun place to work.”

She’s either manning the desk, placing books on shelves, pricing books or helping people find the right author to read.

Hulit is also in charge of training volunteers, which could bring her into the store any day of the week. She also oversees the monthly calendar.

One day each week, Hulit also volunteers her help to St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store.

Although retired, Hulit points out that she still has energy and time to help out her community. “Fallbrook is one of those communities where you want to help, because it is such a neat community.”

Having lived both abroad and in the United States, Hulit is nothing short of impressed with the dedicated group of volunteers in Fallbrook. “I’ve never seen a community like this in all my life,” she said.

For those thinking about volunteering at the Bottom Shelf, Hulit says they encourage new people to help out. “We always need volunteers,” she said.

The Bottom Shelf Bookstore is located on the lower level of the Fallbrook Library at 124 South Mission Road, although the entrance is accessed from Fig Street. Call (760) 728-3835 for more information.