In her first year as Senior Director of Development at the UCR Library, Shannon Castro has worked to expand the UCR Library’s ability to support students and provide a space that meets their academic and personal needs. 

With over 900,000 visits in the past year, the library is one of the most-used spaces on campus, offering study areas, access to rare collections, and programs that enrich the student experience.

For Shannon, the UCR Library is central to student life. “I often tell donors that the library is the heart of UCR,” she said. “It’s where students from every discipline come to study, collaborate, and find a space they can call their own. Supporting the library means impacting the most students and helping them succeed.”

Shannon has spent the past year growing the library’s donor base, reengaging past donors, updating the library’s giving website, and building awareness of the library’s critical role on campus. She has collaborated with campus partners, participated in UCR’s Give Day, and developed new marketing materials to make supporting the library easier than ever. “Every donation makes a difference,” she said. “Whether it’s enhancing library programs, creating welcoming spaces, or supporting access to unique resources, every contribution helps students thrive.”

One of Shannon’s favorite moments this year came during a conversation with a long-time donor. “She shared how much the library meant to her as a student,” Shannon recalled. “She called it her safe haven and told me it would always hold a special place in her heart. It’s stories like these that show how much the library means to our students, both past and present.”

Looking ahead, Shannon sees incredible opportunities to grow the library’s impact. “The potential for development is limitless,” she said. “Every gift helps us create opportunities for learning, discovery, and community.”

If you’d like to support the UCR Library and make a lasting impact on the lives of students, please contact Shannon Castro to learn more about giving opportunities or visit library.ucr.edu/giving.