Aug 26, 2025
Samantha Saldaña-Avendaño
Samantha represents tenacity and the importance of giving back to the community in more ways than one. She staffs the Shafter Library and Learning Center along with its mobile library, the Scoutmobile, in addition to helping area students.
A graduate of Shafter High School, Samantha earned her associate’s at Bakersfield College before transferring to California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB).
“My CSUB graduation date was May 18, 2018, but I gave birth to my daughter the night before. Unfortunately, I did not get to walk in my ceremony,” she explained. “I went from being a very active and involved student, to a newly graduated, stay-at-home mom.”
Samantha Saldaña-Avendaño in front of the Scoutmobile getting ready to give away free books at Veteran's Park in Shafter. Photo courtesy of Marco Avendaño.
“Originally, I planned to go to grad school in San Diego. In 2020, I was able to return to CSUB for my master's in educational counseling,” she explained. “When I got hired here, though, it unlocked a new passion.”
Previously a branch location of the Kern County Library, residents rallied to save the library after plans were made to reopen without it following the pandemic. The Shafter Library and Learning Center is a collaboration between the City of Shafter and Bakersfield College. It is now open more hours than any other local library, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“One thing I love about my current role is working in the community I grew up in. I love helping people find the perfect book based on their interests and seeing them so excited and eager to read and learn,” said Samantha. “Since our bookmobile launched last July, I have also had the privilege to visit areas that the physical library may not be as accessible to.”
Samantha as a guest reader to children at local Shafter HeadStart for Read Across America week. Photo courtesy of the classroom teacher.
“I did get diagnosed with postpartum depression a few months after I had my daughter. I believe many factors contributed to that, one of which was the change of direction in my life,” she said. “It was lonely and isolating.”
Family and mental health support were helpful resources.
“Fortunately, after some group therapy with other moms and with the support of my family, I was able to keep moving forward,” said Samantha “It was overwhelming at times, working full-time and being a full-time student, but I knew I was not alone. Even though I felt I was missing a lot of time with my daughter, it was going to benefit her life in the future.”
Avendaño family photoshoot. TRINITY PENN PHOTOGRAPHY
“I felt like it was somehow my grandma looking out for me,” said Samantha. “Marco and I instantly connected on our trials and tribulations as single parents. Seeing him with his two children showed me he was the perfect fit for mine and my daughter's life. Blending the families came with its challenges, but we worked through every obstacle together and have built a home filled with love and laughter.”
The family’s children are now 7, 8 and 10.
“I am amazed at how all the pieces came together,” said Samantha. “I give God all the honor and glory for getting us here because even though I made mistakes along the way, I believe this is exactly where I am meant to be. I would not want to raise my children anywhere else.”
Samantha and her family at a local pumpkin patch. TRINITY PENN PHOTOGRAPHY
Q. What advice do you have for women going through postpartum life?
If you are at a point where things feel really hard or even impossible, don’t lose faith. Be patient and take it all a day at a time, because it does get better. Find your community, whether that is family that you can lean on or other mom friends you make along the way. Do not be scared or too prideful to reach out and ask for help.
Q. What should families in the Kern County area know more about in their community?
Use your local libraries! There are so many great, free events, programs and resources for all ages.
Shafter Library & Learning Center: https://www.shafterlearning.com
Kern County Library System: https://kerncountylibrary.org
- Today, the strangest thing in my purse is... A melted chocolate bar.
- Favorite restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings
- In my pantry, you will always find... A large Tapatio bottle and a backup.
- The best book I've read lately is... “The Mountain is You” by Brianna Wiest
- So far, my best life advice is... Don't miss the beauty of today, looking for or worrying about what tomorrow might bring. Enjoy the current phase of life you are in right now, because it won't last long. Before you know it, you'll look back and wonder where the newborn, toddler or little kid days went.
