Volunteer Appreciation 2026

Every April, the Citrus County Library System proudly honors the dedication, generosity, and invaluable contributions of our volunteers. These compassionate individuals enrich both our library and community with their diverse talents and unwavering support. Their impact resonates throughout our system, from delivering books to homebound patrons, to empowering literacy and citizenship, to enhancing our library programs. Beyond these roles, their commitment extends to vital organizations like the Library Advisory Board and the Friends of the Library, whose invaluable support has enabled our libraries to flourish. The aid provided by our dedicated volunteers in the coordination of multiple book sales a year, and all of the sorting and preparations that lead up to the sales, has been immeasurable. The success of the Friends book sales has help improve the libraries’ collection for decades, and supported renovations and programming as well.

Beyond those vital roles, our volunteers are as diverse as Citrus County itself, ranging in age from high schoolers to retirees, all unified in their desire to support and uplift the library system. Over the last twelve months, the Citrus County Library System was aided by over 250 volunteers, 37 of whom were teenagers. In the first half of the library’s fiscal year, these generous individuals contributed over 12,500 hours, with more than 1,600 hours coming from Friends of the Library members.

The Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Ceremony is an annual event that was held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Central Ridge Community Center. Each library branch presented an award for “Volunteer of the Year” to an individual who serves at that location. In addition, each Friends of the Library group voted for a “Friend of the Year” to be recognized during the event. Volunteer Coordinators, Managers, Supervisors, and fellow volunteers were gathered to honor and recognize the winners of this year’s ceremonies, while celebrating the achievements of all of the library’s volunteers.

The last two awards recognized individuals who stood out for going above and beyond as volunteers. This year, both the Teen Volunteer of the Year, and the Outstanding Volunteer of the year have been multi-year volunteers at the Central Ridge Library. Liceidy (Lea) Sierra and Barbara Olsen-Fleming were honored at the Teen and Outstanding Volunteers of the year, respectively. Lea has given more than 60 hours over the last 2 years to our libraries, volunteering weekly during Summer Reading programs. She is always willing to jump in to help not only staff but patrons as well, ensuring that everyone who comes to a program enjoys themselves.

Barbara, a retired educator with Citrus County Schools, has given more than 250 hours of her time over the last 3 years to the Central Ridge Library. She is a staple at Wednesday story times, assisting weekly with Books & Babies and Little Learners. Barbara can also be found at Happy Tails and other special programs throughout the year. “As a retired educator, I wanted to find a way to give back to the community,” said Barbara Olsen-Fleming. “I was honestly shocked when they said my name [this morning]. And was so thankful that the staff thought to also invite my family to be here to celebrate with me. I started coming to the library as a grandma with my grandsons and then became a volunteer at story time soon after. I love that I get to help instill the love of reading to the next generation.”

The following volunteers and Friends were also recognized for their contributions to Citrus Libraries in 2026:
Central Ridge Library Outstanding Volunteer: Kathy Stensing
Central Ridge Friend of the Year: Mary Kay Pavilionis
Coastal Region Library Outstanding Volunteer: Aiden Ross
Coastal Region Friend of the Year: Doreen Lavista
Floral City Library Outstanding Volunteer: Susan Spungen-Flaitz
Floral City Friend of the Year: Sharon Thompson
Homosassa Library Outstanding Volunteer: Julie Coull
Homosassa Friend of the Year: Addy Hackl
Lakes Region Library Outstanding Volunteer: Linda Paolo
Lakes Region Friend of the Year: Sandy Price

Congratulations to all the 2026 award winners, and to each of our Citrus County volunteers! Your dedication doesn’t just support our libraries; it shapes the heart of our community. We are deeply grateful for all that you give. Your time, talents, and kindness create welcoming spaces, inspire lifelong learning, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. Because of you, our libraries continue to allow patrons to discover, learn, and engage.