Volunteer Spotlight September 2026

Q: What inspired you to volunteer with the library?

A: I was motivated to start volunteering following my retirement from a 30+ year working in technology for a life insurance company. Being a part of what was happening in the community was an important aspect of volunteering for me. I chose the library not only because its a special part of any city or town but because of all of all the different activities, events and gathering that bring together people of all walks of life. It’s funny though, I thought I’d be learning to shelve books and I actually did but once my coordinator found out about my background in technology, we agreed that a more useful way to help was in assisting patrons using the computers, printing, scanning, etc.. I truly enjoy helping people in this way.

Q: What is something you would say to encourage someone else to volunteer?

A: I’ve been volunteering just over a year now. I would say to anyone considering an opportunity to volunteer that the library has much to offer. It is one of the few places that anyone in our community can go to learn and use public resources to better themselves and our part of the world.

Q: Why is it important to you to volunteer at the library?

A: I was so proud that some of the patrons have found my service to be helpful to them enough to ask for the day and time when I am volunteering! It makes me feel good to know that I have been of service and that is why I feel its so important to stay involved in the community and volunteering at the library has given me a place to give and be useful to people who are not as familiar with technology.

Q: What book do you recommend to all of your friends to read and why?

A: I would recommend The Alchemist to anyone who has not read it or is looking for a book that is useful in raising one’s self-awareness. It is a simple tale of a young boy and his journey to adulthood but is really a story of personal growth. Everyone knows that there is so much division in our world today and I believe the best place to start repairing that is to start with yourself and then reaching to your neighbor and eventually to others that have different points of view. Seek to understand before trying to be understood.

Q: What is a fun fact about you?

A: I love music and have enjoyed writing, playing and recording music over the years and still do so as a hobby.

Q: Do you volunteer anywhere else in the community?

A: also drive for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program. It is a small thing really but I get to help people out that have no other way to get to their treatments/appointments. The thing I would point out is how grateful I am to have the opportunity to serve. Its amazing how blessed you can be (if you pay attention) by the people you meet and through the different interactions. I learn so much more than would have if I weren’t out there meeting people.