Homage to Volunteers

I’m so impressed. At the start of this summer, we challenged the local community to stand up for their library by volunteering with us. Though I knew that we hadn’t had a volunteer program here in the past, I hoped that at least those people who have asked us for years about volunteering would come back if invited. We printed off a few pamphlets, describing some possible ways that people could help, talked to as many people as possible about the areas we needed some help in, and then waited.

Here it is only a few short weeks later, and we are receiving up to a couple of volunteer applications each day. Not only have residents answered the call to act in droves, but even more surprising to me, is that most people are really willing to offer support in any way that is most beneficial to the library they love.

My blog today is a dedication to those wonderful volunteers, those who have answered the call, those who didn’t just talk about helping, but actually showed up consistently to help when the opportunity presented itself; I am honored and privileged to know you. Some of you are tutoring, some are cleaning or organizing, and some are even helping us take the library into the local seniors’ residences; THESE ARE THINGS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE and WE COULDN’T DO THEM WITHOUT YOU. I feel like our library was great before, but with the help and support of our volunteers, our community, we’re unstoppable now.

To anyone who is thinking about volunteering, I urge you not to think about it anymore, but to do it. To those of you who are already volunteering, I thank you all for opening your hearts; volunteering only takes a little time, but makes the world a better place.

Worlds Await

The Audio Visual section is the perfect place for adventures around the world without having to stray far from home. Minus the cumbersome tasks of packing, pondering how to fit everything into a suitcase, what is allowed in carry-on baggage, the wait at the airport, the business of clearing customs and finally making it to the hotel. All that before you can even begin to contemplate where to go or what to see.

Time off for an aerial tour Scotland (DVD 914.11 V831) whilst sitting on a sofa is one of my ideas for traveling without moving. After I have had a wonderful, whirlwind view of the country I will wander backward in time to ponder the wonders of the Taj Mahal and the origins of Indian civilization (DVD 954 I39). And then, a dramatic fast forward to present day India while listening to extremely catchy Bhangra tunes, taking which are found in the music drawers under CD 784.76914.

All of these adventures from countries around the world are easily at my disposal at our favourite local library. It is grand and great to see the assortment of nations represented on the shelves and the many opportunities for discovery without going much farther than one's own backyard.