Letter: Volunteers make library run (Printed Dec. 18, 2008)
To the editor:
When we hear the word “volunteer” we think of The Red Cross, The Peace Corp., United Way – in other words we sometimes have a tendency to think “big.” Have you ever looked up the definition? If it has been a while, please permit me to refresh your memory.
According to Random House Dictionary of the English Language, second edition volunteerism is: “the policy or practice of volunteering one’s time or talents for charitable, educational, or other worthwhile activities especially in one’s community.” Many volunteers live right in your town, on your street, and maybe even next door. Volunteers are sometimes overlooked as hardworking, committed individuals because they are not taking home a weekly paycheck.
If you were to ask people why they volunteer – their response might be “because it makes me feel good” or “because I need to repay people for helping me” or “because I need to stay busy.” It is a selfless act that allows the general population to receive extra attention and great care.
The Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library in Kennebunkport would not be open 42 hours per week if we did not have volunteers.
These very special individuals show up anywhere from two to twenty hours per week depending on the needs of the library association.
They perform a whole host of duties according to their experience, expertise, and what needs to be done, such as covering and mending books; managing, pricing, and sorting materials for the book sale and reading book shelves; re-shelving items; assisting with circulation and reference queries; conducting workshops, special readings and programs; baking for various events and fundraisers; delivering books to shut-ins; maintaining the gardens and promoting the library.
We cannot thank them enough for their dedication, commitment, and time for serving residents of Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, Wells, and Arundel, as well as all the relatives and tourists who visit the area.
The more than 50 volunteers that contribute their time weekly greatly reduces the library’s funding request each year. The library has two full time staff people and five part-time staff people. With all that goes on here at Graves, seven people is not enough. Many libraries are reluctant to entertain the notion of unpaid individuals taking care of the general population.
The mission of this library is to provide free and unfettered access to knowledge and life-long learning through print, electronic resources, activities, programs, and services.
The library collaborates with others to meet the needs of the entire community for education, information, recreation, and communication.
Our volunteers are a huge part of this mission and we would be light years behind in our work if we did not invite them to share their expertise, experience, and knowledge.
On behalf of the library association and trustees, I would like to thank all of our volunteers for more than 4,000 hours (and counting) of service throughout the year.
Mary-Lou Boucouvalas
Director, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library
When we hear the word “volunteer” we think of The Red Cross, The Peace Corp., United Way – in other words we sometimes have a tendency to think “big.” Have you ever looked up the definition? If it has been a while, please permit me to refresh your memory.
According to Random House Dictionary of the English Language, second edition volunteerism is: “the policy or practice of volunteering one’s time or talents for charitable, educational, or other worthwhile activities especially in one’s community.” Many volunteers live right in your town, on your street, and maybe even next door. Volunteers are sometimes overlooked as hardworking, committed individuals because they are not taking home a weekly paycheck.
If you were to ask people why they volunteer – their response might be “because it makes me feel good” or “because I need to repay people for helping me” or “because I need to stay busy.” It is a selfless act that allows the general population to receive extra attention and great care.
The Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library in Kennebunkport would not be open 42 hours per week if we did not have volunteers.
These very special individuals show up anywhere from two to twenty hours per week depending on the needs of the library association.
They perform a whole host of duties according to their experience, expertise, and what needs to be done, such as covering and mending books; managing, pricing, and sorting materials for the book sale and reading book shelves; re-shelving items; assisting with circulation and reference queries; conducting workshops, special readings and programs; baking for various events and fundraisers; delivering books to shut-ins; maintaining the gardens and promoting the library.
We cannot thank them enough for their dedication, commitment, and time for serving residents of Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, Wells, and Arundel, as well as all the relatives and tourists who visit the area.
The more than 50 volunteers that contribute their time weekly greatly reduces the library’s funding request each year. The library has two full time staff people and five part-time staff people. With all that goes on here at Graves, seven people is not enough. Many libraries are reluctant to entertain the notion of unpaid individuals taking care of the general population.
The mission of this library is to provide free and unfettered access to knowledge and life-long learning through print, electronic resources, activities, programs, and services.
The library collaborates with others to meet the needs of the entire community for education, information, recreation, and communication.
Our volunteers are a huge part of this mission and we would be light years behind in our work if we did not invite them to share their expertise, experience, and knowledge.
On behalf of the library association and trustees, I would like to thank all of our volunteers for more than 4,000 hours (and counting) of service throughout the year.
Mary-Lou Boucouvalas
Director, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library
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