At the Library 4/9/26

 

Celebrating Our Volunteers

During National Volunteer Week

Linda Witthoft & Shirley Volkmar volunteer to clean Scofield collection

by Cary Ann Siegfried

National Volunteer Week is coming soon (April 19 -25) and is the perfect time to recognize a group of people who make a quiet but powerful impact on our library every single day—our volunteers.

Since July 1, 2025, volunteers have contributed an incredible 1,148 hours of their time to support library services and projects. That’s more than just a number—it represents dedication, generosity, and a shared commitment to strengthening our community.

Our volunteers play a vital role in so many areas of the library. You’ll find them:

• Carefully completing inventory to help keep our collections accurate and accessible

• Shelving materials so patrons can easily find what they need

• Assisting with our Washington Evening Journal photo scanning project, helping preserve local history for future generations

• Reclaiming clay and helping with cleanup in the pottery studio, keeping creative spaces ready for use

• Helping us figure out how to do “creative and complicated stuff” in the MakeIT Place.

We also want to recognize the ongoing contributions of our Library Board Trustees and Library Foundation Board Directors, who generously volunteer their time and expertise to guide, support, and advocate for the library. Their leadership helps ensure that the library continues to grow, adapt, and serve the community in meaningful ways.

Each of these contributions—whether hands-on, behind the scenes, or in leadership roles—helps us do more, reach further, and serve better.

Volunteer work at the library isn’t just about tasks—it’s about connection. It’s neighbors helping neighbors, community members investing in shared spaces, and individuals using their time and talents to make a difference.

During National Volunteer Week, we simply want to say: thank you.  Your time matters. Your work matters. And the library is stronger because of you.

If you see one of our volunteers this week, we hope you’ll join us in sharing your appreciation. And if you’ve ever thought about getting involved, there’s always room to make a difference here.