SERVING & L

Volunteers find their way to the library by meeting staff, hearing other library volunteers’ positive experiences and from their school or organization.

ast year, 700 new volunteers helped across the Library System such as new authors learning how to host book talks and small groups of library enthusiasts committed to starting new Friends groups at Cleveland Avenue and Palmetto.

Sandy Springs teen volunteer and National Science Honor Society treasurer Mominatou S. shared, “While volunteering, I’ve learned how important libraries are, how hard librarians work, libraries offer many educational resources that are essential for our community, and they bring people together with fun events. Librarians do a lot more than shelving books, like outreach and planning.”

Volunteering can teach new skills or strengthen dormant ones. Alpharetta teen volunteer and high school Robotics Team captain Lalitha T. shared, “I’ve learned that children are very messy, but fun to work with and I’ve gotten much faster at finding where a book goes and don’t have to go through the whole alphabet anymore.” Volunteers learn something new every day. Ocee teen volunteer Laasya K. stated, “As a Young Artists Program volunteer, I have understood the importance of community building and how to interact and work with the people in my community.”

Milton teen math tutor Krish K. stated, “I’ve learned how to best communicate and interact with people of different age groups, as well as how best to teach and explain certain concepts.”

Ocee teen volunteers Natalie D. and Aditi K. agreed they both learned more about communication and organization through their work as shelving volunteers and clubs at school.

Retired employees even return to serve as Friends leaders or presenters. Thirty year Central Library employee and retiree Kenneth Green shared, “I discovered my passion for storytelling and puppeteering through the Summer Reading Program. I love using my time and creative artistry to volunteer for the youth audiences at the library when called.” Northside Friends president Howell Williams is a six year volunteer after 38 years as an employee and shared, “Simply put, I love libraries. Some of my happiest times have been spent among books and with other people who love books. I want to continue to contribute.

Our branch’s book sales and all the efforts of other volunteers ensure that libraries have the support they need to remain a vibrant part of the community.”

Shelving volunteers may find a new favorite author or test prep resources based on the books they are alphabetizing and sorting. Volunteers may show up and projects have already been completed, but they return the next week ready to assist with getting items back on the shelves for patrons.

Ocee teen library volunteer and Jr Beta Club volunteer Daniel K. shared, “I learned how to sort books, but a skill that I strengthened was my patience,” and Ocee teen volunteer Ameya S. shared, “I think it is nice to organize books to help anyone looking for a book they want. Organizing makes anything easy to search.”

Special thanks to our Milton and Ocee volunteers for helping with the backlog of thousands of books due to closures. Join our waitlist for shelving volunteers or contact us if you have an expertise to present free programs. Apply to volunteer at https://www.fulcolibrary. org/volunteer-at-fulcolibrary/.