In twenty-two years at the Brentwood library, Celia Vollmer has filled countless roles including workplace safety trainer, supervising the computer department, hiring and scheduling pages, and, most recently, as community outreach coordinator. This most recent position has allowed her to combine her passion for the library with her energetic support for local organizations.
One of Celia's proudest moments was the start of the library's partnership with Suffolk County Community Service. After becoming certified as a community service agent in 2004 when the program began, Celia led the program for 8 years; years in which 62 students completed probation community service, 50 graduated from high school, 35 were accepted to college, 12 continued their education at technical colleges, and one enrolled in medical school. 6 were hired to work at the library.
Besides offering a constructive alternative to incarceration, every hour of community service saves Suffolk County residents more seventy tax dollars. In the course of Brentwood Public Library's partnership with Suffolk Probation, 2,785 hours of service were completed and $200,000 saved. Most importantly lives, were changed. Supported and mentored by library staff members, formerly struggling students achieved academic, career, and life success.
Celia Vollmer has been an American Red Cross volunteer for over 14 years. She is the Feeding Lead for the Mass Care Logistics Team on Long Island, Disaster Action Team Supervisor, and Red Cross Ambassador. Through the American Red Cross, Celia has provided mass care throughout Greater New York and has participated as a medical team leader for the NYC Marathon, Strike Team Leader for the Papal Visit, and a scene lead for over 600 fires, home explosions, gas leaks, bomb explosions, apartment/condo fires, and snow storms on Long Island and NYC. During COVID-19, Celia volunteered at the Suffolk Community College Grant Campus COVID-19 vaccination point of distribution center on her days off. She also distributed food, clothing, and toiletries to residents. In 2014, Celia was recognized by the Long Island Red Cross with its highest honor, the Clara Barton Leadership Award.
Celia’s love for her community can be seen in her enthusiastic volunteer work for the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, Brentwood Historical Society, NYS Mentoring Partnership at Brentwood Hemlock Park Elementary School, MBK Mentor, Boy Scouts of America, Civil Air Patrol, Brentwood School District PTA, Suffolk Region PTA, NYS PTA Parents as Reading Partners Committee, and the Eastern Suffolk BOCES Library Council Committee where she served as chairman. Celia has also served as a Chairman of Long Island Blood Services as well as supplies coordinator for Pronto of Long Island. She is the former Director of Education for Brentwood Summit Council. In both her role at the Red Cross and other groups, Celia has become known for her engaging workshops and seminars.