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The rewards of volunteering

Why do people volunteer? The Castlegar Library makes extensive use of volunteers and the history of the library shows a long relationship with volunteers.

Why do people volunteer?  The Castlegar Library makes extensive use of volunteers and the history of the library shows a long relationship with volunteers.

There are over 40 active volunteers who currently work between two and 10 hours every week.

Some of the reasons why the volunteers choose the library include: “love of reading. Very satisfying just to handle the books. Patrons are wonderful. Warm, welcoming place. I just enjoy it”

“Very satisfying, it’s fun.”

“The library is wonderful. So many books, so little time.  Fabulous hub of the community. So many people come in to use the library.”

“Like being around people, get to use the computers, to meet people, like books. I have always felt comfortable in libraries.”

“Help back the community, good place to volunteer. Staff are friendly, get to meet the public, learn job skills: reception, filing, phone manners, punctuality, commitment.”

The library also has a committed group of volunteers who offer their services as “Friends of the Library.”

The Friends operate under the Societies Act and elect a chair, vice-chair, secretary and treasurer at their annual meeting. The Friends are a wonderful advocate for the Library and it is their stated role to stimulate interest in the library and the services offered.

The Friends also engage in fundraising activities and this assists the library with additional projects and materials not covered in the regular budget.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Castlegar & District Public Library, either as a volunteer or as a Friend, please call me at 250-365-7765.

It is a wonderful and rewarding experience and I think you will be glad you called!

 

Sandra Smith is the interim director of the Castlegar & District Public Library. She previously worked for Fraser Valley Regional Library and most recently at North Vancouver District Library and is now residing happily with two big dogs in Castlegar.