From the Harford County Public Library:
On April 30, 2011 Harford County Public Library held its annual Volunteer Celebration. Themed Harford County Public Library Salutes Our Volunteers, this event celebrated the dedication of all its 1,273 library volunteers but particularly thanked the 150 volunteers that were in attendance.
“Our volunteers are an outstanding group of people who add incredible value to the Library,” stated Library Director, Mary Hastler. “We all benefit from these extraordinary members of the community.” Over 30,000 hours were clocked by volunteers in Fiscal Year 2010. This is a 78% increase over the past five years.
Volunteers bring a long list of talent to the Library. They are the behind-the-scenes heroes that provide assistance to librarians and customer service staff. They assist with processing new and returned materials,putting items on shelves, and helping staff prepare for programs. The library is also fortunate to have volunteers that help customers with job searching and resume writing. “I love volunteering at the library because I enjoy the people, the work is interesting and I keep learning new things,” stated Carolyn Hargis, a Havre de Grace branch volunteer since 1987. “When I started years ago, everything was done using pen and paper. Now I have learned how to use the computer!”
The library also has two programs where volunteers share their love of reading with children.Sharing the Gift volunteers visit licensed daycare centers for story time activities. Partners In Reading volunteers visit elementary schools and provide one on one reading assistance for students.
The first Volunteer Celebration was held in 1999 in the Bel Air meeting room. The celebration is now held at much larger venues like the Richlin Ballroom, where it was held this year, to accommodate all the volunteers, their guests and Library staff. “The Annual Volunteer Celebration is the Library’s opportunity to thank award recipients and a fun way to acknowledge the dedication of all our volunteers,” stated Michele Louderback, Volunteer Specialist at Harford County Public Library. “The support of our volunteers is amazing. In the last five years the number of volunteer hours has increased by 78%.”
To find out more information on volunteering please can contact your local branch or Michele Louderback at Louderback@HCPLonline.org or by calling 410 273 5601 x2247.
Harford County Public Library operates eleven branches located throughout Harford County, Maryland. The library serves over 210,000 registered borrowers of all ages and has an annual circulation of almost 4,700,000. Harford County Public Library is committed to connecting people with information and promoting the love of reading within the community.
Library staff celebrated Library volunteers at the Annual Volunteer Celebration. Pictured from left to right: Mary Hastler, Library Director; Carolyn Hargis, Library volunteer (5,000 hours); Wendy Galliher (accepting award for her mother, Dolores Garner – 2,000 hours); Nancy Miller Library volunteer (1,000 hours); Daria Parry, Associate Director.
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