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Volunteers: meet our volunteers

Meet Volunteer Ann Gray

Published: March 16, 2014

A Long Love Story Inspires a Volunteer…

ann grayAnn Gray started volunteering as a pager at the Westover Branch Library on January 17, 2012, the second anniversary of her husband’s death.

Ann’s connection to Westover goes back to her childhood, when the library was housed in the apartments at the corner of Longfellow and Washington Boulevard, and her mother became friends with a librarian named Dorothy. Years later, Dorothy’s nephew graduated from college, and Dorothy asked Ann’s mother if Ann was still in the area… Dorothy’s nephew became Ann’s husband, and they had been together for over 45 years when he died.

 

What is your favorite part of volunteering?  

Having access to the stacks before the lights come on and the patrons come in. The only sounds I hear are the voices of the thousands of authors.

What do you do when not volunteering?

I volunteer at Virginia Hospital Center pushing wheelchairs and pointing the way to the restrooms. Recently I’ve added the challenge of mastering the public transportation system since my decision to go car-free.

Are you a Metro DC native, or a transplant?

I consider myself a native, starting at age 6 about three blocks from where I’ve lived for the last 40 years. Walter Reed Elementary School was my grade school. I graduated from Washington-Lee HS.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Must I? [We say no.]

What is the best book you’ve read recently?

“Tapestry of Fortunes” by Elizabeth Berg.

What is the best movie you’ve seen recently?

Can’t remember when I last saw a movie in the theatre, but our public library has a massive collection of movies, any one of which is a pleasure.

 

Interested in becoming a Library volunteer? Check out the Current Openings on our Volunteer Page.

 

March 16, 2014 by Web Editor Filed Under: Support Your Library Tagged With: Volunteers: meet our volunteers

Teen Volunteer Prisila Otazo

Published: March 10, 2014

Gaining Experience and Insight

Prisila teen volunteerPrisila has been a Youth Services volunteer at Central Library since last spring, and is now helping staff with a special project in Materials Management. She also volunteers at local events and will soon add the hospital to her list of experiences.

She says she volunteers because she likes gaining experience, which will give her an edge when she goes to college. She also likes learning about how the Library works, because there is much more going on here than most people realize.

What’s your favorite thing about the library?

My favorite part about helping out is realizing that the few hours I come throughout the week I am able to make the job easier for someone else. It really satisfies me to know I can do something to help out the people that have constantly assisted me when needed.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

In my free time I play soccer all the time because I believe practice makes perfect, well at least close. All throughout the year I play for a rec team and when it comes to the spring I play for both my high school and my rec team. As for academics, I do anything possible to maintain a high GPA even if it means sacrificing the fun things I do during my free time. My main focus right now is school because there is nothing better than being a hard worker and seeing the results.

Are you a Metro DC native, or a transplant?

I am a proud Metro DC native!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I am not a hundred percent sure of what I want to be when I grow up but I do want to go in the medical field. Meaning, I would like to apply to medical school once I finish being an undergraduate. I have already gained experience in this field and will continue to do so, in order to increase my chances of getting in. As of right now I am not decided on a specific profession but the general idea of it really fascinates me.

What is the best book you’ve read recently?

I am currently reading “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky. I enjoy the point of view in which it’s written. I have previously seen the movie and it is really interesting to see the few differences between the two. Aside from this book I would consider “Mind Wide Open” by Steven Johnson one of the best books I’ve read because it is a book about the brain. I finished reading it a while ago. It is a book entirely about neuroscience and makes me question whether I might enjoy being a neurologist.

What is the best movie you’ve seen recently?

I would have to say the best movie I’ve seen recently is “12 Years A Slave.” This movie is definitely on my top 10 lists of movies that were amazing. This movie was very sad towards the end but I realized all that mattered was that the man got his freedom back and no one could ever take that away again. It’s definitely a movie you can’t miss out on and everyone should take the time to watch it because it’s a sad truth that occurred many years ago.

 

Interested in becoming a Library volunteer? Check out the Current Openings on our Volunteer Page.

 

March 10, 2014 by Web Editor Filed Under: News, Support Your Library Tagged With: Volunteers: meet our volunteers

Meet Beth Lewis, Book Repair Volunteer

Published: January 10, 2014

More than One Way to Love Books

We all know that Library books are tough, but sometimes they just can’t take any more handling, or another slide down the book drop, and they start falling apart.

What happens then? If the Adult Collection Development Librarian decides the damaged book should be put back into circulation, volunteer Beth Lewis is one of the people whose expertise we depend on.

Beth Lewis 2

Putting a book back together takes a specialized set of skills, and is especially important for very expensive or out-of-print book.

The work requires special tools and materials, lots of patience and incredible attention to detail. Fortunately for the Library, Beth studied book repair and binding under the former head of the Rare Book Repair Division of the Library of Congress. Beth got into book repair to learn to sew musical scores for her husband, who is a conductor.

Over the 6 years that she has volunteered at Central Library, Beth estimates her team has repaired over a thousand books. “We consider ourselves book healers, kind of like doctors for books,” she said. “First you do a thorough exam, analyze what’s wrong, and then plan the best approach. You need to be brave because many of the books need to be totally disassembled into their component parts before repair can even begin,” she explained.

Tools of the Book Repair trade:

“Book repair is basically a very solitary job and you must be extremely focused. But, it is so rewarding after you pull a book apart and put it back together so it can be returned to the shelves and people can enjoy it once again. It’s like saving a life,” she said.

Beth’s work shows that there is more than one way to love books. “I’ve been obsessed with libraries my whole life,” she said. “I love books, even though it’s hard for me to read because I have very bad dyslexia.”

Adapted from the original column by Volunteer Newsletter reporter Maureen Quinn.

 

Interested in becoming a Library volunteer? Check out the Current Openings on our Volunteer Page.

 

January 10, 2014 by Web Editor Filed Under: News Tagged With: Volunteers: meet our volunteers

Lisa, Computer Help Desk Volunteer

Published: November 30, 2013

Lisa H volunteerAn Awesome Person, and a Kindred Spirit

Lisa has been a volunteer at the Central Library Computer Help Desk since 2010, where she enjoys spending time assisting patrons and empowering them with the knowledge to use library resources to their benefit.

She says, “It makes my day when someone is genuinely thrilled by or thankful for my help.”

What’s your favorite thing about the library?

The books, of course! I chose to volunteer because I wanted to give just even the smallest amount back to a place that has provided me with so much.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

I work at a consulting firm, which takes up the majority of my time (surprise!). Reading is a great love of mine. In terms of sports, I recently picked-up bouldering—I feel accomplished and happy every time I am able to reach the top of the wall through my own efforts! Other hobbies include baking, setting-up and attending happy hours, and telling corny jokes.

Are you a Metro DC native, or a transplant?

Born and raised in the great state of Ohio! I moved to the Metro DC Area in the summer of 2008.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Awesome. Slightly kidding. I’m not sure yet, but whatever I choose to do, I hope I’m awesome at it.

What is the best book you’ve read recently?

“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. It’s the type of book that you must read more than once to fully comprehend, as its narrative style was unlike anything I’ve ever come across before. And the characters, their voices, and their stories stay with you long after you’ve finished the last page.

What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?

Can I change this question to best movie ever? It’s a movie I’ve watched frequently, ever since I discovered it as a child: “Anne of Green Gables.” How can you not love this movie (and the series) when it’s filled with so much hope and goodness? “Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”

 

Interested in becoming a Library volunteer? Check out the Current Openings on our Volunteer Page.

 

November 30, 2013 by Web Editor Filed Under: Help Wanted, News Tagged With: Volunteers: meet our volunteers

Melanie Bartlett, Volunteer at Central and Westover

Published: July 16, 2013

Melanie at Westover Library 12-12-2011

A Lover of Books Who Loves to Volunteer

Melanie Bartlett has been volunteering at the Library since 2001.

She currently spends her time with us at the Westover Branch Library and Central Library, and says that Library staff are so nice that it’s easy to want to come back each week.

What’s your favorite thing about the library?

I’ve practically grown up at Central Library as I’ve always loved to read!

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

I’m usually off on Travel somewhere with my mom.

Are you a Metro DC native, or a transplant?

Yes I am a native.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I’m happy with what I am now, a library volunteer.

What is the best book you’ve read recently?

Books by Debbie MaComber.

What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?

Perfect Pitch on DVD.

 

Interested in becoming a Library volunteer? Check out the Current Openings on our Volunteer Page.

 

July 16, 2013 by Web Editor Filed Under: Help Wanted, News Tagged With: Volunteers: meet our volunteers

Meet Shirlington Volunteers Alexis and Sandi

Published: June 20, 2013

Supporting Their Community, and Finding New Books

Alexis Cox and Sandi Fox started volunteering at the Shirlington Branch Library in 2006, when it occupied a small temporary space on the lower level of Shirlington Village – which also happened to be the first floor of their office building.

Alexis and SandyWhen we asked them why they enjoy spending their free time at the Library, they said that because Shirlington is a busy branch, they always feel like their volunteer work is needed and appreciated. And Sandi added, “The public library is a vital and wonderful institution – I want to do my part to support it.”

What’s your favorite thing about the library?

Alexis: I love discovering new books and revisiting old favorites. My reading list has grown by leaps and bounds since I’ve been volunteering.
Sandi: Free books of course!!

How did you meet?

We met through our day jobs, working at the PBS NewsHour in Arlington. Alexis is a Reporter/Producer and Sandi is the NewsHour’s one and only Research Librarian.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

Alexis: I love to read, watch movies, listen to music, visit art museums, and practice yoga.
Sandi: Ride my bike, bake, take walks, and of course read.

Are you Metro DC natives or transplants?

Alexis: I’m a transplant from Chesapeake, Va.
Sandi: Transplant from Michigan.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Alexis: Happy, healthy, and well-traveled.
Sandi: A space veterinarian.

What is the best book you’ve read recently?

Alexis: The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
Sandi: written: Traveler of the Century by Andres Neuman / audio: Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?

Alexis: Argo
Sandi: Lincoln

 

Interested in becoming a Library volunteer? Check out the Current Openings on our Volunteer Page.

 

June 20, 2013 by Web Editor Filed Under: News Tagged With: Volunteers: meet our volunteers

Congratulations to Humphrey!

Published: May 23, 2013

Humphrey and Cynthia Power win the Outstanding Volunteer Award!

Cynthia Power, Humphrey and J. Walter Tejada, Chairman of Arlington County Board

Cynthia Power, Humphrey and J. Walter Tejada, Chairman of Arlington County Board

Paws-to-Read has very successfully brought a love of reading to many children in our area, and would not be possible without Humphrey and Cynthia.  

Paws-to-Read is offered throughout each month, at six library locations.

Humphrey and Cynthia with Arlington Public Library staff: Karen, Katherine, and Desiree

Humphrey and Cynthia with Arlington Public Library staff: Karen, Katherine, and Desiree

 

After the Award Ceremony, I had a chance to interview Humphrey about his amazing accomplishment.

KAREN: How does it feel to win Arlington County’s Outstanding Volunteer Award?

HUMPHREY: I am VERY honored to be given an outstanding volunteer award by Arlington County. It was pretty great to go to the award ceremony and meet the Chairman of the County Board. He is very nice. He gave my Mom a special plaque and a pin – which she likes very much. He didn’t have any dog treats though. So, I was most happy that my friends at the Library also came to the ceremony and brought me a special reward of tasty dog cookies!

KAREN: How did you celebrate?

HUMPHREY: A lot of my human friends came to see us get the award. Then we went out to a restaurant for a party! It was great because I could be on the patio with all the people and my dog friend, Watson. He and I got a few tastes of bacon too!

KAREN: Why do you volunteer?

HUMPHREY: It is pretty fun to go to the library when you are a dog! It is a special privilege for me. I get to listen to children reading great stories. I also really like it when the children pet me while they are reading. My Mom says that the children become better readers when they read aloud and a lot. I can tell that is true. Some of my friends have been coming to read to me for almost a year, and every time they come, their voices are stronger and they make fun sounds too.

KAREN: How did you get started with Paws to Read?

HUMPHREY: It all started when I wanted to be a therapy dog to visit people and have them pet me. There were only a few places around Arlington to visit and I wanted to do more. My Mom found out about other programs where children read to dogs and she talked to the Arlington Libraries about it. Everybody liked the idea. So we got started. The nicest thing is listening to the children’s good reading voices. I really like it when they make the characters sound different.

KAREN: What’s your favorite thing to do?

HUMPHREY: Well, of course, going to the library to listen to stories is pretty great. But I also like to play catch-the-ball a lot. I have perfected a few catch-in-the-air moves. Now that it is getting warmer there will be more ball playing and maybe I can go swimming in the pool too! I also like going to the beach and watching movies with dogs in them at home.

KAREN: What’s your favorite snack?

HUMPHREY: I am pretty fond of almost all dog cookies – especially the kind from the dog bakery. But my favorite treat is the very first human food I every tried – Blue Cheese! It all started with just a little mistake on my part. You see, my Dad had a salad with blue cheese dressing on it and he left it on the table for a few minutes, so I thought I would see what he liked to eat and took just a little taste. It was delicious! Now I know I am not allowed to take food from the table. I just forgot that one time. My humans must have forgiven me because I sometimes get just a tiny piece of blue cheese when I am being especially good.

KAREN: Do you have a book recommendation?

HUMPHREY: Have you seen all the books at the library??? There must be a million of them! I like it when I get to hear new stories and I like it when I hear the same story again. I guess my favorite stories are one’s with dogs in them like the Biscuit and Marley books. Of course, my very favorite one is about a dog that learns to read. It is called, How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills. You should check it out!

Thanks for all of your help with Paws-to-Read, Humphrey!

 

Paws-to-Read is a partnership between the Library and PAL (People Animals Love), a local animal therapy organization. You can learn more about why reading to dogs helps children become better readers from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

 

May 23, 2013 by Web Editor Filed Under: News Tagged With: Volunteers: meet our volunteers

Marine Volunteers Help Create a New Plot Against Hunger Garden

Published: April 29, 2013

Hooray For Our Volunteers!

Fort Myer Marines volunteer in the garden

Saturday, March 23 2013: Volunteer Marines help create a new garden

In order to create more growing space for our AFAC Plot Against Hunger garden at Central Library, we decided to transfer some of the decorative plants from the Quincy Street entrance, and replace them with vegetables. But first, we had to do some serious digging and shoveling…

Luckily five Marines from Henderson Hall – along with their families – were happy to help!

Our head gardener reports, “The Marines took on this hard physical task with very little need of guidance and organized themselves and the project into an amazingly efficient unit, finishing the whole area including clean up, in 2.5 hours. They were awesome!”

 

Learn more about Gardens at the Library. 

 

April 29, 2013 by Web Editor Filed Under: News Tagged With: Volunteers: meet our volunteers

Colleen Funkhouser, Columbia Pike Volunteer

Published: April 29, 2013

Proud to Help Provide Quality Service

Colleen Funkhouser volunteer

Colleen started volunteering at Central Library in 2009, and switched to the Columbia Pike Branch Library after she moved to Alexandria in 2011. She volunteers on Columbia Pike’s 2nd Floor Info Desk, and occasionally in circulation processing delivery, holds or the paging list.

We asked her to tell us a little bit about herself, and why she enjoys spending her free time at the Library:

What makes you continue to volunteer?

I know the library depends on reliable volunteers to provide quality services to the public. If I have the spare time, of course I’m going to offer it to a valuable part of my community – the public library system.

That is so cool. What’s your favorite thing about the library?

I get to meet and help a wide variety of people each week. Some are regular library patrons looking for new services, while others are visiting for the first time and have no idea where to start. Either way, nearly everyone is appreciative of the services we provide and are a joy to serve.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

I work for an environmental nonprofit in Northern Virginia. When I’m not sitting at my work desk or the library Information Desk, you can find me hiking, biking, or canoeing around the region.

Are you a Metro DC native, or a transplant?

I am a transplant from Pennsylvania, by way of South Carolina.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A librarian for the National Park Service.

What is the best book you’ve read recently?

If you need a literary escape from the hustle and bustle of the Metro DC area, I highly recommend A Year in the Maine Woods by Bernd Heinrich.

What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?

Embarrassingly, I can’t remember any recent movies.

 

Interested in becoming a Library volunteer? Check out the Current Openings on our Volunteer Page.

 

April 29, 2013 by Web Editor Filed Under: Support Your Library Tagged With: Volunteers: meet our volunteers

Celebrating Some Special Helping Hands

Published: April 16, 2013

Congratulations!

Each year Arlington County names several deserving individuals and teams as Outstanding Volunteer for the year.

The competition is always stiff because people from all County departments are eligible to win. For 2013, Library staff nominated three teams and three individuals for this award – a testament to the value we place on Library Volunteers and the excellent work they do.

Of those nominated this year by the Library, one individual and two teams won! The Outstanding Volunteer winners from the Library are…

 

Cynthia Power

Cynthia Paws to Read

Cynthia and Humphrey

Individual award for introducing, coordinating, facilitating and growing the Paws-to-Read program.

Paws-to-Read began in March 2011 with Cynthia and her therapy dog Humphrey coming to Central Library for two sessions a month. The programs were so successful that this year, six of our eight locations sponsor PAWS-to-Read sessions. Cynthia recruits and schedules the P.A.L. volunteers who participate in the program along with their therapy dogs, and collaborates with Library staff to ensure the sessions run smoothly.

 

The Central Library Computer Volunteers

Computer Help Desk Volunteers

On behalf of the Computer Volunteer Team: (from left to right) Eva G., Rick Airhart, Mark Cooper (supervisor), David Hough, Anne Lang, John Hession

Team Award

Members of the Computer Volunteer Team staff the computer help desk on the second floor for nearly all of the 66 hours a week Central is open. Many help people using the public PCs, while others teach or assist in the CyberCenter’s Technology Training classes. In addition, the time and talents of this team have enabled the Library to add a new TechTalk series of classes, describing current technology and applications.

The team members include: Alice Tanoue, Andrea Mullen, Anne Lange, Eva G, Judith Karinshak, Ben Schmoker, Richard Airhart, Anne Griffith, David Hough, Dennis Wright, John Hession, John Bowers, Lisa, and Susan Dennis.

 

Circulation Unit Volunteer Trainers

Gil Leigh (left) and Dan Dixon (right)

Gil Leigh (left) and Dan Dixon (right)

Team Award

Gilbert Leigh – a Central Library welcome desk staffer – and Dan Dixon – who helps people use the self-checkout machines at Central – both train new volunteers for their respective positions. They were the first volunteers at  Central to have this responsibility, and the perspective they provide to new volunteers is invaluable. In addition, they have been very successful at bringing new volunteers into the Library.

National Volunteer Week begins April 21.

 

Interested in becoming a Library volunteer? Check out the Current Openings on our Volunteer Page.

 

 

April 16, 2013 by Web Editor Filed Under: News Tagged With: Volunteers: meet our volunteers

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