Charlotte Mecklenburg Library celebrates volunteers during National Volunteer Week
March 27, 2019
National Volunteer Week recognizes ordinary people who improve our neighborhoods and our community every day – volunteers. At the Library, we celebrate the enormous contributions of volunteers April 7 – 13, 2019 – which is fittingly also National Library Week.
Volunteers are an essential part of the Library’s efforts to create a more educated and literate community. Last year 1,421 volunteers gave a whopping 53,386 hours of service to our Libraries – a value of more than $1.8 million dollars.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library thanks all our volunteers for their dedication and support. We are grateful for the energy and enthusiasm they bring to so many roles: Reading Buddies, Technology Tutors, Circulation Helpers, Homework Helpers and our Paws to Read dogs.
We asked a few volunteers why they give so generously of their time and talent. Surabhi Kaushik has led writing programs and helped at events for nearly three years – in that time, she’s logged over 400 hours of service. Kaushik shared “Volunteering at the Library has been an enjoyable learning experience for me because it has given me a space to showcase my talents, meet new people and be part of a welcoming community. The writing group has given me a sense of belonging which was important to me as a newbie immigrant.”
VolunTeen David Clinkscales has been volunteering at University City Regional Library for three years, since he was just thirteen years old. “My favorite part of volunteering at the Library is participating in storytime. Seeing the children follow the dances, run around smiling and interacting makes me always want to come back.” Clinkscales explains, “Libraries are important because the library is where most children first learn and develop the literacy, math and social skills necessary for school. The Library helps the surrounding community, and volunteering allows me to be a part of that improvement.”
We are forever grateful to Library volunteers and all volunteers who dedicate themselves to improving lives and building a stronger community.
If you or your group are interested in volunteering:
- Visit www.cmlibrary.org/volunteer
- Call or visit your local library branch
- Email the volunteer coordinator at [email protected]