Celebrate National Volunteer Week April 20-26, 2025 with the Library
April 16, 2025
This blog was written by Chauna Wall, Volunteer Coordinator for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
Volunteering is vital, an essential workforce to a community’s wellbeing. So many local and national programs from education to disaster relief to the arts are underpinned by the contributions of volunteers. Volunteers of all ages foster a community of connection and engagement.
Today we enter a week-long celebration called National Volunteer Week which runs from April 20 - April 26, 2025
During this week we take the opportunity to shine a light on the people that inspire us to serve for the benefit of the greater good. Volunteerism empowers individuals to find their purpose, to take their passion and turn it into meaningful change. When you answer the call to make a difference, we make progress in “Improving Lives and Building a Stronger Community”, our core mission.
We celebrate our volunteers for giving their time and talents to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and the many volunteers who stand with us in promoting inclusion, education and literacy to the entire community.
Every day our volunteers inspire us and help us create a more educated and literate community. Never doubt you make a measurable difference. Last year 1,235 volunteers gave us over 25,000 hours which equates to a value of over $800,000!
Arthur “Buzzy” W.
Volunteer at South County Regional Library
Our Portuguese, Spanish, and English Conversation Clubs have many dedicated members, and we have become friends. We have become family. We help each other by listening to each other and we make new friends.
Ashlyn W.
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
I appreciate meeting new people, making new connections and the ability to contribute and help others.
Becky G.
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
I worked for Mecklenburg County for 30+ years and I like giving back to the community. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a great impact.
Carol L.
Volunteer at Independence Regional Library
I love being able to help make Library users feel more comfortable and supported.
Kathy M.
Reading Buddy at Mint Hill Library
It feels good to think someone might enjoy reading a little better because I volunteered.
Kay L. and Jack L.
Volunteers at South County Regional Library
I volunteer because I’ve always read, and libraries give people an opportunity to broaden their minds. - Kay
The Library is such a multifaceted resource that anything that I can do to make it more available to the community is worth my time and effort. - Jack
Lance W.
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
Volunteering at the Library is a chance to give back. The staff at Mint Hill are wonderful!
Lee M.
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
I’ve truly been blessed. I have always loved to read. I feel like I’m giving back some of the good things people have done for me.
Marianne L.
Volunteer at Matthews Library
Library books have always been a part of my life. As I grew older, I realized not everyone had access to books at home, but the Library filled that need. What could be a better way to give back to your community than to support the Library?
Meg S. and Winnie
Paws to Read Volunteers at ImaginOn
Helping young people practice their reading with Winnie unlocks a new confidence in reading and speaking skills that opens doors forever.
Pam M. and Seneca
Paws to Read volunteers at South County Regional Library
Seneca's enthusiasm, bright eyes, wagging tail, and willingness to bathe for her favorite volunteer destination keeps us coming back! Belly and ear scratches are in full abundance as well!
Robert M.
Paws to Read Volunteer at ImaginOn
No child should feel shame or fear when learning to read.
Sarah M.
Volunteer at ImaginOn
ImaginOn is such an amazing and creative space for kids, and the staff is very welcoming and kind.
Steven K.
Volunteer at Mint Hill Library
I love helping with Reading Buddies, the Student Success Center, Día and EpicFest.
Nora M.
Paws to Read Volunteer at ImaginOn
A child may come in and be afraid of reading, so they will just pet the dog. Ultimately, they feel more comfortable and will find a book and sit and read.
Alicia, Volunteer at SouthPark Regional Library:
"I love children's literature, especially picture books with their creative writing and unbelievable illustrations. I also think children are funny. When you combine reading a funny book with a fun child...it makes the volunteer work a real joy! I love escaping with books and hope to inspire this generation to find joy in the words and illustrations of children's literature. Thank you to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system for making this possible."
Ben, Volunteer at SouthPark Regional Library:
"Technology can be daunting, but it's part of everyday life. I want people to feel more confident using their computers and phones. I don't know all the answers, so sometimes it becomes a quest with the person attending a class or tutoring session to see if we can find an answer or solution. The library offers Tech Titans 50+ programs, which is offered through a partnership with AARP, and it opened more ways I could volunteer."
Bernice Mar – CM Library Logistics Volunteer :
“Why do I want to volunteer? A strong library system is a vital part of every thriving community. This is a way for me to be an active part of a meaningful presence...an engine of sorts...that I believe is an essential, life-affirming resource that improves the quality-of-life for everyone (including non-library patrons). As a child, the library is where I discovered that books opened a new and exciting world of stories, language, images, colors and patterns. It was such a treat to come home with a stack of new books to explore! That positive experience contributed to and blossomed into a lifelong love for reading, writing, learning, and self-expression. Eventually that led to a longstanding relationship with the Mecklenburg library system and its programs after moving to Charlotte two decades ago. “
You will see our VolunTeens and our adult volunteers helping with the following:
- Adopt an Aisle which includes families and children 12 and under.
- Tech tutoring classes and one on one learning
- Leading writing groups
- Training to be Reading Buddies and help with Student Success Centers
- Prepping for branch book sales
- Shelving, pulling holds and helping with morning deliveries
- English as a Second Language programs
- Stocking Free Little Libraries all over Mecklenburg County
- The ever-popular Paws to Read program where even your trained dog can volunteer!
If I may give a grateful nod to those of you who help our staff shelve in the children's department (which isn’t for the meek), and a special thank you to the 28 staff who have taken on the role of Volunteer Point Person (VPPs) who guide and engage with our volunteers daily. They have worked diligently to make the Library a great experience for our volunteers.
Thank you for being a Library volunteer and helping deliver the magic of books, stories, technology and lifelong learning. You are a treasured and valuable part of our story.