volunteer spotlight 2025

Diana started volunteering at the Library in late March 2024 and has contributed nearly 110 hours. She volunteers regularly at the Brentwood Library, assisting with the displays, shelving, and shelf reading. In addition, she is an integral member of the adult programming team, helping with multiple Lit Chats, Writer's Labs, and Author Talks at multiple branches. If that wasn’t enough, she enthusiastically volunteers at Library special events, such as Jax Book Fest and Preschool Palooza, and at community events with the Bookmobile. Her infectious smile and personality brighten everyone's days. In her spare time, Diana is a member of the US Navy, stationed at Naval Station Mayport.

Abdellah has been volunteering with the Main Library since August 2024 and has contributed over 71 hours in that time. He has been an outstanding volunteer, consistently demonstrating kindness, efficiency, and a positive attitude. He has helped with a variety of tasks, from replacing endcaps on shelves and correcting misplaced books to assisting with general shelving and presorting. Beyond daily tasks, he has also supported larger events, such as facilitating goodie bag giveaways at summer closing parties and managing the button-making station during the Duval Comic and Zine Fest. Courteous, friendly, and always willing to lend a hand, Abdellah is not only smart and reliable but also is a genuine pleasure to work with. The team is truly grateful for his time and contributions.

Sandra has been volunteering with the University Park Library since November 2024 and has contributed over 170 hours in that time. As a former library employee, Sandra has a strong knowledge base of the collection and helps in a variety of roles including shelving, craft prep, and maintaining appearance standards of the shelves.

Sandra wanted to highlight her cat and reading buddy, Pop Tart. He likes to cuddle up as she reads in her chair. She adopted him after he was found by a neighbor.

Ericalyn is a teen volunteer at Highlands Library. She began volunteering in May 2024 and has since contributed over 113 hours. She has participated in the Teen Advisory Board and has assisted with a variety of activities including shelving, program help, preparing for summer, and scavenger hunts. She has also been indispensable during large events such as Preschool Palooza and the summer kick-off party.

What inspired you to volunteer for the library?

Eric began volunteering at the San Marco Library in August 2023. Since then, he has logged around 90 hours while working as a lawyer in the United States Navy Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. “Think Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men,” he said.

Jack is one of the most passionate teen volunteers at Webb Wesconnett Library. They have not missed a Teen Advisory Board meeting since even before they became a volunteer in January 2025. Along with their friend, Jacob, they have helped with crafts and displays and organizing our art supplies.

What inspired you to volunteer for the library?

Sue has been serving in the children's story area at the South Mandarin Library since 2017. Her friendly nature makes her beloved by the children, who call her Ms. Sue. In addition to helping with the Storytimes, she also assists with the popular crafts and during summer parties and shelves materials. Her weekly contribution has amounted to over 440 hours since 2017.

Monica has been volunteering at Regency Square Library for over 2 years and has contributed over 102 hours. Every time, Monica comes in to volunteer, she is a shining beacon of positivity; it’s hard to find her without a smile. When Monica isn’t volunteering with the Library, she is a biology professor at Florida State College of Jacksonville.

Anthony is 26 years old and has been volunteering at the Dallas Graham Library for over five years. He helps with shelving, the summer lunch program, and other activities. In addition to volunteering, Anthony attends Edward Waters University (EWU) full-time and is seeking a degree in Religious Theology. He will be transitioning to Bethune Cookman University (BCU) at the end of July 2025.