Keith has been volunteering at the Maxville Library since May 2025 and has one of the most unique volunteer positions throughout the Jacksonville Public Library: teaching origami. Several times a month, customers get to relax and learn how to fold small pieces of paper into simple and more intricate designs.
Jessica is a teen volunteer at Southeast Regional Library. She has been volunteering since the summer of 2024 and has contributed over 50 hours. She has helped out with a variety of tasks including packing donations of books and other items to send to the Friends bookstore, shelving, and pulling items to fulfill customer holds. She has also been an active participant on the Teen Advisory Board and assisted with crafts during our summer kick-off and Halloween parties. In addition, Jessica ensures the materials are in the correct place on the shelves and was one of the many volunteers who helped with adding radio frequency identification tags to the branch's collection.
Wendy became a member of the Friends of the Beaches Branch Library (FOBBL) in 1999 and a library volunteer in 2007. She began as a sorter of our book sale donations, but soon donned many hats. Wendy co-runs three annual FOBBL book sales, keeps the FOBBL honor cart filled, assists at two book clubs, and participates in our programs and special events, such as Comic Fest. She also decorates the library and herself with themed materials, whether it be for a holiday or a youth program. Staff can always count on her weekly snacks and surprise treats for various events as well. Wendy’s tireless efforts are rewarded by the smiles and thanks she receives from staff and patrons.
Kim H is one of Bradham & Brooks Library's newest volunteers, and she is already making a big impact. Since October, she has assisted with a variety of activities, including prepping the crafts for children and adults, engaging with and helping customers with the crafts, decorating the branch for the seasons, and making the buttons that are given out at the Reader's Advisory training. Kim also has taken a special interest in the teen hygiene cart and donated several travel size items, which made a big difference!
Kim is one of the secret weapons here at Pablo Creek Library. Not only has she been a dedicated volunteer since September 2023 with nearly 100 hours, before deciding to become a volunteer, she actually worked at the branch before retiring. Because of that wealth of knowledge, she is well versed in all things library, mostly helping out the clerical staff with countless projects such as shelving, shelf reading to make sure everything is where it is supposed to be, and boxing up the endless amounts of donations that arrive daily. She removes worn out and outdated items from the collection and sends them off to the Friends of the Library bookstore. She also assisted with the radio frequency identification (RFID) project last year and has helped overhaul how the CD’s and DVD’s are organized. Whenever Kim is here, she brings infectious joy to the staff and goes above and beyond to make sure the branch runs smoothly.
Mary is one of the unsung heroes at Main Library. Since October 2023, she has quietly contributed over 500 hours behind the scenes in Learning Services, helping both the youth and adult programming teams. She has done it all: prepping crafts, organizing supplies, taking inventory, entering surveys, and much more. In addition, she is a critical member of the Jax Stacks team, distributing prizes and compiling data for the year-end report.
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?
