Volunteer Spotlight

Former Employee Continues Helping Customers as a Pablo Creek Library Volunteer

Photo of volunteer Kim

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 She removes worn out and outdated items from the collection and sends them off to the Friends of the Library bookstore.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.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes at Main Library

Photo of volunteer Mary

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.

Volunteer Finds Community at Brentwood Library

Photo of volunteer Diana

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.

Teen Volunteer Enjoys Solving Problems

Photo of teen volunteer.

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.

Volunteer Stays Busy By Helping Out at Library

Photo of a cat called Pop Tart.

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.

Teen Finds "Perfect Place" to Volunteer at Highlands Library

Cover of Ace of Spades book by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé.

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?

Volunteer "Ms. Sue" is Beloved by Children Visiting the Library

Volunteer Sue is ready to check in customers.

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.

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