I’d spent the better part of my twenty years in Douglas County enjoying the rich offerings of its library system, from simply checking out books, to using its study rooms, to attending author readings, when I decided it might be fun to volunteer. A friend had told me about her experience shelving books and I thought I might try my hand at it. Little did I know how much fun it would be to help people of all ages “connect” with their books, their DVDs, their Go-Pro cameras, book kits, and all manner of other devices and media.

I have truly enjoyed this experience of volunteering the amazing MHT team. I have such respect for you all. (And I have never minded one minute of my time in the children’s section, shelving their books and being reminded all the while of our family’s own amazing years reading books by many of the same authors — Jan Brett, Eric Carle, to name a few— with our children.) It’s been fun to see what books our patrons are reading, and discover a few new authors. I’ve also loved helping people find their books in the Holds section. (Sometimes it’s a bit like being a detective, or coach, but always a delight when the patron and I find what they are looking for. Finally, the simple act of touching physical books and DVDs has brought me back to reading “real” books. A lost pleasure now back in my hands!

Most importantly, it’s been great to have an insider’s glimpse at the work of the library staff and all they do to promote learning in so many ways. What a resource to the community! I think all of you should be confident that you’re doing meaningful work.

Volunteer Connect and Jennifer Rawson, helped me find a shelving shift that would work, changed it when needed, and made sure that I was properly trained in the work. I’ve also loved all the ways the library staff work to make volunteers feel as if they are a true part of the team. A highlight was a volunteers appreciation lunch, along with a demonstration by staff of all the things — beyond just books and DVDs — that can be checked out … like a ukulele, or the Go-Pro camera, … the personal hotspot and, do I have this right? A sewing machine. All of this has helped me become a volunteer, and be proud of myself in that role. Thank you!   – Brenda

I want to share my special experiences as a volunteer with the Philip Miller library. I volunteer weekly to shelve the books on hold and sometimes shelve books in the children’s section. In my weekly volunteering, I interact both with the staff and library patrons. I am always treated with respect and appreciation for doing my (easy) job. The staff always greets me by name and thanks me for helping. I am surprised that the library patrons who arrive to get their books on hold thank me for being there to help. I have volunteered with other agencies and I have never experienced such gratitude and friendliness. I volunteer because I love books and love the libraries that offer those books to the public. I volunteer for the DC Philip Miller library because I appreciate the people who make all of this possible. Volunteering has never been so rewarding. Thank you for this experience.   -Bonnie

What is your volunteer experience? A Douglas County volunteer who loves working with kids shares her story. “I observed children being excited about learning and reading which has really stuck with me. I learned responsibility and leadership. It was a very positive experience because of the fun activities and the visible joy of the kids. It showed me what was going on in the community and makes me want to get more involved.”

Find a volunteer opportunity that matches your passion and share your experience here!