Spotlight on Volunteers: Amy Tietz, Friends of the NRPL

Volunteer: Amy Tietz
Organization: Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library

Amy Tietz is no ordinary library volunteer. Following in her mother's footsteps, she is the second-generation member to the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library. The nonprofit group raises funds to support library programs through selling donated books and printed goods.

As co-president, she spends time sorting through new donations, cataloging and determining value of what will be sold, coordinates large book sales, and rallies to gather more volunteers for the cause.

How did you get involved with the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library?

I've been involved since 2005. My mother was a volunteer here and after she passed away, and I guess by design I decided to also be part of the friends.

What activities do you do?

The friends' reason for being is to take in reading material to sell them to earn money for the library. We pay for a lot of children's programming and a lot others that are not in the library budget.

We sell honor-system books in the lobby. We also have a bookstore that is open Tuesdays and Saturdays, and we have a once-a-month big sales where we bring books out of the catacombs of the basement.

How often to you volunteer?

I come in at least three days a week, and I sometimes stay until closing. I also belong to the Village Light Opera Group, which is down in Manhattan. I've been in that organization for 30 years, and was president and a board member. It is a much larger organization with a much larger budget, and that takes up a lot of time. 

Did you grow up in New Rochelle?

I graduated from New Rochelle High School. My grandparents lived here. When they passed away, my family moved to the house. And when my mom passed away, I moved into the home.

Were you taught to volunteer as a young girl?

Yes. My parents worked for Equal Opportunity Housing, and my mom was in the League of Women Voters for a number of years. It was important to give back to the community in my family. It was a recurring theme to be part of making the community better.

 Why do you do it?

I get a lot of satisfaction out of being able to contribute my energies, and I can see—very tangibly—where my efforts go.

For example, there is a quilt hanging in the library lobby that was done for New Rochelle. It needed to be restored, and Barbara Davis came to us and asked if we could pay for it. You know, when you see it there, and it's all done, you see what you are working for... not to mention the fact that you get first crack at some very good books!

Looking to volunteer? If you have a keen eye for books of value, can lift boxes of books or can make change as a cashier, the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library can use your help. Please call 914-632-7878 ext 3500 for more information.