The Week is Over, but the Work Is Not

Today ends National Volunteer Week and yet much remains unsaid. has been made of the many people who volunteer at the Frank Sarris Public Library, lending an extra set of hands to assist with the everyday running of things, but other volunteers are at risk of going unnoticed...

There are two groups that are such an integral part of the library that they sometimes are overlooked when speaking of volunteers—the Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Library. Each of the two is composed of volunteers, and each, in its own way, raises money to ensure that the library remains here to serve you as a vital part of the community. 

Fundraising, of course, is not the only activity these groups pursue, but it is perhaps the most easily seen (here, for example).  If you're curious about what else goes on "behind the scenes", don't forget that both the monthly Board of Trustees meeting and the Friends of the Library meeting are open to the public. 

If you've been considering the idea of volunteering, a couple of options are available to you.  From the comfort of your home, you can be a library advocate!  If you haven't heard, Gov. Corbett's proposed budget for 2012-2013 includes a 5% cut to funding for libraries.  While, when taken alone, 5 percent may not seem like much, consider that libraries have lost more than 35 percent of state support since just 2008. By clicking on this Take Action link, you can easily email your state representatives to let them know your thoughts on the matter.

If you'd like a more "active" type of volunteering, let me suggest that you actively encourage your friends, neighbors, and family members to be library advocates as well! 

Once you've done all that you can from home, contact Lorraine Berner, volunteer coordinator, for information about volunteering in the library or drop in and pick up an application at the front desk.