By Karen Greenwood, Volunteer Coordinator
Sedona AZ (April 11, 2014) – National Volunteer Week is about inspiring and encouraging individuals to seek out ways to engage in their communities and recognizing those who do. It’s about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals. National Volunteer Week is our moment in time to celebrate our volunteers.
Thank you to Sedona Public Library volunteers!
Each year, volunteers donate time and energy at Sedona Public Library in service to our community. These volunteers are among the millions across the country who are spotlighted during Annual National Volunteer Week, April 6 -12, 2014.
As nonprofit organizations across the country continue to face serious budget challenges, the vital contribution volunteers make takes on more importance all the time. Research conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that 26.5% of adult Americans (65.5 million people) volunteered 7.9 billion hours in 2012. This translates to $175 billion worth of staff time.
On Sunday, April 13, we will recognize our volunteers for their vital contributions to Sedona Public Library and the Sedona Community at a “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” themed luncheon at the Library. Volunteers will receive certificates and pins to thank them for their service. At Sedona Public Library, more than 160 active volunteers gave nearly 17,000 hours in 2013.
At the circulation desk alone, six volunteers work four-hour shifts each day we’re open, for a total of 144 hours each week. At SPL in the Village, volunteers devote 20 hours a week to checking items in and out.
Sedona Public Library was founded by volunteers and to this day, nearly half of the labor is provided by volunteers. To put it simply, the Library would not be available to the community if it were not for the volunteers who tirelessly give their time and talent every week of the year.
Volunteers help by:
- Assisting with youth and adult programs
- Checking items in and out at the circulation desk
- Answering the phone and issuing new library cards
- Shelving materials
- Processing items to loan to and borrow from other libraries
- Assisting with the public use of computers
- Putting covers on new books
- Processing magazines
- Sorting donated material to add to the Library’s collection
- Processing donations for regular and online book sales
- Repairing damaged items and cleaning CDs and DVDs
- Working shifts at Friends of the Library used book sales
- Serving on the Friends of the Library Board
- Serving on the Sedona Public Library Board of Trustees
As the Library’s Volunteer Coordinator, I am continually impressed by the generosity, goodwill, support, and expertise our volunteers bring to our Library on a daily basis. So often, our volunteers put others’ needs ahead of their own while balancing family life, work commitments, and – sometimes – poor health.
Anyone can be a volunteer. Time is a precious and valuable gift to give, and so many of our volunteers give selflessly, time and time again. This week is your week, and you deserve the recognition.
It is the dedication, tireless efforts and personal involvement of the many individuals who volunteer their time and expertise that make Sedona Public Library a community-driven venue. Our volunteers have created a family, and we invite you to join us.
Next time you visit your Library, stop at the circulation desk and ask for a volunteer application form. As a volunteer, you may find yourself learning or developing a new skill, making new friends, becoming part of a friendly community, and just having fun! You can choose from many activities, according to your interests and skills, and the amount of time you have to give.
Volunteering is ultimately about helping others and having an impact on peoples’ well-being. What better way is there to connect with your community and give back? As a volunteer, you return to society some of the benefits that society gives you.