By Virginia Volkman, Library Director
Sedona AZ (April 21, 2017) – The invitation said: “You’re invited to Val’s 100th Birthday Polka Party; Food and Drink, Music and Dancing with The Bouncing Czechs.” Who could resist? Several of us traveled to Tucson to celebrate with our former Library volunteer, Val Hirsch, and wouldn’t have missed it for the world!
In 2010 we honored Val for her 35 years of service and shortly after that we gave her a going-away party when she moved from Sedona to be closer to her son and daughter-in-law. So, how does a 35-year Library volunteer celebrate her 100th birthday? She dances the polka from start to finish, with a crown on her carefully-coifed hair and a smile on her face!
Erma Bombeck summed up the value of volunteers when she said, “Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience and just plain love for one another.”
It’s that kind of connection that we celebrate during National Volunteer Week, April 23 to 29. The friendships made by volunteering are priceless and the benefits to our Library are enormous. We are truly grateful for the nearly 16,000 hours of volunteer service given by 142 volunteers last year.
We love our volunteers at Sedona Public Library and we’ve scheduled an Appreciation Brunch on Sunday, April 23, to thank them for their contributions. Special recognition will be given to these dedicated women who have been training new volunteers: Tricia Egger, Sandy Kreml, Linda Schermer, and Kathy Wege.
We will also recognize volunteers for their milestone years of service. Contributing Five Years: Gail Basham, Harvey Bershader, Kay Bork, Sandy Immerso, Mary “Hass” Maxson, Edith Shulman, Dotte Vande Linde; Ten Years: Janet Fontaine, Sandy Kreml, Janet Powell; Fifteen Years: Linda Schermer and Kathy Wege.
Sedona is blessed with a wealth of people willing to devote their time and energy to help make the community a vibrant place to live. As an institution created and sustained by volunteers, Sedona Public Library is well aware of their value. Our volunteers work both behind the scenes and in the public eye and we couldn’t do it without them.
Most volunteers work one shift per week, but many work more. Some volunteers work for more than one department. Other volunteers prefer to be on-call only and substitute for volunteers who are away. Most shifts are 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 5 or 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Evening shifts are Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
If you would like to work with others who share a passion for our Library, please call Volunteer Coordinator Marisol Molina at 928-282-7714, ext 143 or fill out an application online. After you fill out an application, we will call you for an interview and in-depth Library tour.
Join the millions of people who find fulfillment in working with and helping others in their communities. Become a volunteer today!
Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, partially supported by the City of Sedona and Yavapai and Coconino Counties. We also require donations and grants to fund our operations. Your tax-deductible donation may be made online through our website or sent to: Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, AZ 86336.