Volunteers make the libraries work

Guest commentary:

I would like to say thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers and financial donors that have helped the libraries in Lincoln County. Volunteers and financial donors have been essential in allowing the libraries to maintain their current level of services to the public in these difficult economic times. The public’s support has been overwhelming and humbling.

For example, the Libby Friends of the Library, our volunteer organization for the Libby Library, works hard throughout the year with monthly book sales and special events like Lemonade on the Lawn to raise money for the library. Just recently, they provided $400 for this year’s summer reading program as well as purchasing a new microfilm machine for $3,800. These are just two of the many financial contributions they provide to the library. Besides money, they also work in the library. They put in over 150 volunteer hours a month supporting the day-to-day operations of the library, which is equal to almost 19 days of work each month. Also, we recently had a $500 anonymous donation to the library’s foundation to be used for early education literacy books in the children’s library. Like the volunteers and donors in Libby, volunteers and donors in Eureka and Troy are also instrumental in providing much needed assistance to the libraries.

In Eureka, the Eureka Friends of the Library just purchased a computer-based reading program for homeschoolers that will be installed on three of the Eureka library computers. Volunteers donate their time reading to children and helping with the summer reading program as well as helping the librarian shelve books. The library in Eureka also just received a $250 donation from a generous patron.

The Troy Friends of the Library provided $300 for Troy’s summer reading program. Volunteers help the librarian with weekly programming such as story time and chess club. Volunteers help beautify the library grounds and interior and raise money through special events. For example, the Troy Friends of the Library in partnership with the Libby Friends of the Library recently held a successful silent book auction, which raised $354 for the two libraries.

These are just some examples of how our volunteers have helped your libraries. From shelving books to purchasing magazine subscriptions and everything in-between, our volunteers and donors have helped make it possible for the libraries to provide the county with the services and resources that our communities need and expect. Once again, please accept my heartfelt thank you for everything you do to support your local libraries. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation to your library, please feel free to contact me.

- Rick Ball is the director of the Lincoln County Public Libraries