Stepping Up: Library volunteers fill varied roles

BY JENNY MEYER Salt Spring Island Public Library volunteer Versions of the Salt Spring Island Public Library originated in many forms since 1898, run entirely by volunteers until 2004 when [...]

BY JENNY MEYER Salt Spring Island Public Library volunteer Versions of the Salt Spring Island Public Library originated in many forms since 1898, run entirely by volunteers until 2004 when the first paid librarian was hired part-time. We continue today with up to 75 volunteers who keep the library and its services active, available, vibrant, diverse and welcoming. The volunteers represented in this article have volunteered for the library from three to 17 years.

Jill and Maureen are at the circulation desk, greeting patrons, answering the telephone, processing books as they are returned and using the library’s computer system to deal with patron accounts and access to books and services. In addition, Jill and Maureen are part of the Volunteer Intake Team, orienting, training and mentoring new volunteer applicants. Kate, Wil and Anna do shelving, which they find quite relaxing and rewarding, putting items away with order, focus and care, so that they can be easily found and enjoyed.

They answer patrons’ questions and guide them to find what they want. Shelvers love creating order out of chaos — especially in the children’s area! Not only does Wil sort and tidy books within the library, he prunes, clears and tidies the outside of the library grounds and gardens.

Susan leads and trains a team of volunteers in Interlibrary Loan (ILL – ordering and returning books to and from other B.C. libraries) which involves lots of tracking, steps, computer and paperwork, as well as having to work with the postal services. Maureen inputs new books into the children’s catalogue and weeds other books out of circulation. These tasks, including book processing and repair, take place “upstairs” in the small area that is shared with Salt Spring Island Archives.

Anna chairs the Fiction Selection Committee of avid readers committed to bringing new fiction, mysteries and romance to our eager patrons. There are other committees who recommend and order items from other genres and formats, including DVDs and audiobooks. Kate specializes in repairing damaged books, which involves glue, sharp instruments and problem solving; and she makes sure our lobby sparkles at holiday time with a Christmas Book Tree made from discarded green and red covered books.

And if that isn’t enough, Anna and Jill create displays throughout the library on various topical themes. Our volunteers enjoy reading and love being surrounded by books; they are up for the challenge of finding the resources patrons need and most importantly they love helping people. They benefit from the camaraderie and team approach of working with other volunteers and staff, getting book suggestions from their colleagues and patrons and being part of the library community.

They get a particular “kick” out of seeing children’s reactions as they happily use the library resources. And that’s why volunteers, and patrons, keep coming back! Did you know that during COVID many volunteers came in, masked, sanitized and distanced to continue offering library services within the ever-changing health guidelines?

There’s a volunteer position for everyone at the library, including assisting with child, youth, adult and Indigenous programming, special events and visiting library services. And we are thrilled to have students who volunteer their time on Fridays and Saturdays. If you have keen attention to detail, and the time and commitment to attend training, contact senior manager Sophia at svbjackson@saltspringlibrary.com or telephone her at 250-537-4666, extension 227; or complete an application online on our saltspring.bc.libraries.coop website by clicking on the raised hands on the bottom left corner of our homepage.

We look forward to hearing from you! From Sophia: To our many wonderful volunteers: Thank you sincerely for the time and care you bring to our library. Whether you’re shelving books, assisting patrons, or taking care of the many other aspects of volunteer tasks, your dedication keeps our community connected to the joy of reading and learning.

We are truly grateful for everything you do.