A New Year, a New Idea

Thank you again for all your work.  It is appreciated.  If someone would like to add up the 2011 hours recorded in the Volunteer Notebook, please feel free to do that.  (Over half the year is already added, so not quite the daunting task as it first appears.)

I would like to create a “Volunteer On-Call List”.  I hope that doesn’t sound too ominous, but things come up occasionally where it would be helpful.  Some of you have indicated that you are willing to come in on an “as need” basis, so I would like to formalize that with your permission.

Following are some of my thoughts for how this would work:

• Simply email me or let me know next time you stop in if you are interested.
• You can have your name on the list without being obligated to come if called.
• If you are called, the time frame could be same day, within the hour or two if someone calls in sick, or possibly several days notice if a project or program comes up.
• You could specify when you are interested in being “on call”.  For example: only during the evening, Saturdays, summertime, etc.
• I don’t think this would be utilized often, but there are times when it could be a great help to the staff.

If you have questions or are interested in being on the list, just let me know.

Thanks so much, Mary

Merry Christmas

Thank you again for all the work you have accomplished in 2011.  It is much appreciated.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Looking forward to seeing you in 2012, Mary

Welcome new volunteers

We have several more people who have joined the volunteer ranks at Loudonville Public Library.  Unfortunately for us, but good for them, several others have had to leave because of new job commitments.  Thank you so much for all of your work.  It is appreciated!

Volunteer Appreciation Dessert Buffet

I hope you all received your postcard invitation for Wednesday, August 10 at 7:00 p.m.  We are requesting RSVPs by Wednesday, August 3.  Hope to see you there!

Welcome New Volunteers

There are a few changes to June’s volunteer schedule.   First of all there are new volunteers so you might notice some new names.  Secondly, it is Summer Reading time again, so any volunteer with SRP after your name, please check with Kristy or Deb about your duties for the day.

Again, thank you so much for all your help.  It is very  much appreciated!

New Volunteers

I will be hosting another volunteer orientation on Saturday, May 7, which means some new people will be added to the volunteer ranks!  That should give me some more flexibility with scheduling.  So, if you would like some changes in the way you are being scheduled, please let me know and I will see what I can do.  Thank you again for all the work you do.

Happy Anniversary

Thank you once again for your consistent good work.  We appreciate your willingness to give up your time week after week, month after month.  If my records are correct, we have completed our first year with the volunteer program!  Thank you for making it successful. 

As we head into year two, don’t hesitate to contact me if you have suggestions or would like to change the days you are scheduled.  Thanks again for your work.

Coming Up: Summer Reading Programs

April was another great month in terms of help from volunteers.  It seems as though many of you have become very comfortable and proficient in your roles here, showing up and getting right to what needs to be done.  It is really fantastic to have the help and great to get to know you as we work together.  All told, volunteers worked an appoximate total of 110 hours last month.

June 3rd marks the beginning of our Summer Reading Programs at the library – the equivalent of the Christmas season in the retail environment.  We have recruited some younger volunteers from the high school as well as some additional adult volunteers to help us in our efforts over the summer.  In particular, we may be asking some of you to help in registering participants for the programs or for assistance during some of our many events over the next couple of months.

Speaking of events, we are always interested in hearing your ideas for programs that we could promote and host here at the library.  I recall hearing some of these ideas from volunteers during the interviews in the winter.  So… if you have an idea for a program for any age group at the library, please pass it along to us so that we can make it happen – anything to get people in the building.  Feel free to e-mail or simply take a staff member aside to make a suggestion.   

Thanks and keep up the good work.

March: What a Great Month!

We just tallied up the hours that volunteers worked in March, and we are happy to see that all of you have worked a total of 102 hours in roughly three weeks!  That works out to about 29 hours per week of volunteer help – almost like adding another full-time employee around here. 

Many employees have expressed how your efforts are helping to keep things running smoothly around here, and we are all very appreciative for the time and work that you are donating.  We look forward to keeping this momentum going.  The Library is a better (and tidier) place because of you. 

I will also mention that April 18th-24th is National Volunteer Week.  Who knew you had a whole week devoted to you?

LPL Volunteer Website (Please Check Often)

So… it’s been a couple of weeks since our volunteer orientation.  I hope that everyone had a good time and learned a few things along the way. 

We plan on using this website lplvolunteers.wordpress.com as a way of communicating with all of you regarding schedules, events, and other information.  With so many of you (around 30!) this is the most efficient way of contacting everyone and keeping everyone informed.  Think of this site as a virtual volunteer station – just like the one you will become acquainted with at the library. 

Please feel free to contact me (Charlie) or Mary with any questions.  We will have some of you scheduled to come in the week of March 8th as we dip our toes into this thing. 

Thanks and see you soon!