Volunteer Spotlight August 2024
Every month, the Citrus County Library System features a volunteer in their “Outside the Stacks” blog on their website. This month, the Coastal Region Library would like to shine the spotlight on Doreen. We asked Doreen several questions and thought it would be fun to share her responses!
Doreen
Q: Why did you start volunteering?
A: I retired from Library work in NY and I wanted to bring my experience to my community. Only this time I would have different input. I had always admired the Friends group in The Rye Free Reading Room, especially for the grand fundraisers they would produce. When I came to Citrus County, I saw an opportunity to contribute. I was fortunate that there was an opening for Secretary of FOCRL, just pre-Covid19, and I signed on. We reconvened after Covid and revitalized the FOCRL group.
Q: Has volunteering changed how you see the library?
A: As a volunteer, I see the library completely differently than when I was an employee. I happen to have an “insider’s” view of the process. So, as a Friend Member, I seek to make the Librarians’ job easier, not harder.
Q: What has been one of your favorite volunteer moments?
A: One of my favorite volunteer moments was getting my offer for the Immersive Meditation sessions accepted. I get to do the thing I love and share it with others. It doesn’t matter if I get 1 person or 10. The intent of relaxation still comes through.
Q: Why is it important to you to volunteer at the library?
A: I volunteer for the gravitas, of course! No, really, I include my Friends status in my local business information. As a volunteer member of the community, a position of responsibility pads the resume. (that’s something a Capricorn would say) BUT, I just love it. I love everything about it. It feeds my need for nostalgia, supports my social life, keeps my brain from atrophy. I get to brag about all the FREE great programming & events available to the community, in person or in social media. I get to communicate with people from all walks of life. Keeping our libraries viable is imperative in this community, especially as Citrus County grows.
Q: What book to you recommend to all of your friends to read and why?
A: If I had to recommend something to friends, I would suggest “The Celestine Prophecy” by James Redfield and “Many Lives, Many Masters” by Dr. Brian Weiss. Not new, but eye opening.
Q: Tell us about your best vacation ever.
A: And as far as vacations go – I have haven’t had the very best one yet… OR… maybe this is it?
Thank you, Doreen, for dedicating your time to the Coastal Region Library! We truly appreciate all of our volunteers and are glad to spotlight one of the many special people that help to keep our branch running smoothly.
Citrus Libraries is always looking for more volunteers to help in our branches! If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer at the library, call your local branch and speak with the Customer Service Specialist. To learn more about the Citrus County Library System, please visit our website at www.citruslibraries.org and follow @CitrusLibraries on Facebook and Instagram.
