Volunteer Spotlight December 2023
Every month, Citrus Libraries features a volunteer in their “Outside the Stacks” blog on the library’s website. This month, our Adult Literacy Services team would like to shine a spotlight on Sharon Blow, a longtime volunteer who volunteers at the Homosassa, Central Ridge and Floral City branches where she teaches Everyday English, works with Adult Basic Education learners and in the past has assisted with Math GED instruction.
Sharon
Q: What has been one of your favorite volunteer moments?
A: One of my favorite volunteer moments was hearing that the first GED student I took on had passed his final assessment and officially held a high school equivalency diploma. He was able to immediately move on in life.
Q: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced while volunteering and how have you overcome them?
A: The diverse needs of individuals within a group who are at different places in their learning can be tricky, but it drives me to find more effective resources that serve at multiple levels.
Q: Why is it important to you to volunteer at the library?
A: The library is one of the premiere resources within a community. Many people may not know of the many opportunities with programs, classes, and social connections it now offers, as well as being an excellent technology and reference source.
Q: Who is your favorite author?
A: While I don’t favor any one particular author, I do enjoy historical fiction. My two favorite pieces of literature are The Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird, both of which contrast the best and worst of the human spirit.
Q: What other causes are you passionate about and why?
A: I co-teach Conversational English and believe in helping those who just need a foot up, be it language acquisition, help from a food pantry, or simply a smile and quick word with a person waiting in line at the cash register.
Q: What is a fun fact about you?
A: As a younger woman, I competitively raced snowmobiles for two winters in an all-male domain!
Thank you, Sharon, for your continued dedication to our Adult Literacy program and the learners who rely on you every week! We truly appreciate all of our volunteers and are glad to spotlight one of the many special people that help to keep our branches and programs running smoothly each and every day.
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.
