Grateful is an understatement. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library wouldn't be as great of a Library without our wonderful volunteers.
When we closed our libraries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, we felt it because we have to say "see you later" to our volunteers, too. Over the last two years, our limited service capabilities allowed us to only bring back a handful of volunteers for special projects. And, while we were thrilled to work with those we could, we missed all of our volunteers - human and canine alike.
This year, for National Volunteer Week (NVW), which runs April 17-23, we'd like to recognize some of the hands - and paws - that use their special gifts wand talents to help us carry out our mission to improve lives and build a stronger community. Thank you for inspiring us and encouraging us to take action, work together and creatively meet our communities challenges.
From all of us at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, thank you Volunteers and Happy National Volunteer Week!
Charlie, a Library volunteer for nearly 10 years, serves at SouthPark Regional Library. Charlie says, " I love what public libraries stand for and what they provide. The library and its wonderful staff provide a welcoming environment that allows me to be of some service and to remain involved in a small way in the library's mission."
Teen volunteer Alexis, loves that libraries can be treasure troves. She enjoys finding adventure at every turn on Library shelves.
Julie, a 30-year volunteer loves the Library and has volunteered at both SouthPark Regional and Myers Park Libraries. Julie loves shelving books and magazines. Why does Julie loves volunteering ? " Because I enjoy BEING there, and doing what I am expected to do there."
Nancy enjoys books and organizing. What has been her experience with the Library? She shares this story: "We moved to Charlotte in May 2011. In July 2011, I started volunteering at South County Regional Library. At first, I shelved holds and then I checked in holds sent from other libraries. I must have volunteered there for about 8 years. I started volunteering at SouthPark Regional Library around 2019 until it was closed due to COVID. Just started back up March 15, 2022."
Dylan, a Davidson Library volunteer, loves helping with storytimes and dressing up as characters to bring joy to younger storytime attendees.
Time flies when you're having fun! Don, a SouthPark Regional volunteer, says he enjoys shelving books and showing patrons how to use search portals. He's been a Library volunteer for about five (5) years.
Pretzel Sufnarski has been volunteering with the Library more than 10 years. She started in January 2012 and, since then, has made over 100 visits to the Matthews Library. She has visited along with her owner Tonya Sufnarski, and Tonya’s children, Morgan and Mason. Pretzel patiently listens to many stories from many different children. She also has been involved with some special programs that her owners have implemented at her home branch. This year, Tonya’s youngest son, Mason, will be going to college and Pretzel will retire from her years of service with the library. She and the family will be greatly missed. We so appreciate the dedication of this family in helping the library meet its main goal to build a stronger community.
The highlight of volunteering for Elizabeth? Leading and assisting story times. "Listening to the stories, laughing, and being taken into a whole new storybook world were some of my favorite childhood memories and I am so glad that I got to share it with the next generation. I can't wait to volunteer in person again!"
Rosemary is an avid volunteer, donating her time to community service even while employed with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). After retiring from the school system in 2007, she began volunteering at Atrium Pineville and SouthPark Regionalto keep busy with meaningful activities.
She enjoys searching for "lost" books, shelving holds,and pulling holds.
A retired librarian, has been a Library volunteer since 2019. Susan started volunteering as a Reading Buddy. She paused in 2020 when branches closed as a result of COVID-19 and has looked forward to returning. Is it true that librarians never retire? Susan returned because she wanted to give back to the community and instill a love of reading and curiosity for knowledge in young readers.
Sneha enjoys volunteering as a math mentor. The heartfelt and warm thank you note she received from one of her youngest students made her realize the impact she can have on the lives of others with helpful interactions. And she still has the note!
From the beginning, Sherri has been enthusiastic about the Library and Paws to Read. Sherri and her dog Rudi (therapy dog) began volunteering for Paws to Read at the beginning of 2020. Mountain Island Library is grateful to have them both volunteer. Seeing a cute furry friend like Rudi brought so much excitement and joy to the branch!
Mountain Island thanks Sherri and Rudi for being phenomenal, and for giving time to the library and community even when the world seemed uncertain. Sherri and Rudi toughed it out and continued volunteering virtually for two years.
Susan is a 13-year Library volunteer who currently gives her time and talents to Mint Hill Library. Described by Mint Hill staff as "a treasure," Susan has lived in cities across the nation from Minneapolis and Chicago to Los Angeles, and now calls Charlotte home. Susan's favorite thing about volunteering? Interacting with staff and being able to help her library and city.
As she's doing in this photo, Loren is always reaching to new heights to help at South County Regional Library. With her infectiously positive attitude, Loren is a dedicated volunteer who never hesitates to step in wherever needed. She always asks, “what more can I do?” and always wants to learn new tasks to better assist us. The team at South County feel grateful to have her as one of their volunteers.
Judy jumped right in at Independence Regional Library when she saw help was needed. A 26-year Library volunteer, Judy pulls holds, helps with shelving materials, and got her start when she saw we were short-staffed and wanted to improve our work process. For that, we're forever grateful.
Lance has enjoyed volunteering at the Library for 9 years. Described by the team at Mint Hill Library as "thorough," Lance is a wonderful circulation volunteer, ensuring the community gets its hands on requested items in an efficient manner.
A 12-year volunteer, Patty is described by Mint Hill staff as a "Jack of all trades!" She assists at Mint Hill Library by shelving books, pulling books for reports and is always willing to assist with whatever tasks need completion. What does Patty enjoy most about volunteering? Library staff and the atmosphere.
Patty is glad to be back!
Gail started volunteering with the Library in 2019. An elementary school media specialist for 39 years, she retired in 2010 and still enjoys library work. It was only natural that she wanted to volunteer at the Library and help any way she can!
Beth loves reading - and she loves Mint Hill Library staff and community members even more! According to Beth, retirement is sweet when you have a "job" that fulfills you. A worthy highlight? You bet. Staff appreciate the positivity Beth brings to her role as a volunteer.
Suzanne started volunteering at the Library two months before our initial COVID-19 closure and was excited to return as soon as she could. Celebrated as a super-fast learner, Suzanne says she has always enjoyed libraries and wanted to do something useful with her free time. That, and volunteering helps her keep her must-read list full.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is proud to present, Sonia Manzano as our featured Día guest. Sonia has inspired and educated children and families as "Maria" on Sesame Street for many years. She has been named among the “25 Greatest Latino Role Models Ever” by Latina Magazine. Manzano contributed to diversity on television and in the educational realm. She is the author of numerous children and adult books including her memoir, Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South. She recently created a new television series for PBS titled Alma’s Way. Don’t miss this presentation on April 20th at 6:30 p.m. Register on the Library’s website.
Other Dia programs include an ASL (American Sign Language) storytelling program provided by the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and a special story time program presented by, I Can Read Black Stories Día edition. Each of our locations will host a special Día program and beginning April 18th, Día @ Home, take home activity kits, will be available at our locations while supplies last. On Saturday, April 30th Join Mr. Nigel’s Music and Criss Cross Mango Sauce for our grand Día finale!
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library celebrates Día as part of its commitment to connecting children and their families to multicultural books, bilingual services, and educational resources. Learn more about the services provided by the Library's Outreach Department.
Día is a celebration every day of children, families and reading, that culminates yearly with celebrations held across the country on or near April 30th. The celebration emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Learn more.
The Town of Davidson has an active calendar of events for residents. In the spring, people enjoy coming together for 