Library Volunteers Make Big Difference

This year National Volunteer Week is April 12-19. The Ventura County Library Services Agency would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers who work in 15 county libraries and for the Adult Literacy Program.

Last year the library had 1,072 volunteers who gave 30,275 hours of their time. This is an increase of 196 volunteers over the year before. The federal government estimates a volunteer worker is worth $12.53 an hour. Therefore in fiscal year 1995-1996, the value of our volunteer force was $379,345.75.

The county library heavily relies upon volunteer help through these financially difficult times. Volunteer jobs are increasing and expanding. Volunteers read to children through “The Grandparents and Books Grant,” help with Homework Centers, teach the Internet, help process books and provide major assistance with other projects. In the community, many volunteers spend additional hours fund-raising and advocating for stable library funding.

The 15 county libraries will be displaying the names of their volunteers on posters for everyone to appreciate and recognize.

Library volunteers help make it possible for the continuance of free access to information and lifelong learning for all people. Library volunteers are indeed making a difference in their communities.

TRISH CAVANAUGH

Volunteer coordinator,

Ventura County Library Services Agency

Ventura