Library honors volunteers
COSHOCTON – The Friends of the Library group was the first organization Sue Brems joined when she moved to the area 10 years ago from Atlanta, Ga.
“My grandkids live here and one time while visiting we took them to a Harry Potter breakfast at the library and I said if we ever move here I want to be part of a group that planned something as great as that breakfast,” she said.
Volunteers like Brems are a vital part of the Coshocton Public Library and they were treated to an appreciation dinner on April 7 that was catered by English Ivy.
“We are very thankful for our volunteers,” said Jennifer Austin, assistant director and volunteer coordinator. “Without them there is a lot that would not get done.”
Library volunteers work in the local history room, help man the used book sale room, shelf items, assist with the summer reading program and much more.
“We appreciate how dedicated you are to the library and our community,” Austin said.
Peggy Mikesell said volunteering at the library is a way to spend time with friends and make new ones.
“It’s just great to be here,” she said.
Several youth volunteers also were honored.
“As a child I enjoyed doing crafts here in the summer so when I aged out of that and found out the library needed volunteers my sister and I started volunteering,” said Rowan Roberts. “I don’t know how long we’ve been doing it now, but it has been a lot of fun.”
Jennifer Kiko, representing Congressman Bob Gibbs, spoke at the dinner and was excited to see so many people donating their time to the library.
“This is a beautiful library and volunteering can help you create new networks and open doors for you,” she said.
State Senator Jay Hottinger was scheduled to attend the dinner, but was unable to. However, volunteers still received their letters of appreciation from the Ohio Senate.
In 2015 library volunteers recorded 2,624 hours, which Eric Taggart, library director, said is the equivalent of hours worked by a full time person and a half.
“The library was a busy place in 2015,” he said. “We saw a lot of people and you all had a lot to do with that.”
There were 202,236 visitors to the library in 2015, 343,256 items borrowed and 34,256 reference questions answered. A total of 617 programs were held and 1,198 children, 198 teens and 567 adults participated in the summer reading program.
“I sincerely appreciate all you do and that you choose to spend your time here,” Taggart said. “I truly believe with my whole heart that we make a difference.”
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
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