Library patrons turn volunteers through ‘United We Serve’ initiative
The Camden County Library system emphatically endorsed the presidential service initiative this summer to attract volunteers to the library.
United We Serve began as a nationwide effort by President Obama and led by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service to get people involved in their communities as volunteers during the rough economic period. The program lasts until Sept. 11, and volunteers sign up at www.serve.gov
United We Serve volunteers were put to work throughout the six branches of the Camden County library system with jobs such as shelving books, checking in materials, covering books, working with staff to prepare special programming, and working with kids through the children’s summer reading program.
Camden County Library System administrative clerk Karen Popelak served as a volunteer coordinator for United We Serve.
According to Popelak, the was notified at the beginning of the summer that the American Library Association had partnered with the Corporation for National and Community Service. As a member of the national association, the Camden library system joined the efforts to promote United We Serve program.
According to associate library director Debbie Dennis, summer United We Serve volunteers ranged in age from 16-year-old students to senior citizens.
“In these difficult economic times, we really appreciate the work our volunteers do for us and for our customers. Our volunteers have been especially helpful this summer in helping with the children’s program throughout our system,” Dennis said.
At the library’s largest branch, M. Allan Vogelson library, there were over 600 children who signed up for the summer reading program this year.
Dennis said the volunteers were helpful in supplementing the existing library staff and handling the larger-than-expected summer crowds.
Last year about 400 children attended the summer reading program at the Vogelson branch.
This year’s children’s summer program included crafts, story times, events, fashion shows, music, drama, and art workshops.
“We would not be able to make our programs as enjoyable if we didn’t have all of the volunteers who helped us out this summer. We very much appreciate all the help they give us and hope that they continue to volunteer,” she said.
Dennis feels the volunteers involved in the United We Serve Program and the year round library volunteers made a difference in the success of the program and enhanced the amount of fun kids had in the library.
“I think it was a great idea, and I think that we probably have recruited some volunteers that we might not have had otherwise. We hope that they return,” she said.
According to Dennis, the Vogelson branch had about 256 volunteers who contributed 2,224 volunteer hours this year from January to July. She estimates there were several hundred more at the other five branches. Specific numbers on summer United We Serve volunteers were not available.
Summer adult library volunteer Robin Yourison began volunteering at the M. Allan Volgelson branch of the library in Voorhees in July. She was inspired to volunteer because her brother Samuel Yourison has volunteered at the library since the summer of 2008.
Yourison of Mount Ephraim checks books back into the library, alphabetizes them and straightens the shelves of the books and videos in the library.
“I decided that I wanted to keep busy and do something to help out in some way, and my brother Samuel encouraged me to try volunteering. I wanted to do something that would help people,” she said.
Yourison works in the Haddonfield Middle School food services department and plans to volunteer in the afternoons during the school year.
“I enjoy it because I am helping out and doing something productive. I am also meeting new people and keeping busy,” she said.
The library also offers volunteer opportunities throughout the year. For more informationon, call 856-772-1636 or visit www.camdencountylibrary.org.
United We Serve began as a nationwide effort by President Obama and led by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service to get people involved in their communities as volunteers during the rough economic period. The program lasts until Sept. 11, and volunteers sign up at www.serve.gov
United We Serve volunteers were put to work throughout the six branches of the Camden County library system with jobs such as shelving books, checking in materials, covering books, working with staff to prepare special programming, and working with kids through the children’s summer reading program.
Camden County Library System administrative clerk Karen Popelak served as a volunteer coordinator for United We Serve.
According to Popelak, the was notified at the beginning of the summer that the American Library Association had partnered with the Corporation for National and Community Service. As a member of the national association, the Camden library system joined the efforts to promote United We Serve program.
According to associate library director Debbie Dennis, summer United We Serve volunteers ranged in age from 16-year-old students to senior citizens.
“In these difficult economic times, we really appreciate the work our volunteers do for us and for our customers. Our volunteers have been especially helpful this summer in helping with the children’s program throughout our system,” Dennis said.
At the library’s largest branch, M. Allan Vogelson library, there were over 600 children who signed up for the summer reading program this year.
Dennis said the volunteers were helpful in supplementing the existing library staff and handling the larger-than-expected summer crowds.
Last year about 400 children attended the summer reading program at the Vogelson branch.
This year’s children’s summer program included crafts, story times, events, fashion shows, music, drama, and art workshops.
“We would not be able to make our programs as enjoyable if we didn’t have all of the volunteers who helped us out this summer. We very much appreciate all the help they give us and hope that they continue to volunteer,” she said.
Dennis feels the volunteers involved in the United We Serve Program and the year round library volunteers made a difference in the success of the program and enhanced the amount of fun kids had in the library.
“I think it was a great idea, and I think that we probably have recruited some volunteers that we might not have had otherwise. We hope that they return,” she said.
According to Dennis, the Vogelson branch had about 256 volunteers who contributed 2,224 volunteer hours this year from January to July. She estimates there were several hundred more at the other five branches. Specific numbers on summer United We Serve volunteers were not available.
Summer adult library volunteer Robin Yourison began volunteering at the M. Allan Volgelson branch of the library in Voorhees in July. She was inspired to volunteer because her brother Samuel Yourison has volunteered at the library since the summer of 2008.
Yourison of Mount Ephraim checks books back into the library, alphabetizes them and straightens the shelves of the books and videos in the library.
“I decided that I wanted to keep busy and do something to help out in some way, and my brother Samuel encouraged me to try volunteering. I wanted to do something that would help people,” she said.
Yourison works in the Haddonfield Middle School food services department and plans to volunteer in the afternoons during the school year.
“I enjoy it because I am helping out and doing something productive. I am also meeting new people and keeping busy,” she said.
The library also offers volunteer opportunities throughout the year. For more informationon, call 856-772-1636 or visit www.camdencountylibrary.org.
