Waukegan Public Library honors volunteers
In honor of Volunteer Recognition Week, the Waukegan Public Library hosted a volunteer awards ceremony and reception April 15 at the Urban Edge Art Gallery in Waukegan.
Guests included volunteers who devote their time and resources to all aspects of literacy, including literacy tutors, exhibit donors, friends of the library, trustees and student helpers.
Ten volunteers received awards in recognition of their unique accomplishments as volunteers and literacy advocates.
“Our volunteers do everything from mend books, teach adults how to read, and star as Dumbledore in our Harry Potter programs,” said Richard Lee, the library’s executive director. “In this make-every-dime-count economy, I can’t say enough how much we appreciate the time and energy they give.”
Lee says volunteers collectively spend 10,000 hours a year working at the Waukegan Public Library.
Jean Denam accepted the Volunteer of the Year Award for the many unpaid hours she spends organizing, checking in and shelving books.
Other awards went to North Shore Gas for partnering with the library on its many children’s exhibits; Ann Hamlin as the Adult Literacy Volunteer of the Year; Jorge Juarez for his exceptional service as one of the library’s “promotores,” or promoters, within the Latino community; and Jake Jarvi for donating his time and talents as a videographer for the library’s Bus to Us program.
“I can’t name one library that does more for the community than the Waukegan Public Library,” said Scott Fairbanks, who accepted the Business Partner Award on behalf of Library Furniture International. “We’re proud and honored to be involved in their mission.”
Lee conferred a Lifetime Achievement Award to Mary Stickels for the 15 years she served as a trustee and later president of the Waukegan Public Library Board.
“My time at the library has been a blessing, and I’ve seen much change and growth,” Stickels said. “The real wheels of the bus are all the library volunteers.”
The Waukegan Public Library maintains an annual staff of more than 120 volunteers serving a wide range of roles within the library, from customer service to literacy and program assistance. To inquire about available volunteer opportunities, call (847) 623-2041.