Volunteer Corner

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      Editor’s Note: Those of us who work alongside other volunteers in the basement of the library, sorting thousands of books for resale, know firsthand just how much their commitment, passion, sense of humor and concern for others make it a wonderful and meaningful way to invest time and talents in the community. 

     Pat Sajak may have Vanna White. But, we have a Vana of our own…Judy Vana. And, she is a perfect example of why our volunteers are some of the best anywhere. In addition to being a regular fixture at our book sales events, Judy regularly volunteers on our online sales team, primarily listing books for sale on eBay. 

     She is hard-working, dedicated and reliable. But even more importantly, she’s fun to be around, a characteristic that is invaluable on a volunteer team and anywhere else in life. We asked Judy to tell you a little about herself, and here’s what she had to say.

By Judy Vana

      It all began at Breton Downs Elementary School when I was in third grade. Because of a summer weekly bookmobile stop at our school, I became hooked on reading books and the joy and adventure they introduced into my life. I simply could not wait to visit the bookmobile and choose new books to devour each week. I guess it is pretty safe to say that is likely why I love working with books every chance I get.

      But, there are a lot of other reasons, too. My mother was an elementary school librarian. My family always provided books for me to read or to read to me as a child. I was a teacher. I was the book buyer for Santa Claus Girls for many years. And, now I am blessed to still have books of all types pass through my hands when I volunteer in the shipping room for the Friends of the Library. It is such fun! And, a real bonus of this work is the wonderful friends I have made there.

      I have raised three sons and am blessed with many grandchildren and even a couple great-grandchildren. But, no matter how many children and grandchildren enter my life, I continue to stack “future reads” on my nightstand and always look forward to the next volume. I am currently enjoying “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Gamus. What’s on your nightstand?

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