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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.
Marge Ohlman was born just “down the road” in Hastings, MI and moved to Grand Rapids with her mom in the 10th grade, a year after her father’s death. A whole lot of living intervened between her graduation and her eventual love affair with the Friends of the Library, including her marriage to Dean, a move to California, the birth of three boys, and some volunteering with the elderly.
“When the kids were in school, I volunteered at a nursing home,” she recalled. “I just visited with the people who lived there and did some social things with them. It’s amazing what a difference you can make in others’ lives just by showing them you care.”
And, that’s a philosophy that resonates in everything Marge does in her role as supervisor and “CEO of Morale” for the many volunteers who sort donated books and operate the Friends’ “Chapter Two” bookstore.
Marge can’t recall exactly how she first got involved with the Friends. But, she thinks it might have something to do with her gregarious personality and generous outpouring of words. “I live close to the library, and I love libraries and books,” she said. “I stopped in one day and began talking to the librarians, which I know will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me. And, before I knew it, I was a volunteer.”
Marge said that her love of volunteering at the library is rooted both in all the good the group is able to achieve in support of the library and all the joy and love she derives out of her interaction with other volunteers and Friends members.
“One of my favorite experiences as a volunteer occurs every time we have a book sale,” she explained. “We always have a long line of people waiting to get into the sale, and I absolutely love talking to them. Walking up and down the line conversing with them makes me happy.
“I find the library to be my happy place,” she added. “It’s a super easy job because each of the volunteers has taken ownership of what needs to be done, and they all love being together. And, when you step back and look at all the programs we are able to fund, including the development of what will be Friendship Park, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of satisfaction in how we are able to positively affect the community.”
On those rare days when you don’t find Marge in the library’s basement pre-sorting books, straightening things out and sharing laughs with other volunteers, you’ll probably find her reading a mystery by David Balducci, Louise Penny, Michael Connelly or Lisa Gardner. Or, she might be meeting up with some old friends for regular breakfasts, lunches or vacation trips.
And, of course, the first loves of her life—even ahead of the library—get a disproportionate share of her time and love, as she dotes on her husband, Dean, their three boys—Greg and Eric who live in Grand Rapids and David who is in Columbia, SC—and her eight grandchildren.
When asked where her seemingly endless supply of optimism and hugs comes from, Marge admits that she’s really not sure. But, she thinks it might have started with her mom. “She really loved people, and so do I,” she said. “I’ve lived my life based on a couple of mantras: ‘Share the Joy’ and ‘Upward and Onward.’ I’ve just always felt that a positive outlook is your best path to happiness. And, it’s worked for me so far.”
Marge Ohlman (right) sharing her positive outlook with Gail Rapp.
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