National volunteer week is almost wrapped up, but it’s never too late to say thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who make Bowen Island the rich and vibrant community it is.
Bowen Library has relied upon volunteers since its creation (by volunteers) in the early 1960s. Today our two and a half full-time staff are supported by more than 40 volunteers who do everything from setting policy to repairing damaged books. We could not operate without our volunteer library board, nor provide all of our programs without the financial support of the Friends of the Library, and we could not possibly be open six days per week without our front desk volunteers.
Not only do we have a large number of volunteers, but we have incredible dedication from them all. Here are just two examples of our library volunteer commitment, taken from their responses to a few questions.
Marlene Mather has been a volunteer since 1986 – or maybe 1985 – she can’t remember, but she is getting close to 30 years of regular weekly library shifts. When asked how she got started, Marlene does not hesitate.
“Corinne Hays railroaded me into it,” she says. “But then I discovered it’s a good job - I liked it, and I thought why didn’t I do this ages ago?”
Her favourite part of the job, she says, are the stamps. No, not the Canada Post stamps, but the daily stamping of little hands with an animal or flower design as the toddlers and preschoolers come up to the counter to check out their books, and ask, “Can I have a stamp please?”
“Then when they are just a little bigger, they watch the stamping with sideways glances but clearly say, “No, I don’t want a stamp” when asked. I tell them, “You’ve become an adult now,” acknowledging their mature library presence.”
When asked about her least favourite part of the job, she pauses to ponder and admits she can’t think of anything, and so agrees with me that everything must be perfect at the library.
We share a laugh, as we do most days, and Marlene tells me what she thinks people should know about volunteering at the library: the environment is great, you meet good people, and you are doing a huge service to the community. She sums it all up by repeating the line she has been telling me and our patrons for years, quite simply.
“It’s the best job on the island!”
This is no longer news to Marysia McGilvray who began volunteering at the library four months ago. Marysia has been coming to Bowen the summers and holidays since she was little during, but only moved here full time a few months ago after realizing she really wasn’t a city person.
“I’ve only been here since December, but it feels more like home than anywhere else I’ve lived,” she says.
I asked Marysia what led her to volunteer at the library, especially given her commute to Vancouver to work:
“I’ve just always loved the library space and vibe and the fact that it’s partly volunteer-run. I remember checking out books with my dad when I was little and seeing the volunteer-on-duty sign and thinking, ‘One day I could do that.’
“When Leo (my partner) became the library Tech Tutor, I’d hear about his neat job and the people he’d meet and how he was enjoying it so much. I thought I’d really like to be a part of this, and that it would be a nice way to ease into Bowen life, so I started volunteering in December. It was this or the Knick Knack Nook, and being a thrift store junkie, volunteering at the library was way less dangerous. At least if I take too many things home from the library I have to return them.”
(My apologies to the Knick Knack – but we’re so glad to have her.)
I asked Marysia about her most favourite and least favourite things about volunteering:
“As a newcomer, it has helped me feel like part of the community here. I like seeing familiar faces and helping people find what they’re looking for. It also scratches my itch to organize things, and coming across great books and DVDs is a definite plus. All that plus the calm nature of the space makes me feel really peaceful, content. That feeling is my favourite thing. The ever-present coffee/tea and treats in the back is pretty nice too.”
And her least favourite?
“Overdosing on coffee and treats.”
We always want to know what our volunteers think of their job, and what they can share with the community about volunteering at the library. Here’s what Marysia has to say:
“I guess that it’s something you can get a lot out of, at any stage in life. If you’re young and want experience for your resume, if you want to meet people, to try something different, if you just like how it makes you feel to volunteer a bit of time to the community, these are all great reasons.
“Also, it’s a position for any kind of person, introvert or extravert, it seems to work for anyone. The staff and volunteers make it a friendly and pleasant environment to be in.
And I would really encourage younger people to try it out. I think sometimes teens and younger folks can feel outside of the community, but all you have to do is volunteer at a job that’s really appreciated to realize that’s not so. I know the librarians here really value the teen volunteers and their input. Also, your inherent computer skills will be highly praised and valued!”
In celebration of our volunteers the library board and staff would like to say thank you, and to remind everyone how much our island depends on the kindness and generosity of volunteers. Without them we wouldn’t have a Fire Department, the Arts Council, the Museum and Archives, CAWES, BowFest, Steamship Days, Knick-Knack-Nook, Memorial Garden, Christmas Hamper Fund, Yacht Club, Community Choirs, Golf Course, Heritage Preservation, Community Foundation, Fish and Wildlife, Caring Circle, Theatre On The Isle, or the Library.
