TACOMA – Volunteers at Pierce County Library System enhance the Library’s service to communities. Next week, April 21-27, people throughout the United States will acknowledge National Volunteer Week, and the Library System is giving special recognition and saying thank you to all of its volunteers.

“Volunteers allow our staff to work directly with the hundreds of thousands of people we serve,” said Neel Parikh, executive director for Pierce County Library. “They also act as ambassadors in their communities and share about their enthusiasm for the Library’s offerings for learning and fun.”

In 2012 volunteers gave 5,941 hours and kept books and materials orderly and clean, took photos at events, and offered other valuable and greatly appreciated help. To recognize all 211 adults and teenagers who gave their time and talents to the Library System last year, the Library is giving each volunteer a certificate of acknowledgement and thanks.

In addition it is highlighting the Top Ten Volunteers—individuals who gave the highest number of hours in 2012. The following individuals gave the most hours in 2012:

Alice Holloway, Puyallup resident, 105 hours

Bob Arrell, South Prairie resident, 101 hours

Emma Dix, University Place resident, 92 hours

Kaitlyn Griffith, Fox Island resident, 89 hours

Margi Pratt, Orting resident, 87 hours

Bryn Lee, Bonney Lake resident, 80 hours

Alice Brynestad, Buckley resident, 76 hours

Louise Bollman, DuPont resident, 66 hours

Jean Flynn, Gig Harbor resident, 61 hours

Kayla Black, Longbranch resident, 59 hours

Alice Holloway is just one of the many volunteers who lend a hand. During the past five years Holloway volunteered more than 640 hours at South Hill Pierce County Library. In 2012 she donated more than 100 hours unloading books and other materials, making labels and performing other tasks.

“I feel I am helping my community when I volunteer at the library,” said Holloway. “I love it because I am a people person, and I enjoy learning about the variety of things I didn’t know existed in the library!”

To volunteer visit the Library’s website or any Pierce County Library.

http://www.piercecountylibrary.org/about-us/volunteering/volunteering-in-community.htm