Quote:
Originally Posted by elcreative
Increasing numbers of local libraries are being predominantly supported by volunteer staff... people who believe in supporting their local communities...
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This is so true. I volunteer a few hours a week at the main branch (of which there are about five, total) in my city, and in the department where I work, there is only ONE full-time employee. The rest are ALL volunteers. Other departments rely heavily on people working for free, as well. Without volunteer staff, many libraries probably wouldn't have been able to hold on as long as they have.
I love libraries. Always have. Some of my fondest memories from childhood involve my mom taking me to the public library to browse and check out books. If it means volunteering for four hours per week to help keep the libraries in business, then I'll do it gladly. And there are plenty more who, like me, are willing to volunteer. Like someone else said, they aren't JUST places to check out books these days. Some branches sell used books for dirt cheap, some locations have basic skills classes and other forms of educational outreach, they provide lectures, book signings, free Internet access for those who don't have it...in other words, they're a community hub.