News for the Wells Branch Library Volunteers

Happy Holidays, Wells Branch Community Library Volunteers!

I hope you all enjoy Happy Holidays and meaningful time with your family and friends.

Here are a few dates you need to know:

• The library is closed Dec. 24, 25, and 26. If you normally volunteer these days, please take note that we are not open.
  
• The next volunteer appreciation event Thursday, February 18. Mark your calendars now!
  

Thank you for a wonderful 2009, and we look forward to working together in 2010!

The Wells Branch Community Library Volunteer Appreciation Party at Kenny's Coffee House

On Thursday evening, December 3, volunteers at the Wells Branch Community Library enjoyed an evening of fresh brewed coffee, home baked brownies, sweet hot cocoa, and friendly mingling. The volunteer appreciation party occurred at Kenny's Coffee House (www.kennyscoffeeco.com), located in the Wells Branch community. It was a pleasant evening enjoyed by all!

The library will host a quarterly appreciation event for volunteers. Our volunteers make a significant difference at the library. They contribute their time, energy, experience, and skills to improve the library's programs and services. Thank you to our volunteers!

Volunteers from Connally High School, Pflugerville ISD!

Each week, 4-5 students from Connally High School volunteer at the Wells Branch Community Library. They make sure library materials are in the correct order on the shelves. The students carefully arrange various sections including the DVDs, VHS, CDs, and graphic novels (comic books).

The students volunteer at the library to experience basic, work-based training with a focus on clerical skills. Ben Hooks is their coordinator, and Sharon Glover is their job coach. When asked what they have learned from their volunteer experience at the library, they replied:

"I file DVDs. DVDs are shelved by numbers."
"I learned to shelf graphic novels."
"Nonfiction file by number, then by alphabet."
"One of the things I learned was how to stack books and cds on the shelves."
"One other thing I learned was how to work with other people to get things done faster."
"I shelved CDs."
"I shelved DVDs by number"

We appreciate their diligent help and desire to learn!

Computer classes at the Wells Branch Community Library!

Mark Talbot volunteers to teach free computer classes at the Wells Branch Community Library. On Saturday morning, November 7, he taught "Computer Basics" to a full class of eleven (11) people! One person commented "[This class] covered really basic and important things to know to best use computers. What I really needed!!!" Another person said, "This program was very useful and [I] want to learn more."

Mark carefully prepares his lessons, and he teaches with kind enthusiasm. He creates practice exercises and helpful handouts. We appreciate his expertise!

I asked Mark to share a few comments about the classes:
"The computer classes could not be a success without the enthusiasm and willingness to learn that students bring to the library. Computers do not have to be intimidating and I find that by providing a little bit of assistance that patrons of the Wells Branch library are able to quickly learn basic computer skills. I would encourage anyone who thinks that they could never learn to use a computer to sign up for a class to learn more about using the Internet, creating a web page or expanding their job search. All of our classes (including the web page class) are designed with the beginning computer user in mind. Take each class as many times as you wish and I look forward to teaching classes next year."

Our computer classes will begin again after the holidays. Stay tuned for the library's calendar of free computer classes in 2010!

Wells Branch Community Library volunteer tidies up the Young Adult section

Oralia Adame recently volunteered at the Wells Branch Community Library several mornings a week. She accomplished remarkable work in the Young Adult section, diligently organizing library materials and cleaning the shelves. Oralia worked with joy.

In these photos, Oralia is standing in the Young Adult section, and she is holding one of her favorite books. Regarding her volunteer experience, she shared these thoughts: "I absolutely loved it here! I feel like I experienced a lot with shelving the books and being sure that they are in the correct order. I felt right at home. Like I was on my own here just placing books in the correct spot. And, the people here are super nice! There is not one person that I met that had a negative attitude. Everybody had smiles on their faces and always welcomed people, including me, with open arms. I would absolutely love to volunteer here again! Thanks, Oralia."

Oralia made a big difference, and we will miss her!

Volunteers help with Monster Book Sale at Wells Branch Community Library

On Saturday, October 17, the Wells Branch Community Library hosted a huge, community book sale from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Dianne Koehler, a long time library board member and volunteer, led the event. We relied on the help of volunteers for the book sale's delivery.

Students from the Westwood High School Outreach group (a community service club) saw our help advertisement on Volunteer Match (www.volunteermatch.org) and eagerly signed up to help. In addition, our dependable, weekly volunteers contributed their time and assistance. Sarah Uthe, our Donations and Book Sale Volunteer, was present on both Friday evening and Saturday. All volunteers received a Wells Branch Community Library t-shirt. We cannot thank them sufficiently!

What did our volunteers do?

On Friday evening, they helped us set up. Volunteers worked together to set up tables, move and organize books, and post signs. They laughed along the way. Pizza was enjoyed by all, and a librarian's husband, who is also a volunteer, suprised us with cookies for dessert!

On Saturday morning, volunteers began showing up at 7:30 am. We thanked them with donut holes and hot coffee. Three volunteer shifts ensured we had help at all times: 7:30-9:30, 9:30-12:00, and 12:00-2:30. The volunteers assisted patrons, sorted money, and kept the tables stocked with books. Snacks were provided throughout the day.

All in all, the Monster Book Sale was successful! This was the second booksale we hosted in 2009. The first sale was in March. We want to thank the Wells Branch Community for for their generous book donations throughout the year. We appreciate your consistent support, and we are pleased to serve the community as your local library!

Eleven volunteers from Dell help tidy up the Wells Branch Community Library

On Thursday, October 8, eleven employees from Dell came to the Wells Branch Community Library to help! They volunteered their time dusting shelves, cleaning windows & tables, sorting books, and more. It was a fun and productive day for all involved, and we are very grateful for their help!

Shifting shelves at the Wells Branch Community Library

Volunteer David Montanez has been shifting all the books in our adult non-fiction section. As many of our volunteer shelving assistants know, this section has been incredibly crowded and disorganized. David is putting everything in order and spacing the books out to make more room. He helps with this project two days a week for several hours, and he is making excellent progress! Check out the pictures above. Can you guess which is the before and which is the after? :)

Volunteer opportunity in the Young Adult section of the Wells Branch Community Library!

The Wells Branch Community Library relies on volunteers to assist in keeping the shelves in order. Volunteer to sponsor the Young Adult section of library materials!

Responsibilities include:

• Maintain the section by keeping it in numerical and alphabetical order.
• Check materials to ensure they are in the proper location; are in good condition; and belong to the Wells Branch Community Library.
• Pull materials to the front of the shelves.
• Dust and clean the shelves as needed.
• Record your progress and hours in the volunteer binder.
• Display books.
  

Benefits include:

• Help patrons and librarians find what they're looking for by making sure materials are in the correct place.
• Find lost books, and save the library money to purchase new materials.
• Discover new authors or ones you've overlooked.
• Enjoy having a neat library!
  

Skills

• Dependable.
• Detail- and order-oriented.
• Likes to keep things tidy.
• Able to work independently after training.
• Able to bend, stoop, and stand on a stool.
• Available 2 hours per week for at least 6 months.

Find the Wells Branch Community Library on Facebook!

Find us on Facebook. Become a fan for up-to-date information about volunteer opportunities, library programs, special events, items added to the collection, and more!

New Volunteer Opportunities at the Wells Branch Community Library!

Do you enjoy working with children? Check out these new volunteer opportunities at the Wells Branch Community Library, and share them with your friends! Please email Miss Kristin, the children's librarian, if you are interested (kristin@wblibrary.org). Thanks!

Lisa, the volunteer coordinator (lisa@wblibrary.org)

Ongoing Opportunities (Tuesdays, starting October 6):

A to Zzzs - 5:30-6:00 (will need volunteer from 5:00-6:30) Volunteer needed to help with songs, activities, and crafts for kids ages 3-6. (1 or two volunteers, teen or adult)

Bluebonnet Bookclub - 6:30-7:00 (will need volunteer from 6:00-7:30) Volunteer needed to help with activities, crafts, and book discussion for kids ages 7-10. (1 or two volunteers, teen or adult)

Special Events:

Wild Thing Pajamarama - October 23 6:00pm (volunteers needed at 5:00pm) Volunteers will help with counting attendees, managing craft stations, and decorating the meeting room. (5 volunteers needed, teen or adult)

New Moon Release Party - November 23 6:00pm (volunteers can come as early as 3:30 to help with set up and decorations) Volunteers will help decorate the room, manage the craft, and help serve food. (5 volunteers needed, teen or adult)

Gingerbread Workshop - December 5 10:00am-12:00pm (volunteers needed at 9:00 or 9:30am) Volunteers will assist families in constructing gingerbread houses, setting up supplies, and managing the sign-in table. (10 volunteers needed, teen or adult)

Polar Express Party - December 18 6:00pm (volunteers needed at 5:00pm) Volunteers will help manage craft tables, serve cocoa and cookies, and help control the crowd during activities. (5 or 6 volunteers needed, teen or adult)

We need your help shelving books at the Wells Branch Community Library!

Join our friendly staff and volunteer team at the Wells Branch Community Library! We need help returning library materials to the shelves during the week.

Benefits of being a Shelving Assistant include:

* Help keep the library collection neat and orderly.
* Help patrons find library materials by returning items to the correct place.
* Save the library time.
* Discover new library materials as you review the collection.
* Meet new people.
* Engage in meaningful work.
* Add structure to your life.
* Earn volunteer hours for school.
* Gain excellent work experience.
* Add to your resume.
* Learn new skills and share your ideas!

Qualifications:

* Dependable.
* Familiar with the library layout.
* Excellent skills in alphabetizing.
* Able to categorize items and identify items out of place.
* Available 2 hours per week between Monday and Friday.
* Able to lift 10 pounds, bend & stoop, and push a cart.

Interested?
Complete and submit an application form today. They’re available at the circulation desk or online at wblibrary.org.
Contact Lisa Metzer for more information (lisa@wblibrary.org).

August Birthdays and Volunteer Anniversaries!

Happy Birthday!
Alex Berte 8/15
Shirley Hunter 8/15

Happy Volunteer Anniversary!
Tom Baylor 8/4/2006

If I forgot your special day, please let me know. Thanks!

Volunteers joining us this summer

Welcome!

June
•Sarah Al-Jarbon (art camp assistant)
•Michael Avery (shelving assistant)
•Meredith Carroll (shelving assistant)
•Tabish Chasmawala (shelving assistant)
•Haley Diaz (publicity assistant)
•Nadia Gonzalez (sponsor-a-shelf children’s room)
•Yu Fen Kao (sponsor-a-shelf graphic novels and manga)
•Rebecca Moore (Wacky Science assistant and children’s room specialist)
•Keighla Peterson (art camp assistant)

July
•Kian Mohammad Ali Beigi (shelving assistant)
•Danielle Davenport (arts & crafts assistant; shelving assistant)
•Brittney Hogan (shelf reading assistant)
•Shirley Hunter (story time helper)
•Phuong Huynh (sponsor-a-shelf YA and shelving assistant)
•Courtney Johnson (kid’s shelving assistant)
•Shahab Kateb (sponsor-a-shelf Adult NF and DVD)
•David Montanez (shelving assistant and sponsor-a-shelf Adult NF 700s)
•Sangeet Motwani (shelving assistant)

So far in August...
•Aaron Hui (children’s area shelf reading)
•Tuan Le (shelving assistant)
•Steven Pham (shelving assistant)

2009 Library Patron Survey

What do you think? Take our annual patron satisfaction survey at Wells Branch Survey. The library staff and trustees use this information to set priorities for the coming year.

Thanks!

Volunteer of the Month

Inna Shanahan joined the volunteer team just a few months ago. She has quickly become another friendly, approachable face at the library!

Inna helps at the circulation desk two times a week, enabling the librarians more time for program planning and administrative tasks. We appreciate her willingness to jump in and cover extra shifts for library staff. Inna enjoys learning new things about the library, and she encourages us with her kindness. We appreciate you, Inna!

"I am very grateful for this opportunity, to be a volunteer in Wells Branch Library. I am learning once more that by giving something I am receiving so much more." ~ Inna Shanahan

Picture Directory

We’re creating a picture directory of Wells Branch Library staff and volunteers. If I haven’t taken a digital picture of you, please make immediate arrangements with me to do so. If you prefer not to be included in the picture directory, let us know. We plan to publish the directory this fall, so stay tuned!

Volunteering with the Arts & Crafts program

Last week's Arts & Crafts program attracted an abundant number of participants!

One of the mom's shared these thoughts following the program (summarized):
She thinks people come as much for the teacher who loves doing the art class as for the project. Our volunteer and board member Dianne Koehler teaches these weekly classes for adults and children.

We thank our talented volunteers for sharing their enthusiasm!

Chess Club by Volunteer Tom Baylor

Chess enthusiast Tom Baylor volunteers to instruct a Chess Club at the library. The Chess Club is open to all ages and levels of experience. He developed his own chess curriculum after years of playing as a hobby and teaching others.

Chess Club takes place the first Tuesday of every month from 5-6pm in the meeting room of the kid's department. Come join us!

Computer Basics Class taught by Volunteer Alison Matte

On May 16, 2009, the library hosted a computer class called "Computer Clues: A Hands-on Basics Class."

Taught by our talented volunteer Alison Matte, we experienced an overflow of attendance! Basic computer parts and functions were explored as Alison guided participants through examples and exercises. Participants helped each other, laughed, and asked many questions.

Alison will teach three more computer classes within the next two months. Check out the library's website for more information!

June Volunteer of the Month - Sandra Malarcher!

Sandra Malarcher completed her last day as a library volunteer on Thursday, May 28, 2009. We will miss her greatly!

Beginning on April 13, 2008, she has helped with a variety of tasks including cataloging, processing books, and shelving library materials. To date, Sandra completed over 100 hours of volunteer service!

Sandra shared valuable expertise as a library volunteer. She has a Masters in Library Science and a thorough knowledge of library classification systems. We are grateful for her knowledge and help!

May Birthdays and Anniversaries

Please note we are missing the birthdays/months and volunteer anniversaries for some of our volunteers. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator with this information so we can celebrate your special days. (lisa@wblibrary.org; 989-3188)

Birthdays:

Erika Fonacier and Jolanda Whaling

Anniversaries:

Susmitha Marneni, Alison Matte, James Newton, Jolanda Whaling, Brian Wijayawardana

May Volunteer of the Month is Michael Lozano!

Michael Lozano began volunteering March, 2009. Michael is dependable and efficient, and we rely on his consistent help shelving library materials and organizing our collection. He is kind and positive, and we always look forward to when he volunteers!

Here are a few comments from Michael—
“I work at Dell Inc. in our corporate accounts division. My hobbies are playing golf and working on new software for Microsoft. I have lived in Austin for 3 years now and couldn’t think of a better place to be. I have found that volunteering at the library is very peaceful and enjoyable. The staff and other volunteers have been very helpful and I look forward to continuing to being around such great influences.”

We appreciate you, Michael!

April Volunteer of the Month

Congratulations to Lindsay Anderson, the April Volunteer of the Month!

Lindsay finished her last day as a library volunteer during the month of March. Prompt and polite, she enjoyed helping in the children's department.

Talented with preparing children's crafts, she helped the children's librarian prepare for the weekly storytimes. She also actively promoted our children's programs by making fliers and signs. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm for the library brightened the day every Wednesday morning.

Friendly and willing to help, Lindsay made a positive difference at the library, and we honor her as the Volunteer of the Month.

Thank you, Lindsay!

Volunteers taking on new positions!

The following volunteers have taken on new positions:

Sarah Grossman - Landscape Assistant
Sandra Malarcher - Cataloging Assistant
Laurie Mancheski - Story Time Helper
Susmitha Marneni - Children's Desk Assistant
Ana Perez - Circulation Specialist
Joy Sharp - Processing Specialist
Jeffrey Xu - Cataloging Assistant

Contact the Volunteer Coordinator anytime you're interested in a new volunteer role at the Wells Branch Library. We appreciate you! :)

Welcome to our new volunteers!

A warm welcome to the newest members of our Volunteer Team!

Alex Berte - Sponsor-A-Shelf
Erika Fonacier - Shelving Assistant
Hernando Fonacier - Shelving Assistant
Celia Garrett - Sponsor-A-Shelf
Dawit Haile - Shelving Assistant
Casey Kasper - Wacky Science Assistant
Billy Saul - Shelving Assistant
Dakshina Thanky - Children's Desk Assistant
Sarah Uthe - Book Sale Assistant and Donations Clerk

Sponsor-A-Shelf

A new volunteer opportunity!

The Wells Branch Community Library relies on volunteers to assist in keeping the shelves in order. Volunteer an hour a week (or every other week), and adopt your own shelf of library materials. If you have a particular area of interest, we will try to accommodate you.

Qualifications:

•Detail- and order-oriented.
•Likes to keep things tidy.
•Able to work independently after training.
•Able to commit at least two hours each month, for a minimum of six months.
•Able to bend, stoop, and stand on a stool.

Responsibilities:

•You may adopt more than one section.
•Maintain your section by keeping it in numerical and alphabetical order.
•Check materials to assure each item belongs to the Wells Branch Library; is in good condition for loan; and is in the proper location.
•Pull materials to the front of the shelf.
•Shift materials as needed.
•Dust or clean the shelves as needed.
•Work at least 1 hour every 2 weeks at your convenience – the library is open 7 days a week.
•Record your progress and hours in the Volunteer Binder.

Rewards and Recognition:

•Upon completing a 90-day probationary period, your name is placed on a nameplate at the end of your section for recognition of service.
•Help patrons and librarians find what they’re looking for by making sure materials are in the correct place.
•Find lost books, and save the library money to purchase new materials.
•Discover new authors or ones you’ve overlooked!
•Enjoy having a neat library!

Honoring our volunteers & the first day of spring!

The breeze, the trees, the honey bees -
All volunteers!
~Juliet Carinreap

And the winner is . . .

To those volunteers who completed the contact information form in the March volunteer newsletter, thank you! You helped us update our records. Those who returned the form by Monday, March 16, were entered in a drawing for a free prize.

Congratulations to Jackie Saul! We drew her name, and she will receive the prize.

For those who have not yet completed the form, you may still do so.
Email the following information to Lisa Metzer (lisa@wblibrary.org): name, mailing address, home phone, cell phone, email address, and birthday.

We appreciate our Wells Branch Community Library volunteers!

Helping with the March Madness Book Sale

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Thank you to the following volunteers for contributing to the success of our book sale. You make a significant difference!






Publicity Posters: (see above picture)
Corey Arnold
Larry Pierce
Janet Rodriquez

Friday Set Up:
Naila Kahn
George Koehler
Laurie Mancheski
Todd Richardson
Kathleen Williams

Saturday Sale Assistants:
Ann Alston
Manju Chakrabarty
Abby Grant
Safiul Islam
Kavya Kolavasi
Ana Perez

Help us update our records!

Help us update our records, and enter a drawing for a FREE prize! Respond by Monday, March 16. Email the information to Lisa at lisa@wblibrary.org.

Current mailing address

Home phone

Work or cell phone

Email address

Birthday

Thanks! We appreciate you!

March Volunteer of the Month

Laurie Mancheski began volunteering with the Wells Branch Library in July 2008. She volunteered with other libraries in the past, and when she moved to the area she wanted to be involved with the new local library.

We recently needed to finish processing all our new books before the upcoming March Madness Book Sale, and Laurie stepped up to the task.

Willing to help in any capacity, she agreed to cover the books so they could be added to the shelves. Thanks to her dedicated and careful assistance, we accomplished the needed task.

We honor Laurie Mancheski as the 2009 March Volunteer of the Month! Thanks, Laurie — we appreciate you!

100 Hours of Service

We recognized the volunteers with at least 100 hours or one year of service with the library during the Volunteer Reception. From left to right in the photo: Sandra Malarcher, Tom Baylor, Ana Perez, James Newton, Mary Fowler, Megan Sylvester, Nalia Khan, Lois Kantor, and Lisa Metzer (Volunteer Coordinator).

Congratulations!

Pictures from the Volunteer Reception

Volunteer and Donor Reception Report

Celebrating our Volunteers!

Complete with breakfast tacos and choco flan from El Grito Cafe, we honored our library volunteers with a brunch reception last Saturday, February 21. Over thirty volunteers, donors, board members, and staff attended this festive event. We enjoyed tasty food, chatted with friends, took photos, and shared what we like most about volunteering at the Wells Branch Library. Check back soon for pictures from this event!

Volunteer Opportunity , Friday, March 6

On Friday, March 6, help us set up for the....

March Madness Monster Book Sale

Saturday March 7, 8am - 2pm

Volunteer with a friend; help the Library, and enjoy some pizza!

Click here to find out more about the book sale.

What - Help set up the book sale (move boxes, set up tables, put the books on the tables)
When - Friday, March 6, 6-8pm
Where - Wells Branch Library
We will provide pizza!

To volunteer, contact the Volunteer Coordinator:
lisa@wblibrary.org
512-989-3188

Thanks!
Lisa

Volunteer and Donor Reception

2008 was a wonderful year for the library, thanks to the people who donated their time and funds to make us a success. We topped 100,000 circulations, increased our hours, and introduced new programs; we couldn't have done it without you. Join us to celebrate Love Your Library Month at this 'invitation-only' event.

When: Saturday, February 21, 11:00AM

Where:
Wells Branch Community Library
15001 Wells Port Drive
Austin, TX 78728 US

Motivational Quote!

The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.

Author: Norman Vincent Peale