"We need the help of all the amazing architects in this room to help build a better Arlington Heights Memorial Library," said Human Resources Manager Lisa Haack to a large gathering of volunteers at the library's Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on Wednesday, March 27. The luncheon honored the library's 425 volunteers who contributed 28,298 hours of service in 2018.
"One thing that really stood out to me when I started working at the library was I didn't know who was a library staff member and who was a volunteer," Haack said. "We all wear the same nametag [and you are all] an extension of our team."
Funded by the Friends of the Library, this year's gathering honored those who volunteer in all areas of the library including the English as a Second Language (ESL) office, Kids' World, genealogy, the Senior Center, the Friends of the Library and the bookmobile.
Twenty-nine volunteers received special recognition for achieving Hours of Service milestones from 500 hours to 17,500 hours. Years of service were also recognized and spanned from three years to 30 years of service.
Linda Gadlin received the top honor of the day as she was named Volunteer of the Year. This one-time award is given to the volunteer who has contributed the greatest number of hours during the previous year but has not previously received the award. She earned Volunteer of the Year for contributing 416 hours of service in 2018 by working in the library's ESL office.
"I enjoy teaching English as a second language to adults who are very appreciative and watching them climb the ladder of fluency and proficiency," Gadlin said. She began volunteering in the ESL office soon after her retirement in 2014. She tutors students one-on-one and teaches Culture & Conversation every Friday afternoon.
"Linda helped me a lot," said Mikkio K., one of Gadlin's students. "Before I didn't have friends here, but the library helped me to meet people. Now they know me, they know my name, and it is good. The library is my home base and Linda is like my family now."
Those who have worked with Gadlin spoke positively about her time at the library.
"Her dedication to her students, her passion for teaching, and her genuine desire to help others as they adapt to life in Arlington Heights can be seen by everyone," said ESL Coordinator Tracy Karim. "Our ESL program would not be the same without her [and] she truly is deserving of the Volunteer of the Year award."