"Blooming with Gratitude" was the theme of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library's annual Volunteer Recognition Celebration and Concert, which honored the library’s more than 500 volunteers who contributed more than 24,400 hours of service in 2023, which was almost a 25% increase from the previous year.
"Rich soil. Seeds. Water. Sunlight. A nurturing hand. When all of these things come together, a garden not only grows but flourishes," said Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Begich to the large gathering of volunteers on Tuesday, May 7. "The Arlington Heights library is our garden. It is where information, ideas and opportunities take root, tended to by dedicated staff and nurturing volunteers."
"Both behind-the-scenes and customer-facing in almost every library department and the Friends of the Library, your volunteer service helps us cultivate a vibrant place where the community can learn, grow and thrive," she continued. "And for that, I say 'Thank you.'"
Executive Director Mike Driskell and Library Board President Amy Somary followed Begich with their own thanks and appreciation.
"Whether it’s tutoring ESL students, delivering to our homebound customers, assisting with genealogy research, counting puzzle pieces or helping with a book sale, your kindness and dedication makes a difference in the lives of our residents," Driskell said. "The impact you make serves as a reminder that each of us holds the power to effect positive change in our communities."
Later in the evening, The Four Star Brass Band played music for everyone's enjoyment and 25 volunteers received special recognition for achieving Hours of Service milestones from 500 hours to 11,500 hours. Years of service were also recognized and spanned from three years to 25 years of service.
The top honors of the day went to Gwen Adams and Maryann Hernandez. Hernandez was named Newcomer of the Year, a one-time award that recognizes the individual who began volunteering in the previous year and gave the greatest number of hours to the library.
Adams 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 630 hours of service in 2023 by working in the library's Kids' World department and with the Friends of the Library.
“How can you not like working in a place like this? Adams said in a separate interview. "The staff is great, the people I work with are great and it gets you out and about and keeps you busy. This is a great place to volunteer; you can't go wrong."