Spirit of volunteerism alive and well

To The Eagle:

Speaking of our community’s wonderful spirit of volunteerism, (August 16 ‘Opinion’) I would like to acknowledge the exceptional work done by volunteers on behalf of Cathlamet Public Library. Not only do they provide fine customer service checking-out nearly 12,000 books and movies every year, they also perform a wide variety of other tasks that keep the library running smoothly. Thanks to volunteer generosity, the library is now open Tuesday through Saturday, five afternoons a week.

In addition, the library is governed by a board comprised of five very capable volunteers who oversee programs, policy-making, compliance with state and federal laws, monitoring of regional and national public library trends and long-range planning. All have busy lives in addition to this important responsibility.

In 2008 another group of five committed library supporters reorganized the library’s non-profit corporation, originally established in 1991. They applied for and received 501c3 status and renamed the organization Blanche Bradley Memorial Library Foundation. The foundation raises money to finance 100 percent of DVD purchases as well as providing direct financial support for Summer Reading and other youth programs. They also made a significant donation to the upcoming library remodel.

The in-kind labor contribution of library volunteers is roughly $35,000. The Library Foundation contributes $2500 in annual direct financial support. All of this personal generosity more than doubles the library’s annual operating budget.

On behalf of the community, big thanks to all who are part of this extraordinary effort,

Connie Christopher

Town Librarian