Township volunteers enjoy giving back to the community.
By: Stephanie Brown
MONROE Jacqueline Niu pushed a book cart through the isles of the Monroe Township Public Library on Wednesday, stopping every so often to place a bestseller or new release back onto the shelf.
Though it was a sunny spring afternoon, the Monroe Township High School sophomore was content to be indoors volunteering her time.
"It’s soothing, shelving books," she said in a hushed voice. "And I’m always in the library anyway because I like to read a lot."
When asked why she decided to volunteer in the first place, Jackie said she wanted to give back to the library.
"It makes me happy to be helping out," she said.
Whether at the library or Monroe Township Senior Center, Monroe has many volunteers like Jackie, who are glad to give back to the community.
The library has about 19 regular teen volunteers, but so many other township kids want to help that it’s sometimes a challenge to find tasks for them.
"The challenge is to find things for the kids to do that is A, interesting, and B, ongoing," said Steve Okrend the library’s youth services director, who is in charge of the many young volunteers.
The library accepts teen volunteers beginning at age 12, and their tasks range from shelving books to assisting in programs the library has to offer.
"It’s certainly not like sticking bamboo shoots under their finger nails," said Mr. Okrend. "We try to make it fun, and hopefully they’ll learn a little bit, too."
While they are expected to commit to a minimum of 15 hours of service, the library also takes in kids who are looking to volunteer intermittently. For example, Boy Scouts or kids in CCD class trying to make the Catholic Sacrament of Confirmation, a rite of passage for Catholic adolescents, often turn to the library to fulfill requirements of only a few hours of community service.
"We try to be as accommodating as possible," Mr. Okrend said. "But again, it’s difficult finding space and tasks when we already have so many regulars who are here every week."
In the summertime, he said, kids are more likely to want to volunteer.
"A lot of kids want to do it then because they don’t have to worry about school, or their parents think volunteering to help the community is a good idea," he said.
Still, Mr. Okrend never throws away an application.
"I have a pile this thick," he said, 3 inches of space visible between the pointer finger and thumb of his upheld right hand.
Teens aren’t the only ones interested in lending a hand at the library. About 200 adults also volunteer.
Volunteerism is important to the library since it has grown tremendously in terms of members and programming over the past years, Circulation Manager MaryAnn Reiner said.
"The circulation staff wouldn’t have time to do all the work that needs to be done if it wasn’t for the volunteers, and we really appreciate all the volunteers do for us," she said.
Virginia Reading-Davis has been volunteering at the library for two years. The Rossmoor resident has always been inclined to work in libraries. Before she retired in 2003, Ms. Reading-Davis worked for more than 15 years at the Princeton University library as the office manager of the Department of Public Services and Collection Development. Before that she worked at the Cresskill Library in Bergen County.
"I’ve been involved in libraries a long time," she said. "I guess I just like the availability of all the books and materials."
Over the years Ms. Reading-Davis has seen libraries take strides in technological advancements.
"Some kids have never even seen an actual card catalog," she said.
But Ms. Reading-Davis is more than happy to assist anyone in the area of library science.
"I know it’s probably a cliche, but it’s a wonderful way to contribute to the community," she said.
Also on Tuesday, The Friends of the Library was holding their Annual Book Sale.
The Friends of the Library is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money for the library. The book sale, which ran April 22 to 27, is their most successful fundraiser, raising $5,000 last year, said Friends of the Library President Rhoda Schorr.
While she worked the sale, Ms. Schorr explained why she believes in volunteering her time to the Friends and the library.
"For me, it’s very important for kids to be exposed to books," she said, collecting money from a book sale purchase. "I hope, with new families coming to the area, to raise the interest of the children and someday they, too, will become a member.
Another nonprofit organization that raises money for the benefit of the community is the Friends of the Senior Center. Organized in 1990, the Friends of the Senior Center is the fundraising arm of the Monroe Township Office on Aging.
The organization provides funds for many different areas, explained President Matie Savastano. For example, families who are in need might receive financial help from the Friends. Also, money might go to pay for Life Lines, alert systems for elderly who live alone, and other equipment that isn’t covered under Medicare.
Aside from their fundraising efforts, members regularly volunteer their time at the center itself.
On Tuesday morning, Friends member and Greenbriar at Whittingham resident Elaine Feldman sat at a little table in the center. There, she greeted people who entered and helped them sign up for programs offered by the Office on Aging.
While Ms. Feldman was pleased she could assist people with their questions, it was more meaningful for her just to chat with them.
"I get to speak to seniors who lots of times don’t have anyone else," she said. "When somebody reaches out to them, and really listens, it’s like a gift. It’s not like it costs any more to be engaging."
Often times, Friends members assist the Office on Aging’s receptionist, who may become overwhelmed with work.
"It’s a very busy place here anymore," said Ms. Savastano. "Now, it’s become a business."
On Tuesday, receptionist Lottie Heiman, also a volunteer, kept popping up and out of her chair every two minutes. The Clearbrook resident volunteers at the center about three hours a week, acting as what she called a "buffer" between the seniors and the Office on Aging.
While she stayed quite busy fielding questions about programs and tax applications, answering the phones, and taking reservations for upcoming events, Ms. Heiman was quick to say she didn’t mind it so much.
"It’s just something that you do," she said, "and it makes you feel good to give back to the community."
For more information on volunteering opportunities or programs offered at the Monroe Township Public Library call (732) 521-5000. For information on the Monroe Senior Center Office on Aging call (732) 521-6111.