|
|
|
What would happen if there were no summer reading programs at the local libraries? Could low-income students who do not have the luxury of computers at home have access to computers at libraries without the assistance of volunteers from the "Friend of The Library"?
That is the main goal of these volunteers. Providing funds for
the operations of the library that are not funded in the
operating budget. Books that are donated to the library by the
general public are first looked at for appropriateness and the
remainders are given to the "Friends". Books withdrawn from the
shelves of the library by staff are also presented to the
volunteer group.
What the volunteers do next is the icing on the cake. They have book sales and use the funds raised to provide equipment and services to the library. In 2002 they raised over $88,000 to fund the remodel of the Torrance Main Branch Library. All this from discarded books is quite a feat. They purchase computers for public use and offer prizes to children reading a dedicated number of books during the summer. I guess you can say they act as the motivator to encourage children to read by providing a special party for them who reach their summer reading goal.
If you are a person who has great computer knowledge or speak any Asian Language you are the one the "Friends" are looking for. Many books now being donated need to be evaluated for value context and translations.
RSVP of South Bay provides volunteer opportunities for individuals 55 years and older. You can find out about this and other volunteer positions by calling the office at 310-320-3322.
