JAY— The Friends of Jay-Niles Memorial Library, a committed volunteer group, has greatly boosted the library’s community presence. Led by volunteers, they recently met to discuss their contributions. Nancy Grimaldi represented the group, which includes Bonnie Samson, Jubilee Bailey, Jonne Gross, Roxy Hennings, Pam McAllister, and Joyce Cunningham.

“Volunteers at [Jay-Niles Memorial] Library help the staff offer experiences at the library that families of the community may not otherwise have,” shared Grimaldi. “We assist with special activities such as the Grinch night during the Christmas season or the Spring Fling in May, for a couple of examples.” She said these activities draw people to the library and will hopefully interest community members in the library and all it has to offer. Some of the other activities the group participates in are the summer reading programs, pre-school reading times and activities, craft programs, Trunk or Treat, movie nights, LEGO day, Harry Potter night, and the Franklin County Children’s Festival.

Additionally, Grimaldi said volunteers are crucial to the daily functions of the library, offering invaluable assistance to both staff and patrons. “Volunteering is not a stressful commitment. Those who volunteer can be flexible depending on their individual schedules,” emphasized Grimaldi, highlighting the adaptable nature of their contributions. “The Friends of the Library meet monthly to hear what is happening in the library and plan schedules accordingly,” she said.

The Jay-Niles Memorial Library Friends group relies heavily on the support of both the library staff and fellow volunteers, said Grimaldi. They use the monthly meetings to organize activities and collaborate on various events throughout the year. During these meetings, they coordinate with library staff, using email chains to disseminate information efficiently. Additionally, volunteers assist with day-to-day tasks such as manning the main desk on Saturdays, shelving books, and conducting shelf reading to ensure books are easily accessible to patrons.

“The summer reading program is a major part of the library’s year,” Grimaldi said. “As one of the staff put it, the summer reading program would be “impossible to do without our volunteers. Those helping out assist with innumerable activities, help manage large numbers of children, lead craft tables, provide snacks and drinks. They are very important in getting out the word about the program each year.”

“Probably the greatest impact of the summer program is outreach, letting the community know what a vibrant, busy place the library actually is,” Grimaldi said. “The summer program may also fill in the gap for parents who cannot afford a summer camp or special program for their child. Children may develop social skills during the summer program by listening and offering thoughts, participating with others, and sharing ideas.”

The summer program can spark kids’ love for reading by demonstrating its enjoyment, noted Grimaldi. Additionally, it shows the community that the library is not just for books, but also a space for gatherings.

For those eager to get involved and contribute to the library’s mission, there are ample opportunities available. “If you love your library and want to get more involved, consider volunteering at the library, serving on the library board of trustees, or joining the Jay-Niles Memorial Library Friends group,” encouraged Grimaldi.

For more information, check out the library’s website and Facebook page.