WOODSTOCK — Suzanne Marshall volunteers at Whitman Memorial Library and for other area nonprofits.

Where do you volunteer?

I joined Bryant Pond’s Whitman Memorial Library (WML) as a volunteer in early 2023.  At that time books were (and still are) the primary reason to visit the library.  The Board of Trustees was in the process of expanding program offerings and community outreach. I jumped in to fulfill a volunteer role.

I help serve patron needs at the circulation desk while librarian Pat Little reads to youngsters during children’s hour.

I update the outdoor notice board. Do you know the library now offers a) tech support Monday mornings, b) chair Pilates at noon, and c) a knitters / craft group on Thursdays at 1:00? It’s on the lawn sign!

I assist with the cleanup and coordination of the “free books” project (YES FREE!)  by shelving books and maintaining an attractive, neat area.  WML has hundreds of “out of circulation” books just waiting for you, the reader, to add to your home library.

Suzanne Marshall is a volunteer at the Whitman Memorial Library in Woodstock. submitted photo

Last summer the WML received a generous donation of vintage Maine books.  I brought my organizational and research skills to free up staff time in assessing and recognizing the value of the collection.

But volunteering does not need to involve a long-term commitment or a huge amount of time.  I spend a few hours annually helping the following groups: Bethel Summerfest by fielding questions at the Chamber of Commerce tent; Horses Across Maine Endurance Ride as scribe to the veterinarian; WinterKids Mountain Mayhem fundraiser at Mt. Abram greeting participants at the sign-in table: and The L.L.Bean Free Ski & Ride Day at Mt. Abram manning the T-bar line.

What inspires you to volunteer?

Volunteering allows me to connect with my community and make it a better place.

Talk about your paid career?

With my mother’s encouragement I applied for and was hired as a library aide in 8th grade at 50 cents an hour. The mentoring I received over the next four years helped me grow my customer service skills, handle increased responsibility, and become self-directed.

I graduated from University of Maine. I have worked in a lumber yard, officiated high school field hockey games, and worked 30+ years in mortgage lending from processing and underwriting then on to becoming a Retail Credit Lending Specialist responsible for credit reporting on a $92B portfolio. The real estate appraisal and title review experience was especially helpful in my seven years as a member of the Town of Durham (ME) planning board. (That role was as a volunteer as well!) I was designer and general contractor for two of our homes.

What brought you to volunteerism?

My parents were hardworking, community minded and ethical individuals and were my role models.

What basic skills do you need to do to do your volunteer work?

A little bit of courage to commit, a willingness to pitch in, and a positive attitude.

Looking ahead what plans do you have regarding your volunteerism?

Presently in the community there are no Girl Scout Troops. Growing up as a Girl Scout helped me develop so many skills including life skills, learn while doing, meeting challenges and outdoor exposure. We need Girl Scout leaders and I would gladly step in and lend a hand. We need Girl Scout leaders. It is important to me that local girls have those same experiences.