[Conntech] Volunteer Appreciation

[Ann Davis]

Good Afternoon, Everyone:

A couple of months ago, I asked this wonderful group for 
input on volunteer appreciation events, and I received nine 
thoughtful and creative responses.  Thank you.  Eight out of 
9 said they offer a successful event either every year or 
every other year.  The ninth library said they did offer a 
volunteer appreciation program in the past, but because 
attendance was poor, they discontinued the program.

The eight events were varied--several libraries offered a 
volunteer appreciation breakfast, but another offered lunch, 
and finally, one offered a lavish Sunday tea where board 
members brought in their family silver and tea sets.  Food 
was definitely the highlight at each event with staff 
preparing the food at most libraries.

Some libraries also gave each volunteer a token gift, such 
as a mug, flashlight, key chain, or leather bookmark with 
the library's logo.  One library presented each volunteer 
with a house plant.  Only one library said they had given 
certificates in the past.

Two libraries mentioned they gave each volunteer a book 
either from their interest area or their favorite author. 
(They asked each volunteer first about their interests.)

A couple of libraries asked the Town Administration and 
Library Board President to come and speak.

One library made a big poster with the photos of the 
volunteers and placed it in the lobby for a week or so (very 
cool).

One library mentioned they invited about 120 people.  These 
included adopt a shelf readers, active Friends and their 
board, libary board members, story hour volunteers, teen 
advisory board volunteers, tax volunteers, and those who 
recycle old books.

Some libraries mentioned the expense is part of their town 
budget, while others said the program is sponsored by their 
Friends group.

After these many suggestions from libraries, the Stafford 
Library held its first volunteer appreciation night the 
Monday just before Thanksgiving.  It was held early in the 
evening, so that most attendees stopped by on their way home 
from work.  We invited a little over 100 people.  We, too, 
included all volunteers, including those who adopt a shelf, 
our active Friends, Library Board members, and those 
faithful volunteers who come weekly.  We had 40 attendees, 
who had a great time.  The event lasted only an hour but 
should have been a little longer because volunteers 
lingered.  We served hors d'oeuvres and dessert.  A few 
staff members prepared the food, which was paid for by our 
Friends group.  We gave each volunteer a 2008 weekly pocket 
calendar with our library's logo, which they seemed to like. 
  We will probably make this an annual event.

Again, thank you for your responses.  I appreciated your 
thoughtful comments.

Ann Davis
Stafford Library