Olean Public Library Volunteers Honored

OLEAN, NY – On Tuesday May 13th the Olean Public Library held their annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner at the Bartlett Country Club. The total hours volunteered in 2013 was 1,602, 112 of which were performed by 8 teen volunteers. Using the estimated value of volunteer time in NY State ($26.54 per hour as reported by Independent Sector) this was a value of $42,372.90 for the library.

New to this year’s recognition program was the President’s Volunteer Service Award. This award was established in 2003 by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to “recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve.” (More information may be found at http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov) The library had several levels of recipients. The bronze level award goes to volunteers with 100-249 hours over a 12 month period. These awards were given out to Donna Costanza, Bernie Eisenhart, Rita Kowalik, Suzanne Marcus, Robert Taylor, and Cathy Walters. The silver level award goes to volunteers with 250-499 hours over a 12 month period. These awards were handed out to Carol Bess and John Mansour.

John Mansour also received the President’s Call to Service Award for volunteering more than 4,000 hours over his lifetime to the library. John has been a library volunteer for the past 27 years and has decided to retire from service. John also was recognized as performing the most volunteer hours in 2013 with a total of 300 ½ hours. Lance Chaffee, library director, also presented John with a plaque in hour of his 27 years of dedicated service to the library. Mr. Mansour received a standing ovation from members of the library staff, Board of Directors, and Friends of the Library.

Throughout his 27 years, John Mansour has worked at the Circulation Desk checking out books and providing book recommendations, serving on the Friends of the Library Board, and as chairman of the tree planting committee. Mr. Mansour is a retired teacher and a veteran of World War II. He will be missed by both the patrons and the staff of the Olean Public Library.

Lance Chaffee, director, presents John Mansour with a Plaque for his 27 Years of Dedicated Service

The Worth of Our Volunteers

Even though we all know volunteers are priceless, did you our total volunteer hours for 2008 are 1,329 for a savings value of $26,912.25? We have awesome volunteers! Thank you so much!

Teen Events at the Olean Public Library

The Summer 2009 Teen Volunteer Program at the Olean Public Library is about to begin! If you are in grade 5 thru 12 and interested in volunteering, pick up an application in the library or print it out on the website. Applications due by July 3rd. Volunteer interviews and positions start after July 6th. www.oleanlibrary.org/teens/

The Adult and Teen Summer Reading Program will be held July 1st thru August 3rd. Patrons can pick up a book log at the Information Desk after July 1st.