Thanks to library volunteers

ROSEBURG, Ore. – April was National Volunteer Month -- a time to recognize the efforts of volunteers engaged in service throughout the community.

At Roseburg Public Library, staff are especially grateful for the 23 volunteers who contributed nearly 1,200 hours of their time and talent in 2024.

All of the library’s volunteers have a role in managing the library’s physical collection. Most volunteers shelve materials, and, while they are in the stacks, they greet patrons, answer questions, locate items on shelves and support a welcoming community space.

“In 2024, patrons checked out 78,000 physical items, which is equivalent to the size of the library’s collection. That means the volunteers reshelved the entire library over the course of the year,” said Library Director Kris Wiley.

Many volunteers help in other ways, including lending a hand at programs and tending the plants. One works the front desk, and another creates the video slideshow of library events.

Library staff also welcomed student volunteers to assist with programs, package craft kits and support the Friends of the Library book sale efforts.

“Speaking of the Friends, we are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated group of folks to raise funds for the library, oversee important special projects and advocate for public library services,” Wiley said.

In 2024, more than 30 “Friends” contributed almost 1,900 hours of service.

The Friends are well known for their book sales. They have a bookstore inside the library that is open during library hours. Typically, there is a nominal charge for books, but everything in the store currently is free through Saturday, June 7.

The Friends manage larger, quarterly book sales. The next event is Thursday, June 5, through Saturday, June 7. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 5; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 6; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 7. This will be a better book sale with gift-quality inventory and most items will be $1 on the first two days and half-price on Saturday.

The group also administers an online bookstore at Amazon.com. That work is continuous. They sort every box of donations and library withdrawals and determine the appropriate sale for books. They set up and tear down the quarterly book sales; keep the bookstore stocked; and list, package and ship items across the country.

They accept donations anytime the library is open. Drop off items at the front desk and tell staff if you want a receipt.

The Friends donated more than $23,000 to the library in 2024. Those funds were used to support the summertime StoryWalk® in Roseburg parks, craft supplies, reading program prizes, speaker honorariums and more.

The Friends also serve as the local program partner for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which mails one free book every month to registered children from birth to fifth birthday in the Roseburg, Winchester, Wilbur, Glide and Idleyld Park areas. Roseburg’s program serves nearly 1,500 children. Register your child at www.imaginationlibrary.com -- click “Check Availability.”

The Friends also ensure the path behind the library and beside the Sister Cities Friendship Garden remains clear of litter.

People interested in becoming a “Friend” may drop by the library for an application or visit the Friends’ website at www.roseburglibraryfriends.org.

Finally, the seven members of the Library Commission volunteer their time and talent to review policies and make recommendations to library staff and the City Council. The group meets at the library at 4 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month and meetings are livestreamed on the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cityofroseburg.

“We are grateful for our volunteers’ enthusiasm for the library and community service,” said Wiley.

“Thank you, volunteers. Roseburg Public Library is better because of you.”