A Beacon of kindness: Celebrating Our Library Volunteers
by Mark Troendle, Library Director
Mark Troendle, Library Director
Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” It’s an interesting concept, and I believe there’s truth in it. But volunteering isn’t just about discovering ourselves; it’s about connecting with our community and making a difference together. When individuals come together, their collective impact is far greater than what each of us could achieve alone.
Creating a Community
Libraries are often referred to as the heart of a community. By volunteering, you also make a statement about the kind of community you want to live in. As you know, this library isn’t just a building filled with books; it’s a place of learning, connection, and growth—where everyone who walks through our doors encounters the promise of opportunity.
On behalf of the library, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible work you do as volunteers. Last year, more than 2,500 hours of volunteer service were recorded. Your commitment, enthusiasm, and dedication make a profound difference in our community.
Volunteers in Action
Whether you’re greeting visitors, pulling requested materials from the shelves, helping with genealogy research, assembling crafts for a program, staffing a Friends book sale, or making events like Light A Spark fun and engaging—and the countless other things you do—your contributions are woven into the fabric of our library. You help us achieve so much more than we could alone.
The impact of your work is beyond measure. Your presence here and your contributions create lifelong memories. It’s reflected in the gratitude of a parent whose child discovers a love for reading, the excitement of a patron learning something new, and in the appreciation of a community that finds a safe, inclusive space to gather and grow. Your efforts are a beacon of kindness, lighting the way for others.
Volunteers Barb and Ronnie at the 4th floor greeter desk
Library Director Mark addressing volunteers at the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
Endless Gratitude
Thank you for your time, energy, and unwavering support. Thank you for believing in the power of libraries and for helping to make this a thriving hub of imagination and knowledge.
We are fortunate to have each of you as part of our library family. Your dedication inspires us all, and we are endlessly grateful for everything you do. Let’s continue to work together to make our library a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Thank you for all that you do, from the bottom of our hearts.
Support of our Donors
The invaluable services provided by volunteers are made possible through generous donations to the Stillwater Public Library Foundation which supports a volunteer coordinator who recruits, trains, and manages volunteers.