THE WORK of volunteers to communities across the county has been celebrated by Worcestershire libraries.
The Libraries and Learning Service organised the event at Droitwich Library in December after asking libraries to to nominate 18 of their digital champions and job club volunteers for the contribution that they make to the quality of peoples lives.
Strategic Libraries and Learning Manager Kathy Kirk presented each volunteer with a certificate of thanks and a small gift.
Kathy said: “Volunteers make such a difference to our libraries and to everything we do.
“Libraries play a very important role in the community, and we have many volunteers in a wide range of roles working alongside our staff.
“Libraries are no longer just about books – they are safe places for people of all ages, information providers and help signpost people to lots of other services.”
Digital champions and job club volunteers gave more than 20,000 hours in libraries across the county last year with all of them saying they felt they got back more than they gave and that their work gave them enormous satisfaction.
Coun Lucy Hodgson, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Localism and Communities, said: “At a time when budget reductions mean libraries are closing across the country, we are proud that in Worcestershire we are keeping all of our libraries open.
“We are able to do that is because of the work of volunteers who work closely with our paid staff.”
Residents interested in volunteering can contact their local library for more information.
