Ellen has been volunteering at Columbine Library for nearly a decade, but her love of libraries started well before that.
"One of my earliest memories is going to the library once a week to pick up books," Ellen remembers. "The library has just always been a place I feel comfortable and happy."
"Now, I like that there are so many other activities and programs for people to participate in," she continues. "I'm a regular patron at Columbine Library, and one day, I went on [the nonprofit website] VolunteerMatch and found a listing for the Paws for Reading program."
Paws for Reading is a well-loved program that encourages kids to practice their read-aloud skills to trained therapy animals. Traditionally, the program featured therapy dogs, but it has recently expanded to include cat and bunny teams.
"Encouraging kids to read and interacting with animals are all of the best things!" Ellen says. "I started volunteering once a month, and I just kept coming back."
Paws even helped out when Ellen was going through hard times in her life.
"I don't know how the therapy dogs can tell you're upset, but some of the dogs just gravitate toward someone who needs them," she says. "I think that's one of the reasons why I've continued so long."
"Ellen has been a volunteer with Paws since we started the program at Columbine," Patron Experience Associate Kelly says. "She always creates a welcoming environment for all of our patrons, and the kids — and animals — love to see a familiar face. We couldn't do it without her!"
For Paws, Ellen helps families get checked in, manages the schedule and chats with kids and their caregivers while they are waiting for their turn to read. Building rapport with the kids is important since many of the same kids come back every month.
"I'm usually good at remembering kids' names, but not so much the parents!" Ellen says with a laugh. "We have a couple of kids that were very young when I first started, and some have aged out of the program. My favorite part of volunteering is watching the kids interact with the animals and become more confident with their reading over time."
Ellen was drawn to volunteer with kids because she previously worked as a special education teacher and has a passion for encouraging learning. Recently, she graduated from a paralegal certificate program and is excited to start her new career.
"I find law fascinating," she says. "I've always been interested in legal books and shows — they aren't realistic, obviously — but I also feel strongly that our legal system, even with all its flaws, really works, and I want to be a part of that."
Ellen's work in law has only increased her enjoyment of police procedurals and other crime-related media.
"I find that books are more accurate than TV and movies," she explains. "Take Law and Order — you literally cannot just say 'Objection!' You have to have a basis for your objection. It's theatrical, but it's not accurate."
When she isn't volunteering, Ellen keeps busy with school and work. When she has time, she loves to hike and dabble in photography for fun. She also enjoys music and likes everything from heavy metal to acoustic.
"I'm actually going to see a friend's band tonight after volunteering," Ellen laughs. "I tend to overschedule myself."
We appreciate Ellen making time in her busy schedule to make Paws part of her routine since 2016!