Jefferson County Public Library Volunteer Diana loves books. She also loves people being able to use the Library.
"I enjoy knowing that I'm helping people, whether it's the library staff or the patrons," Diana says. "The fact that I'm of service to others is the motivation for me."
Diana spends her time at JCPL supporting the Operations team at Lakewood Library, which she calls "the unseen working guts of the library."
"The librarians are the face of the place, but Ops is what makes it run," she explains. "What a lot of people don't realize is there's a whole group of people who do magnificent work making sure books are taken care of, put out on the shelves, added to the holds area, and weeded. And not just books, but audiobooks, DVDs — all the hard materials of the Library are handled by the Ops crew. They are really dedicated and hardworking, and because they aren't at the desk, they are not necessarily seen or appreciated."
Diana specializes in shelving adult and teen fiction, and large print books.
"I try to get large print out on the shelves first," she says. "People who need large print, need large print, and it's a much smaller collection."
Operations Page Jade seconds the sentiment, "Diana always ensures our large print items are out and accessible," and Lakewood staff appreciate Diana for her enthusiasm, positivity and willingness to learn.
"Diana's joy in being at the Library brightens everyone's day," Operations Supervisor Nicole says. "I'm so glad she's part of our team."
Jade adds, "Diana is an incredibly kind and considerate addition to the Lakewood Library. We are so lucky to have such an amazing volunteer!"
Diana's positivity isn't a fluke — it's a personal value she's cultivated throughout her life: "Kindness isn't a luxury; it's imperative." And it shines through her other volunteer work at Jefferson County Library Foundation and the Action Center.
"At the Action Center, I work in the clothing bank sorting and restocking items for patrons to go through," she explains. "I find what they do very valuable. Being able to wear clothing that fits and looks good helps give people dignity."
Outside of her volunteer work, Diana loves to attend local theater shows with her friends. "I love a good comedy. It doesn't need to be slapstick, but I like being able to laugh."
And, of course, Diana loves to read.
"I'm an omnivore when it comes to books," she explains. "I've been reading a lot of the British cozy mysteries, which aren't as cozy as people want to believe. When you read Agatha Christie, she's got poisoning, stabbing, shots in the dark, affairs, family secrets — you name it. All sorts of drama — drama that exists today. But I can do without the blood and gore I find in more modern writing."
Another one of Diana's favorites is Catch-22, "It explains the world pretty much as it is: just about the time you feel you know the answer, the rules change."
Despite many changes at JCPL in her year and a half of service, including extended building closures and a completely new layout, Diana remains undeterred. Thank you for your unwavering positivity and kindness, Diana!