(Chelsea Update would like to thank Edith Donnell for the information in this story.)
The Chelsea District Library recently announced that Chelsea High School junior Lauren Baker was named the library’s 2017 Youth Service Group Volunteer of the Year.
Started in 2015, this award recognizes a teen volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment.
Baker has been volunteering with the library for four years, and has made a great impression on the librarians. “When Lauren signs up to help with a program, I know I will have dependable support, and it makes planning easier,” said Jessica Zubik.
Edith Donnell, head of the Youth Service Group at the library, agrees. “Lauren really demonstrates how a volunteer can make a family’s experience at a library program so much better. She treats library visitors with dignity and respect, no matter how young they are,” she said in a press release.
Baker started visiting the library long before volunteering, and is an avid reader. “I love how peaceful and open the library is and how you can just get lost in all of the books and lose track of time,” she said.
Baker said she started volunteering because she “…wanted to have an impact on the community that would make a difference even if it’s just a smile on someone’s face.”
In appreciation of her hard work and dedication, a custom READ poster featuring Lauren will be on display in the library.
The library is always looking for new members for the Youth Service Group who are going into seventh grade or above. Interested students and their families can visit the Chelsea District Library website at www.chelseadistrictlibrary.org, and look for the How Do I…tab to find volunteer opportunities.
There is still time for students to sign-up for summer volunteer opportunities by filling out an application and attending one of our YSG Orientation sessions. Youth Service Group volunteers help setup and cleanup library programs, assist with running the Summer Reading Program, and support the Youth & Teen Librarians in tasks important to the function of the library.
For more information about youth volunteer opportunities, contact Donnell at (734) 475-8732 ext. 218 or via email [email protected].
