Volunteer in the community

On Tuesday, I voluteered at the Fairfax Library as part of the Patch Give 5 program -- in celebration of the 100th Patch site launching. 

I love the library. I spent hours at the library as a kid. I remember when you had to look up books in the card catalogue (kids, there were actual cards in small drawers). 

Volunteer coordinator Anthony Puga set me to shelving books. It's not hard -- all you need is a command of the alphabet and an understanding that 761.24 comes after 761.21. [And I got to pick out two books to check out for myself!]

Both the Fairfax and San Anselmo libraries definitely need the help. With the budget cuts, the libraries are relying heavily on volunteers to help with the backlog. Behind the scenes, there are carts of books waiting to be shelved and stacks of DVDs with no one to put them back in their place.

But the libraries aren't the only places that need help.

If books aren't your thing, the watershed relies on volunteers to mark trails and protect frogs; the town of San Anselmo needs volunteer receptionists and organizers; the Country Fair day needs volunteers to organize and put on the parade and event; and the Fairfax Volunteers run a number of programs throughout the community and on the trails (including the Creek Clean-Up last weekend). Or check out our listing of volunteer opportunities.

Or, just contact your favorite organization doing work in the community and ask if they want your help.

The need for volunteers and help has increased with the financial crisis and tightening budgets. No time is better to give back than now.