Library Offers Glimpse at Shelf Life

Shelving books, organizing CDs and arranging DVDs requires a meticulous eye and a strong back.

Those are lessons I learned Dec. 16, when I had the privilege of volunteering at the Richmond Heights Memorial Library.

With the outstanding and gracious instruction of children's librarian Betsy Simmons, children's library assistant Kim Royer and library director Jeanette Piquet—thank you so much, to each of you—I spent time sorting picture books for kids, and fiction and mysteries for adults.

I even got to sit in on the afternoon children's reading program and read out loud a book titled, The Gingerbread Girl. The youngsters brimmed with enthusiasm, neighing and oinking along as the Gingerbread Girl encountered horses and pigs on her trip to meet with the wily fox that ate her misguided (cough, dumb) brother.

Simply delightful.

Afterward, Royer helped the children decorate their own gingerbread people with sequins, buttons and ample quantities of glitter glue.

Every year, Patch employees take five days to volunteer in their communities. It's part of the Give 5 program.

Those looking to spread the word about similar volunteer opportunities can post their announcements—for free—on our Web site. Check out the announcements page to get started.

I don't think I'll ever grow tired of visiting a library, and I certainly have a better appreciation now for the careful work that the staff at the Richmond Heights library performs every day.

Thank you so much, to each of you, for a wonderful experience!