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It’s crown jewel in the community and those who continue to make it sparkle were honored recently during the South Pasadena Library’s annual Volunteer Recognition Day.
A valued team of 132 volunteers contributed nearly 9,000 hours in 2017 and were provided lunch and praised for their efforts during a luncheon recently inside the library’s community room.
“The South Pasadena City Council and the Library Board of Trustees value the enormous contributions made each year by library volunteer,” reads a proclamation declaring Library Volunteer Recognition Day presented by Mayor Dr. Richard Schneider on behalf of the City Council. “The hours that volunteers contribute to the library not only help provide services that could not otherwise be offered, they also support the staff behind the scenes, freeing library staff to devote more time to directly serving the public and performing duties and presenting programs that would not otherwise be possible.”
While she was unable to attend, Patty Lyons was honored during the event as co-volunteer of the year along with Cecilia Schwarz.
Lyons, who served on the Friends of the Library Board, has also donated countless hours at local schools, Friends in Deed (Pasadena Food Pantry) and working with the La Leche League, which helps mothers worldwide breastfeed through mother-to-mother support. Today, she splits her time between South Pasadena and Denver.
Schwarz was approached by her neighbor, Donna Potts, about the idea of joining the local Friends of the Library Bookstore and has been a longtime volunteer, looking forward to her weekly shift. She also keeps busy enjoying time with her four daughters, five granddaughters and a grandson.
Special acknowledgement was made to the late Dorothy Cohen, Norma LeValley and Margaret Wallace who contributed hundreds of hours over the years to the library
A Service Recognition Award was presented to Roby Laurence, who has served as a library aide, and been a creative force behind the children’s library programs and the Restoration Concert series, which continues to bring world-class music to South Pasadena. Concert proceeds enhance the historic community room and library.
“Roby’s efforts, constant diligence and love of the library cannot be surpassed and will always be appreciated,” said South Pasadena Library Director Steve Fjeldsted.
The Volunteer Recognition Luncheon concluded with a talk from keynote speaker John Horn, the arts and entertainment host for 89.3 KPCC and “the Frame.” Horn is a former staff writer at the Los Angeles Times where he covered the film business.
