Grand Island Public Library, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND —The Grand Island Public Library proudly announced the winners from the 2024 Nebraska Library Association Advocacy Day that took place on Wednesday, March 20 in Lincoln at the Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. Receiving awards were volunteers Lorry Dinkelman, Steve and Leanne Morris, Diana Callahan and Pamela Morriss.
“When the City of Grand Island’s Public Library Bookmobile Service was discontinued 15 years ago, volunteers like Lorry Dinkelman, Steve and Leanne Morris and Diana Callahan stepped up to serve patrons who couldn’t visit the library in person,” said Library Assistants Susie Cartwright and Chris Dierks in a written nomination. “These individuals are reliable and loyal to their patrons, delivering monthly library materials and picking up delivery routes when needed. The library often receives hand-written notes from these patrons who are grateful and appreciative to these volunteers.”
“In recent years, libraries have increasingly become a community center that is more than just books,” added Reference & Collection Services Librarian Shaun Klee. “Public libraries now have video games, board games, Makerspaces, appliances and even seeds. Now, in times of rising costs and food insecurity, people turn to the library even more as an affordable resource. The Grand Island Public Library Seed Library is now starting its third year and owes its success to volunteer Pamela Morriss.”
“There are many amazing volunteers at the Grand Island Public Library that help the Library to have success each and every day,” Library Director Celine Swan said. “They perform jobs such as greeting patrons at the Welcome Desk, helping with programs such as the Summer Reading Program, dusting and helping with the Library Foundation’s Book Sale. We appreciate and thank our volunteers for truly making a difference in our community! These volunteers that won the Advocacy Awards are rock stars. They make a difference in the lives of many. We thank them and honor them!”
The Grand Island Public Library Foundation helps coordinate the volunteer program and supports the Library, staff, and volunteers providing programs, and services daily. For more information or to volunteer, contact the Library at 385-5333.
