Thursday, May 5, 2011 - Volunteers Give More Than 7,000 Hours To St. Lucie County Libraries

St. Lucie County Commissioners and Library staff thanked volunteers this week with an appreciation luncheon at the Grille on the Green at Saints Golf Club for the more than 7,000 hours of time that they’ve donated to the St. Lucie County Library System.

Last year, 85 active volunteers provided 7,099.5 hours of volunteer service. The Friends of the St. Lucie County Library President Carnelle Clifton presented a symbolic check with a dollar value of $113,592 to County Commissioners Frannie Hutchinson, Paula Lewis and Tod Mowery to show the positive impact that volunteers have on the County’s budget. 

Nearly 80 volunteers and Library staff members attended the luncheon where County Administrator Faye Outlaw recognized and thanked volunteers for helping St. Lucie County  keep libraries open despite reduced hours, after officials considered closing two of the five branch libraries due to budget and staff reductions. The St. Lucie County Library System’s workforce has been reduced by nearly 50 percent in the past two years, and Library Manager Susan Jacob thanked the volunteers for their time and efforts.

If you are interested in becoming a St. Lucie County Library volunteer, please stop by your favorite branch and speak with the branch supervisor.