Everyone is Pitching in!

Compassion spurs young South Madison Branch volunteer to do his part

I remember being interested in books at my house. When I was seven years old, I started volunteering at the book sales. I really enjoyed setting up the books, seeing what we had before anyone else, and PIZZA for the volunteers!

Right now, I own over 250 books in my personal library. Over half of them were purchased at the Friends of the South Madison Branch Library Book Sales.  I never would be able to have so many books of my own if I could not have purchased them for one dollar or less at the book sales.

I really like to read comic books, magazines and graphic novels. “I Kill Giants” is my favorite graphic novel. It is about a middle school girl who imagines that giants are taking over the world and she tries to slay them. There are all these warnings and no one believes her. They think she is crazy. Then, it happens! You will have to read it to find what happens.

Besides books, I get video games at the library like the Sims. I also like to get new DVDs at the library.  My favorite movie is Avatar.

I have volunteered not only at book sales, but also in the library during the rest of the year.  I usually volunteer one or two days a week for 2-4 hours each time. I help shelve books, photocopy coloring sheets, set up for programs, search for books that are on hold for people at other branches, and help run youth programs.  My favorite thing to do is set up for programs.

At my confirmation class at church, we had to do a compassion project. Since we are trying to raise money to build a new library, I decided that I would help since we have a LONG way to go.  My mentor and I have placed “Bank books” in some South Madison businesses and organizations to encourage people to put their spare change (or even dollars!) to work for the new library.

I think libraries are important because you can check out books, DVDs, CDs and games without paying for them.  You can access the Internet if you do not have it at home.  You can ask for help finding information that you need.  There are fun programs each week, too.

    - Jack Kress-Russick