The library has generous community volunteers who assist with programs and various other library activities. One of our regulars, Toni Jones, spends her Wednesday mornings at Super-Sized Storytime, greeting children and their caregivers for 30 minutes of songs, rhymes, stories, and joy.
For the past two and a half years, Miss Toni (as the librarians and patrons know her), a retired educator, has given her time to watch children’s faces light up as stories are read to them, bubbles are popped, and songs are sung. During a Super-Sized Storytime on a chilly morning in early February, she served as the “counter” for the program, keeping track of the number of children and caregivers who walked through the door. She greeted them with a smile on her face, recognizing families from previous weeks and urging them to scoot up close to see and hear the story better. She also guarded the door to ensure no toddlers escaped without their caregiver close behind. “It’s a big crowd today,” she remarked as the room began to quiet down and the children listened carefully to Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson.
In the past, Toni has also volunteered at the library’s tax scheduling event, helping her fellow Plymouth residents prepare for tax day. “People were so excited to get their appointments,” she said with a smile. “It felt good that I was able to help them do that.”
The librarians here at Plymouth District Library expressed gratitude and appreciation for everything that Toni provides. “I love watching Toni interact and make connections with the little ones at our events,” shared Youth Librarian Samantha Stachowiak. “Whether it’s a cute little high five or a brief, mostly jibberish conversation, watching her and the kids light up and engage one another is a highlight of my day.”
Fellow Youth Librarian Nicole Munson echoed her statement, “Toni has been a library user for a long time, not only as a reader but as a volunteer. I really feel honored to have someone who cares so deeply for their community and library as our volunteer for storytime.” She added, “Getting to know Toni as a tenacious, warm, smart, and kind person has truly been a joy for me in the past two years.”
Not only does Miss Toni routinely volunteer, but she also attends other library events in her free time. Lately, she’s been attending the Living Well With Low Vision sessions, where community members for whom glasses are no longer sufficient can gain access to information and social interactions with one another. They typically feature a guest speaker with an area of expertise within the scope of vision impairment.
“In recent years, our library has tried to focus on intergenerational programming, creating opportunities for younger and older patrons to form connections,” Librarian Samantha said. “While we have tried many things from movie screenings to hot cocoa days, I have found Toni’s volunteer work with our storytime to be the most pure and organic form of this intergenerational connection I have seen. Her quiet, often unseen work helps create a peaceful, happy atmosphere and provides positive connections for her and the families at storytime.”
As Super-Sized Storytime came to an end, the bubble machine was put away and the kids waved goodbye to their library friends. While she provided the number of attendees, Youth Librarian Brad Bachelor asked Miss Toni if she had any interest in assisting in his Puppet Extravaganza Storytime in late March. Her response was an enthusiastic, “Yes!”.
As for her favorite part of storytime? The story itself! Toni shared that just getting to listen to the librarians read a fun story and the kids’ faces light up is the best part of her volunteer work, and that she looks forward to coming to the library for a variety of reasons; whether that be to assist during a program, meet new people of all ages, or participate in events and activities that interest her.
Get involved at the library by checking out upcoming intergenerational events:
- Community Journalism Club: An opportunity to report on the happenings in our local Plymouth community. This club meets twice monthly and is welcome to writers of all ages and levels of expertise.
- Talking Hands ASL Club: This club offers attendees the chance to practice their American Sign Language skills with other community members through games and conversation.
- Board Game Afternoon: Adults, teens, and families can come to the library to play board games with one another, from new additions to old favorites.
- Jigsaw Puzzle Competition: Adults and families can create teams to form a team and race against others to complete the same puzzle within a two-hour time limit.
- Coloring For All Ages: Spend a relaxing afternoon at the library listening to music and coloring. Welcome to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to coloring enthusiasts.