Arlene Richardson, of Niles, retired last year after working as a librarian at Ballard Elementary School in Niles for 11 years. Now she volunteers at Ballard Elementary and First Presbyterian Church in Niles.

 

What do you do as a volunteer for Ballard Elementary?

I am helping to put a book room together at Ballard. In essence, the book room will give teachers tools to help the students that need help in the areas of reading. A piece that I just completed actually is a benchmark assessment piece… a series of levels to determine what (reading) level a student is at. The teacher will work with the student to assess where they are in their reading maturity. Once they determine that, there will be other areas in the book room where they can get materials so they can help build that level.

This year, I will be working on a volunteer basis in the classroom with one of the teachers who is a friend of mine.

 

Why choose to help out at Ballard?

I miss the kids. You get to know them and you get to know their families. I miss seeing them. And, being around the kids makes you young — it keeps you young. I just enjoy being there to let them know how important they are.

I like being in the educational environment. I guess it is part of my life and it was hard to let it go.

 

Why is the book room important to you?

When I was at Ballard my philosophy was to help the teachers and the students be the best they could be. I was there for the teachers in the library to make their job as good as it can be.

I feel the same way about the book room. It is there for the teachers as a tool for them to help students to be the best student and person they can be.

Reading is so important. If a student can’t read, then it is sad thing. The book room is another tool for the teachers to help students.

 

What volunteer work do you do for your church?

We have a mission sewing group and we do sewing for missions both abroad and within the Niles community. I work with Christian Ed and with whatever needs to get done there. I work on funeral luncheons as a funeral luncheon coordinator. I do most of my volunteer work at the church with the exception of some of the things I think are important in the schools.

 

Why is it important to volunteer?

For me I like to contribute something to my community. I think when you volunteer you have to volunteer in areas that you are passionate about. Being a librarian I am passionate about reading and students wanting to read. There is no greater joy than trying to connect a student with the right book for their interests and the joy that one gets when that student comes back and says, ‘I loved that book.’ For me volunteering is a personal thing. I choose what I do by the passions that I have. It gives you a sense of self worth and that you have actually done something for your community.

 

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her by calling Craig Haupert, community editor, at (269) 687-7720, or email him at craig.haupert@leaderpub.com.