Shout Out!

Shout Out to...BPL Volunteer Kristi!

Kristi is a former MIP Intern and a current T4.

I started volunteering at Brooklyn Public Library in July of 2010. At first I was a Summer Book Buddy at the Sunset Park branch, and during the school year I became a regular volunteer. Since then I have been an intern in the Mulicultural Internship Program (school year, summer, and summer the year after) and I am currently a T4 at Central.

What do you like best about volunteering at BPL?

I've always loved going to the library, but it is different to be a volunteer. After I started volunteering, I began to feel like people in the library are family. I always feel included in the library community whether it is through being asked to help a patron, or participating in an event. 

I also love helping patrons, because nothing beats the satisfaction of making someone's day a little bit easier. It is so nice when a patron thanks you for your time. 

What advice would you give other volunteers?

It is very important to find a part of volunteering that you love. It's not always easy to be a volunteer and it won't always be fun, but everyone should have something they look forward to doing. Also, get to know people. I've met so many amazing people at the library once I started talking to them, patrons and employees alike.

What is a typical day like for you as a T4?

A typical day as a T4 begins when I wake up. I know this may sound strange, but when I know I have to go to work after school, I spend the day wondering what I will be doing. It may not always be something as fun as going to an event in the Dweck Center, but there is a good chance that I will be doing something I like. A lot of the time I end up behind the reference desk, helping people print or find books, but the spontaneous and often amiable patrons make it worth my time. 

What is one of your favorite books?

I can never answer this question very well, because my favorite book is always the last book I read. However, the last book I read and really loved was Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt. I liked it because there was a lot going on in the book, but the author tied everything together so well. 

Thank you, Kristi!

Do you want to be featured on Teenzone? E-mail us at tzone@brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

Interested in volunteering with BPL? Find out more here: http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/support/volunteer/