DC Public Library twitter connections

I want to plug how a little communications can be an amazing thing. I saw an advertisement on twitter that a branch of the DC Public Library was offering to fix bikes for free. It was the Northwestern One Public Library I believe, in Downtown DC. I showed up with my boyfriend with both our bikes and there was a friendly, long haired red-head man fixing up everybody's bikes. We stood in line and Nelson even pumped up other people's tires to kill time. The man in charge was very friendly and I couldn't believe I'd found something this awesome on twitter. The moral is that you should follow all the libraries you attend or support!

Volunteering business

I've completed my paperwork and the process has been started to run my background check, once again, so that I may volunteer with the DC Public Library. I don't know where they will put me yet but I am excited to be a part of a DC library, however I can help.

I'm still volunteering in Maryland helping run a Conversation Club for community members and patrons who want to brush up and improve their English. I'm only volunteering once a month now. Last week the numbers reached incredible proportions with 11 participants (more than I've ever had). It was a bit daunting but I've found that if you let them lead the discussion they'll run with it.

Upon confirming my eventual departure to Manassas, VA I'm looking for libraries to volunteer around there, as well as in Fairfax. Though nothing definite until I make the move from MD to VA I saw that most libraries in Manassas want at least a six month commitment.

DC Public Library

I was interviewed a few days ago by Carrie Wolfson, the head of the Volunteer Corps at the DC Public Library. I told her I was planning on moving to Manassas in July and am trying to dig my heels into working in the DC, NOVA area. By volunteering at branches in DC this will get me into the city. After discussing where I would be best suited to volunteer, I requested to be put on a rotating basis within the main branch, she gave me a tour of the library. I was thoroughly impressed by the library and its departments but did not think the Teen Room was big enough. Because of its size volunteers are not needed there very often as it's only staffed by one person. I am eager to try my hand in all the special collections, science, humanities, teens, circulation, and children departments. She gave me a list of events such as the DC Big Read and ALA Annual where I might be able to help.

The best part about Carrie was her advice to me that instead of working in a bookstore I apply at D.C. Learns. D.C. LEARNs works with adult and family literacy programs here in the District to raise public awareness of literacy issues. This lead to me to look at a Literacy*Americorps for a possible job. Getting involved with literacy organizations doesn't seem like a bad idea since the budget crisis is effecting libraries in VA and DC so terribly.