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MT. LEBANON PUBLIC LIBRARY
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
VOLUNTEERFOCUS
AMANDA ANDREWS wanted to get
involved in her community, but being
somewhat shy, she knew volunteering
at big events would not be a good fit.
But then she saw a volunteer application
form at the library. It turned out to be
a great fit. Amanda volunteers weekly,
spending her time “shelf-reading”—that
is, putting books in the right spots,
dusting, and occasionally culling old,
outdated books. In addition, Amanda
also lends a hand in the children’s
library making crafts for the kids or
shelf-reading the children’s books. She
also has helped with special events the
library organizes, like the annual Fright
Night maze or the Pet Show.
Q: What is your favorite part of
volunteering at the library?
A: I think the best part of this
experience has been interacting and
working with a wonderful staff here
at the library; they work very hard
for the community and honestly
make the Mt. Lebanon Public
Library one of the best libraries in
Allegheny County. I especially have
to mention my volunteer supervisor,
Ginnie Fickman. She is such a
friendly person, and I have never felt
intimidated by any task because I can
ask her just about anything, and she’s
more than ready to help me if I need
it.
Q: What keeps you volunteering?
A: Volunteering at the library is a very
simple but impactful way to give
back to the community. People of
all ages go to the library, whether
to check out a book or work on a
group project or play Minecraft with
CRAFTS
HOLIDAY CARD MAKING
1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 29
Are you tired of paying $5 or more for a
greeting card? Then this workshop is for
you. Kathy Shomo will show you how to
make lovely, one-of-a-kind cards to give
friends and family using the simplest of
56 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Mt. Lebanon
friends. I think
I keep coming
back to volunteer
because it’s a
very pleasant
environment
to volunteer in
and because I feel
like I am making a
difference no matter
how minimal the task.
I don’t know if I actually
intended to volunteer at the
library for so long when I first started,
but I enjoyed it so much that I’ve
never regretted a single day.
Q: Have you always been interested
in libraries?
A: I’ve always enjoyed going to the
library because my dad made sure
I became an avid reader as a kid.
Every Saturday, we would go to
check out a new book from the
children’s library, and I have really
fond memories of those times. I go to
the library all the time even if I’m not
volunteering, whether it’s to check
out a book, meet up with friends, or
do homework.
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar
Wilde.
Q: What is your favorite work of
fiction or non-fiction?
A: I love a lot of books, but if I had to
pick one, I would say Rebecca by
Daphne du Maurier.
Q: Who is your favorite author and
why?
A: Probably Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
because some of the first fiction
tools—scissors and a glue stick. Each
participant will complete four ready-to-
mail cards. Ages 11 to adult. All supplies
provided. Registration required at
412.531.1912.
books I read were Sherlock Holmes
short stories.
Q: What would you title your
autobiography?
A: Just Another Human Disaster
Q: If you could be any fictional
character, who would you choose?
A: The Doctor from Doctor Who because
then I could travel through all of time
and space.
Q: What’s the library’s best-kept
secret?
A: To recycle the books, we actually
have to rip them up to separate the
plastic covers from the books. That
might seem scandalous, but we’re
also saving the environment by
doing so.
Q: Do you have any favorite movie?
A: I’ve really liked To Kill a Mockingbird
ever since I was a kid. I always
identified a lot with Scout, and
her relationship to Atticus is very
similar to my own with my dad. The
essential story is also very poignant
and unfortunately has a very relevant
message to offer its audience.
BEADED ORNAMENT & HOLIDAY
JEWELRY MAKING
1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6
Kathy Shomo, author of Anyone Can Bead!,
will teach this fun-filled, easy class in basic
design and construction techniques for
making beaded ornaments or holiday
jewelry. All supplies provided. Registration