The Library Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that
Barbara VanSyckel has been selected as Volunteer of the Year for 2007.
Barb is a lifelong resident of Michigan. She and husband Don
moved to Sterling Heights in 1994. While working full time, Barb earned her
bachelor’s degree in 1998. After that time-consuming project, she decided
that she wanted to give back to the community as a volunteer.
The Friends of the Library benefited from that decision as
Barb started working on the annual used book sale. “As an avid reader, I
realized that working there was a good way to find books,” she says with a
laugh.
One thing led to another, and when the Friends needed an
Events Chairperson, Barb stepped in to help. A few years later, she was
elected President.
“The Friends provide the library with financial support for
the extra things that make our library unique,” says Barb. “I’m so impressed
with the bookstore volunteers and their dedication,” she adds.
Barb says “she never met a book she didn’t like.” Her
favorites are fiction and political bestsellers. Barb is also passionate
about animal welfare. She volunteers with the Michigan Humane Society and
Leader Dogs for the Blind. In her “spare” time she does literacy tutoring.
“I’m so glad we have volunteers like Barb who really care
about our library and community,” says Library Director Tammy Turgeon. “It’s
a big part of why our library is one of the best in the state!”
Past recipients of the Volunteer of the Year award are:
40255
Dodge Park Road - Sterling Heights, MI 48313
