By MELISSA DIPENTO
The Cherry Hill Library gave a big thank you to its volunteers this morning. Volunteers young and old were treated to a breakfast, guest speakers and an awards ceremony.
Library Director Manuel Paredes and Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Baasch-Schweizer thanked the volunteers for all of their service. Baasch-Schweizer said, in 2010, 241 volunteers logged 10,176 hours of service.
Jennifer Thiel, Assistant Dean in the Office of Academic Advising at Rutgers applauded the volunteers for their commitment to the library. She also addressed the student volunteers in the room, explaining how volunteerism can open doors to careers in their futures.
Friends of the Library co-chairs Rosemary Leach and Bryna Thaler thanked the audience for their continued support of the library.
For the first time ever, the Friends of the Library awarded three scholarship winners. Recipients wrote essays in response to the question, “Why the Cherry Hill Public Library is important to me and my community.”
Avra Bossov, editor of the school paper at Cherry Hill High School East, was named a runner up and awarded $250. Bossov said she plans to attend George Washington University in the fall. Michael Hollander, also a student at East, was named a runner up, as well and will be attending Cornell University, he said.
The winner of the $1,000 scholarship, Mark McShane of Paul VI High School, knows his way around the library. He’s been volunteering there for the past three years and has pitched in at book sales, as well. McShane gave a brief speech and thanked the library for supporting him. McShane said he plans to attend St. Joseph’s University in the fall.
Volunteers and student volunteers were also given certificates in recognition of their service.
