It’s National Volunteer Week 2018, and we want to celebrate the important role of volunteers at Queens Library!

All this week, we will share stories of our volunteers on our blog. Thank you to them, and to every Queens Library volunteer, for their service!

This year, Queens Library decided to create the Go the Extra Mile (G.E.M.) Volunteer Award to celebrate our volunteers that go above and beyond in their service and embody the library’s mission “to transform lives by cultivating personal and intellectual growth and by building strong communities.”

Three of our volunteers received Fall 2017 G.E.M. Volunteer Awards and three have been recognized as Honorable Mentions.

Today, we’re introducing you to one of our Honorable Mentions, Irma Lindenberg, a Library Aide at Hillcrest Community Library.

A volunteer for over eight years, Irma Lindenberg is a mainstay at the Hillcrest Library, considered by both staff and patrons to be a beautiful, kind-hearted, friendly, thoughtful, and generous woman.

At the young age of 85, Irma volunteers her time performing a variety of tasks and duties, from perfectly preparing all of the 100+ circulating magazine subscriptions to keeping an accurate record of each title as it is received.

“I don’t know who could do a better job than she does with this assignment," says Hillcrest Customer Service Supervisor Taryn Fouche.

Never one to slow down due to weather, Irma amazed the staff by coming to the library during the winter and inspiring everyone with her perseverance and commitment.

“She drives—yes, drives—to the library, parks, and takes a small walk from her car to get here,” adds Taryn. “Even through this winter’s bitter cold, when Irma arrived, she had a smile on her face and gave her warm ‘Hello’ to everyone in the room. We are so fortunate to have her here."

Congratulations, Irma, and thank you for going above and beyond and letting nothing slow you down!