Posted by fallsfall on September 5, 2003, at 12:05:35
I spent 2 hours at my local library today. They were very happy to see me. They weren't quite sure what they wanted me to do (I only told them yesterday that I was coming). I couldn't tell them when I was available (no set therapy times yet...), they couldn't tell me when they needed me. We talked about a couple of projects that I could help with. [I volunteered there 5 years ago, and then was hired as a part time Children's Librarian there, so I do have some knowledge and experience. - but they are equally excited to see volunteers who don't have knowledge and experience (the ability to think is helpful, but not required)]
So they didn't know what to do with me today so I volunteered to shelf-read (you make sure the books are in the right order on the shelf - noone likes to shelf-read, but I don't mind). Shelf-reading is always at the bottom of the priority list, so I knew that it would be needed. So I did that for a little while.
Then they decided that I could update the web page calendar with the new activities. So I did that until I crashed the calendar's server. Ooops. It is still down. I just checked. But it isn't my problem. It's theirs. I believe I didn't do anything awful, so I don't feel guilty.
A request came in to find an old kid's book series that had a bunch of different magic rings. The current children's librarian asked me if I knew what it was. I had a guess, which was more than she had (she's wonderful) and that made me feel really good, even though the guess was wrong - I found kid's magic series, but not the rings part.
It was hard to get there this morning. I didn't sleep well last night, and I should have taken a shower this morning, but I didn't. I was a couple of minutes late - but when you are a volunteer they are so glad to see you that they don't care. I wasn't really nervous about going since I've worked there before (but things have changed), and I know the librarians and many of the other volunteers.
I've been feeling better recently, and last weekend was really lonely. That's why I decided to do the library thing. My daughter starts school on the 9th (they are doing construction and they aren't finished yet...). I don't want to have all of those days alone. I'm still having trouble getting things done (paying bills, getting meds for my dogs, insurance issues are on my plate for today), but I think that spending time in the world will help my motivation. And make me think that I am capable.
I have a friend who is Agoraphobic. 6 months ago she started volunteering in her church office one morning a week. She stuffs bulletins with notices, photocopies, cuts things that need to be cut etc. A couple of weeks ago they told her not to come for that day because they didn't have anything for her to do. She said that it was a really long week without her chance to get out.
We were each able to find a volunteer opportunity that suited us. She deals only with the church secretary. I am in a public library where people come and go. I am able to use some of my special skills (computer and library). She is able to be productive and accomplish something without worrying too much that she'll do it wrong.
They love volunteers. If you want to be loved, then volunteer. It is a wonderful way to feel appreciated.
poster:fallsfall
thread:257283
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030829/msgs/257283.html