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Curtin Named Saint Paul Public Library Volunteer of the Year

SAINT PAUL - Theresa Curtin wears many hats at Saint Paul Public Library, and she recently received a new one. That new one says "2003 Volunteer of the Year."

Curtin was named Volunteer of the Year at the annual Saint Paul Public Library Volunteer Appreciation Dinner held in May at the Radisson Hotel's Great River Ballroom. She is one of over 400 Saint Paul adults who contributed over 13,000 hours in 2002 to assist the library in many different capacities.

"Volunteers like Theresa aren't just valuable for the work they do," Library Director Gina La Force said. "Just as significantly, they breathe the heart and soul of a community into the library. Their involvement helps make the library an essential part of each neighborhood."

Curtin's contributions in 2002 were many and varied. At her neighborhood Highland Branch Library she assisted with a massive book labeling project, delivered library books to homebound people in the Highland area, helped with a used book sale and even did some research for the library about the neighborhood's history. At Lexington Outreach Library she worked with a Kids Vote table around election time, helped with volunteer records and was a homework center tutor. She did many other projects as well, impressing the staff with her hard work, intelligence, professionalism and compassion.

Curtin said her volunteerism was hereditary. Her mother was a longtime volunteer in the library at Council Bluffs, Iowa. Staff have remarked on her seemingly boundless energy, but Curtin said the work said she found the library work itself to be refreshing.

"After you come home from work and you're tired, you don't feel like doing much. But then you go to volunteer and you're energized."

Curtin said her volunteer work also gave her a new perspective on libraries, commenting that most people have little idea about how much behind-the-scenes work goes into providing library service.

With volunteers such as Curtin, all that work gets much easier.

Those interested in volunteering for Saint Paul Public Library can call 651-632-5089 for more information or access the library website at www.sppl.org.

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