Volunteer Recognized for Her Contribution to the IB Branch Library

At the San Diego County Library’s Volunteer Recognition Celebration, the library honored their Volunteer of the Year, Sierra Kelley. 

The award was presented to Kelley by County Supervisor Greg Cox Thursday night.

Kelley started as a service learner volunteer in October 2008, and immediately made an impression on the staff of the IB Library.

“Her cheerfulness and eagerness to help the staff and customers make the library better for everyone,” said June Engel, IB branch manager. 

To date she has put in more than 430 hours of volunteer service for the library.  

Engel said that Kelley frequently helps with family movie nights, crafts, library community outreach programs and has spent many hours decorating the library for holidays and programs. 

She has planned the library’s first Halloween costume contest, is a member of the IB Teen Book Club, president of the Teen Advisory Group and was a participant in the library’s first Teen Murder Mystery Night.

Additionally, Kelley was invited to participate in this year’s ALA Midwinter Conference BFYA (Best Fiction for Young Adults) Teen Input Session, where she represented the Imperial Beach Teen Community. 

Kelley is scheduled to graduate from next year and hopes to attend the University of Wyoming and become a lawyer. 

Working hard at home, school and at the library is helping her to achieve this goal.  She is a role model for everyone she comes into contact with, according to Engel. 

“She is a bright spot in the lives of the library along with being a positive influence for the Imperial Beach community.”

Branch Manager June Engel contributed to this article.