Our Sidekicks (or volunteers) are an essential part of the Anythink Team. They dedicate their time to help staff and guests alike at our libraries by cleaning materials, keeping our shelves in order, working in the community gardens, assisting kids with craft projects and much, much more.
We’re eager to highlight a few of the many Sidekicks who help make our libraries so special. This week, we spoke with Sky Tatman about how volunteering with Anythink Libraries has made an impact in her life and others.
Sky started volunteering in early 2022 as a snack helper, and says it’s allowed her to connect with others in her community and taught her valuable life skills.
Q: What inspired you to want to volunteer at Anythink Libraries?
A: One of the reasons I wanted to be a volunteer at Anythink Libraries was because libraries have always been a special place for me. When my high school informed me I needed volunteer hours to graduate, I couldn’t have picked a better place to spend my time.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your volunteer role — how long you’ve been volunteering, what you enjoy most about it and how it connects with your personal passions?
A: As a volunteer, I have been helping every Monday with giving out food to kids 18 and under who are unable to get the free food that their schools offer them, making it so nobody goes hungry.
I have been volunteering at the library for 4 years, and I really enjoy getting to talk with the amazing people that work there and all the incredible people who come to the library.
Volunteering at the library helped to connect me with my personal passions because it allowed me to get to talk with the people in my community and make an impact in people’s lives. It also taught me so many skills that I can use throughout my life.
Q: What’s something you’ve learned through volunteering that surprised you or helped you grow, either personally or professionally?
A: Something that I have learned through volunteer work was how to form better connections and relationships with the people I work with. [This] has helped me in other aspects of my life, and helped me improve as a leader.
Can you share a memorable moment or interaction during your volunteer work that has stuck with you?
A: A memorable moment that has stuck with me was the first Sidekick brunch I went to. It made me realize that I was part of something that was a lot bigger than I had originally thought. And that I was part of a community that strived to make the world a better place.
We’re so grateful for Sky and for every Sidekick who makes our libraries feel welcoming, vibrant and connected. Stories like hers remind us how powerful volunteerism can be — not just for our libraries, but for the people who give their time and heart to them. If you are interested in volunteering, check our current volunteer openings: Be a Sidekick.
Stay tuned for more Sidekick Spotlights as we continue celebrating our amazing volunteers!
