Council Proclamations Honor National Volunteer Week, National Library Week

The City Council issued two proclamations on Tuesday night, one recognizing National Volunteer Week, and the other in honor of National Library Week and Carlsbad Reads Together.

Sue Irey, coordinator of the city's Community Volunteer Program, acknowledged the volunteer proclamation on behalf of the 2,015 volunteers who gave over 105,185 hours of their time last year in Carlsbad—the equivalent of 53 full-time employees.

“What amazes me is that 2,015 of our residents stepped forward and said ‘I want to make a difference,’ ” Irey said. She praised surf, golf, and environmental volunteers, among others, and said upcoming events such as Arbor Day would be impossible without those willing to donate their time.

Councilwoman Farrah Douglas, who read the proclamation for National Volunteer Week, which runs April 10-16, added: “I have been a volunteer in Carlsbad for 20 years, and I have come to know a lot of our citizens who work really tirelessly. Volunteers may not necessarily have extra time, but they have a big heart.”

The proclamation also honored Carlsbad Literary Services volunteers. Last year, 106 volunteers spent 12,869 hours helping 110 adults learn how to read. That equates to around $300,000 worth of services.

Carrie Scott, the community outreach supervisor for the literacy program, said, “We not only change the lives of the people we serve, but we change the lives of our volunteers.” She explained that the program has helped learners get better jobs, read to their children, and use computers.

Volunteer tutor Meli Barrett said she thought learners would want to be able to read books and newspapers, but found out they had difficulties doing everyday things such as reading contracts, street signs, and directions for medications. “I have been matched with an adult learner for about eight months, and in that time, I’ve seen him earn a license, get certification pertaining to his job in pest control ... get two job promotions and a separate job offer, as well as given the chance to be a Scripture reader for his church.”

Mayor Pro Tem Ann Kulchin read the proclamation in honor of National Library Week, which runs April 10-16 and which coincides with  which takes place throughout April.

An annual event, Carlsbad Reads Together encourages the community to read the same book at the same time. This year's selection is My Life in France by Julia Child. Events include book discussions, cooking demonstrations, recipe sharing, photo displays, exhibits of old menus, and film screenings all relating to France and Julia Child.