Library volunteers thanked

Friday 07 June 2019

The Guille-Alles Library has honoured two valued members of the team, naming them as joint winners of the Volunteer of the Year Award 2019.

As part of the annual week long campaign unifying charities and volunteer groups from all areas by acknowledging the valuable service they selflessly provide to their communities, volunteers Liz Walton and Charlie Ogier have been revealed as this year’s worthy recipients.

Having demonstrated steadfast commitment and invested their time free of charge, the winners have each been awarded a box of chocolates, a £20 Amazon voucher and a certificate as a token of gratitude. 

They both help out at the free, weekly IT skills drop-in service the library offers every Tuesday morning at La Nouvelle Maraitaine Community Library opposite the Vale Douzaine Room. Operating since October 2016, the clinic has helped more than 100 people over the past twelve months.

The pair help visitors navigate new technologies, answer general queries and assist people in mastering laptops and other devices.

Community & Outreach Librarian Jackie Brugess praised the two winners, saying; “they offer invaluable service to the older generation, especially as IT becomes more and more a part of everyday life. We at the library are very proud of them.”

One of the winners, Charlie Ogier, said; “I enjoy revealing to others the wonderful world that modern technology offers… they are often surprised at what is possible”.

Liz Walton said, “Volunteering at the drop-in is an opportunity to continue using skills gained during my working life and feel like I’m still doing something useful. I’ve met lots of interesting people and made new friends.”

The Guille-Alles Library operates four community libraries across the island which include La Nouvelle Maraitaine, St Saviours Community Centre, Rosaire Court and the Salvation Army Commnunity Centre located on the Bridge. 

Last year’s winner of the award was Pauline Fancourt, a weekly volunteer at the Rosaire Community Library. 

If you would like to get involved with volunteer work at Guille-Alles Library, call 720392 or email ga@library.gg.