WPPL Honors Volunteers

(Westlake) Westlake Porter Public Library named this year’s volunteer award recipients at its annual Volunteer Recognition Reception on Wednesday, May 28. Former trustee Jennifer Darling received the Thomas A. Fox Distinguished Trustee Award and Crystal Walker received the Myrna Chelko Volunteer of the Year Award.

Jennifer Darling packed a lot into her seven-year term on the Board of Trustees, serving as Vice President for three years and President for one. During her presidency, Darling worked hard to ensure that the Board was fulfilling its responsibilities to the library and the community while creating a collegial and professional working environment. As the library started to look at how to be more inclusive, she was the inspiration for a staff DEI committee and attended their meetings regularly. Darling also suggested creating a Welcome Fair that invited many different groups to the library to share their cultures with the community. She routinely donates supplies and materials to the Youth Services Department, including things like glue sticks and duct tape.

Walker has been volunteering at the library for the last ten years and has been an indispensable part of the Youth Services Department. She has created book bundles, updated bibliography bookmarks, and assisted with program preparation by gathering, sorting and cutting materials and supplies. Walker is always ready to help the Youth Services staff in any way possible, with a warm smile and a positive outlook.

“Jennifer and Crystal well deserve these awards,” said Library Director Andrew Mangels. “Their dedication and service have made not only the library better, but also the community. We are grateful to them and to all our volunteers for helping us serve the community in the best possible way.”

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