As thoughts turn to being thankful for our families, friends, community, and country, we are also grateful for volunteers whose work contributes to an improved quality of our lives.

In this community, a large cadre of volunteers serves in our schools, hospitals, social service agencies, libraries, governmental services, and all manner of other private and public non-profits. Volunteers are young and old, university students and staff, workers and retired. They sign up for a one-time project, a long-term project, and various hours. They have one thing in common: They serve our community and make our lives better.

One such volunteer operation recently celebrated its 14th anniversary. The Bookend is the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation’s bookstore on the second floor of the library. The Bookend sells books, CDs and DVDs. All proceeds benefit the library.

Iowa City is rightfully proud of its amazing library and the Bookend is proud to support it. Bookend volunteers are there 46.5 hours a week to sort, shelve, and manage the store. Despite the hard work, volunteers love the Bookend. It’s fun to work in a bookstore, to interact with the customers, old and new, and mostly it’s fun to financially contribute to a wonderful community resource.

Thanks to all of you who volunteer no matter how small or large the commitment. You make our world a better place and hopefully your life a better one as well.

Cheryll Clamon

Iowa City Public Library Book End Committee and Development Office