The library recently hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition Celebration, honoring more than 500 dedicated individuals who contributed 24,527 hours of service in the past year —supporting programs, mentoring customers, delivering materials and more.
Held on Wednesday, April 23 at the Rolling Green Country Club, this year's celebration embraced the theme “45 Years of Magic,” a tribute to the transformative impact volunteers have made at the library over nearly five decades.
“Like a master illusionist, the preparations of our behind-the-scenes volunteers are unseen by many, but the results — the results are undeniable,” Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Begich said as she addressed the crowd. “The support [volunteers] provide allows the library to operate seamlessly almost as if by magic.”
Executive Director Mike Driskell and Library Board President Amy Somary joined in the celebration, each extending their gratitude.
“There are 24 hours a day, 168 hours in a week and 8,760 hours in a year and we are incredibly grateful that you choose to spend so much of your time positively impacting the Arlington Heights Memorial Library and the Arlington Heights community,” Driskell said.
“You are our hands in the community,” added Somary. “You are ambassadors in your neighborhoods, in your families — and just about everywhere around town. You inspire us. You smile when you have a good day and a bad day, and you’re always willing to lend an extra hand.”
The event also recognized 30 volunteers who achieved lifetime service milestones, ranging from 500 hours to 12,000 hours of service. In addition, individuals celebrating 3 to 25 years of service were honored for their continued dedication.
In keeping with the theme of the celebration, magician William Pack entertained the crowd with close-up magic and comedy. His interactive tricks and charismatic presence drew laughter and amazement from the crowd, leaving attendees smiling as the afternoon came to a close.
The top honors of the day went to Janet Hansen, Reed Hansen and Louise Jaeschke. Jaeschke was named Newcomer of the Year, a one-time award that recognizes the individual who began volunteering in the previous year and gave the greatest number of hours to the library.
For the first time, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library is recognizing two individuals as Volunteers of the Year — Janet and Reed Hansen. Together, they contributed over 1,200 hours of service in 2024, supporting the library’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
“To see a lot of the different people who volunteer to do the work that we do. I think it’s fantastic.” Reed said in a separate interview. “It’s one of the ways we can pay it forward.”
Learn more about the library’s volunteer opportunities at ahml.info/about/volunteer.