InsightOut: Why I Volunteer at the Book Sale

Grace Lake (SMC6T8) had a career in corporate communications in management, including at Teleglobe Canada, and as a consultant in PR and media. Now she serves as a docent at the Royal Ontario Museum and a one of the Friends of the Kelly Library.

Some years back–maybe in 2015–my friend, Antoinette Fracassi, who is now on the “Board” of the Kelly Library Book Sale, asked me if I’d like to work on the Book Sale at SMC, U of T, with benefits going to support the John M. Kelly Library. I said, yes! and I have enjoyed working with this wonderful team since.

What is it that drew me to this? Well, the people running it and working on the team. They’re fun, committed to doing responsible work, and we share in the satisfaction of collaborating with the Kelly Library to contribute to the creation of beautiful projects accomplished and funded by this Book Sale for students and all using the Kelly Library now and in the future, e.g., the elegant multi-purpose study room on the main floor of the Kelly Library.

I love books, and I love people, and I much enjoyed being a student at St. Mike’s, so volunteering on this team to contribute to the Kelly Library is a fab feeling, and I feel proud of my fellow alums, Caroline Morgan Di Giovanni and Peter Rogers, who some years back, with the Planning Committee, founded the Kelly Library Book Sale at St. Mike’s.

Usually I work at the Book Sale, about two half-days, or more if needed. Also, when asked if I’d like to help with sorting, I did for a couple of years or more, during the year, in the pre-sale work of sorting the boxes of books that come in.

All kinds of people who value books come to the Kelly Library Book Sale. I’ve enjoyed volunteering with the exceptional team of dedicated people responsible for this Book Sale, the Friends of the Kelly Library. Thank you for welcoming me.

A quick survey of book sale volunteers by Kelly Library staffer Mike Jurgaitis revealed lots of reasons why our volunteers are so enthusiastic.

Here’s a sampling:

Anthony, high school student:  “My mom is here and it’s a great school and a great opportunity to get volunteering hours and experience.”

Christine, a PHD student: “Because I love organizing books and it’s the only place you can find ‘Zen Guitar’ and ‘The Devil Can’t Cook Spaghetti’!

Kristine, a first-year student: “For the books – Especially the fiction!”

Rishibh, a grad student: “It’s a very nice way to spend the free time I have and a chance to give back to the community! And then there’s the books themselves!”

Agata, a grad student: “I feel it’s cool to see rare books, including the way they’re priced and the afterlife of used books. Also, I work at the Kelly and feel good serving students.”

Khadija: “I really like reading so I wanted to get some new books – and I also wanted to make new friends.”

Asal, a graduate: “Because I want to get free books and meet people! And also you can find so many great topics!”

St. Michael’s Book Sale runs from Wednesday, September 24 to Saturday, September 27 in the John M. Kelly Library. Click for more information.

Read other InsightOut posts.