April is National Volunteer Month and the Northbrook Public Library is fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers help the staff run the day-to-day operations. Get to know two longtime volunteers, Bill Schwartz and Marilyn Takiff!
Bill Schwartz
What inspired you to start volunteering?
My wife saw an article in the library bulletin and said, 'You love libraries; why don't you volunteer?'" I said, "You are right!" [He’s been volunteering here for five years].
What is your favorite part of volunteering at the library?
I like completing tasks with well-defined goals, like shelving scores or tidying up CDs or working tabulating or making memo pads for library departments. This is different from my career as a mental health social worker (retired after 40 years), where you did not necessarily know the long-term result.
What brings you to the library when you aren't volunteering?
I use the library for its magazines, non-fiction books, and surprising my three grandchildren here with a trip to the library or bringing them books. I have enjoyed attending movies and concerts and lectures here that are always outstanding.
What’s special about this library?
Your customer service is the best compared to all profit, governmental or other type of organizations!
What are you currently reading/watching/listening to?
I am reading a Scientific American monthly magazine.
Fun fact about yourself:
I am in a large singing group where we sing songs of the 1900s.
Marilyn Takiff
What inspired you to start volunteering?
Originally I worked here for 18 years in Reader Services. Later I got into the Interlibrary Loan department. It was a challenge. One person couldn’t do it so we had about five people who helped. We also ran 10 book clubs so sometimes we would need to get 30 books ready for the book clubs ahead of time. It was so fun being an employee, to be a part of what’s going on here. [She's been a volunteer for seven years with Fiction & Media. She indexes the musical score collection.]
What is your favorite part of volunteering at the library?
I love the library. This is a fabulous one; the only place where I’ve gotten books.
What brings you to the library when you aren't volunteering?
We go to the Auditorium, the jazz shows. Sometimes my books are due over the weekends so I come by to drop off books. [The staff is] very helpful. I also attend Books and Beyond with [librarian] Lori Seigel.
What’s special about this library?
First, the collection is amazing. For example, I was driving home one day listening to NPR and Mr. Khizr Khan was on. I instantly placed a pending order for Khan’s book. People here are so helpful and make it pleasant for everyone. I like everything about this library.
What are you currently reading/watching/listening to?
WTTW’s Chicago Tonight; NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross; The Child Who Never Grew by Pearl Buck; Gratitude by Oliver Sacks
Fun fact about yourself:
I enjoy attending lectures through the North Shore Senior Center. I've had the opportunity to meet and greet speakers including Mike Nussbaum and Ramsey Lewis
