Volunteer of the month

Amy Otchet

We are delighted to announce our volunteer of the month for December 2024- Amy Otchet, an extraordinary storytime animator since 2022. Amy loves to clown around at her readings. It’s no wonder the children adore her! Here is what she has to say about her experience

“After 25 years with the UN advocating for women’s and girls’ education, I found minibiblioPLUS and began storytelling at the most amazing daycare in Snowdon. It’s been incredible to witness how early childhood education and early literacy transforms lives. The kids’ joy as they discover the magic of stories is truly priceless. I’m having just as much fun as them! “

Anita Gourab

Announcing our newest volunteer of the month for November, Anita! Congratulations and thank you for volunteering in our library. Here is what she has to say about her experience:

Volunteering with minibiblioPLUS has been an incredibly rewarding experience. While my role is behind the scenes in the library, I enjoy knowing that the work I do contributes to children having access to stories that can inspire and educate them. Over time, I’ve realized just how important it is to nurture a love of reading at an early age. While today’s world is so centered on screens, minibiblioPLUS reminds children of the beauty and joy of physical books. Being part of this program has shown me how important small contributions can be in supporting a larger mission. I’m proud to be part of an organization that is dedicated to fostering literacy and making a positive impact in the community.

Mily Flores

We are delighted to announce our volunteer of the month for September- Mily Flores. Mily has been volunteering with us since early 2024 to deliver books for our partners’ minibiblios around the city. Her dedication to our mission shines through. Thanks Mily! Here is what she has to say about her experience:

“Volunteering at minibiblioPLUS has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. It has allowed me to fulfill my dream of spreading my love for reading by delivering books to daycares throughout Montreal. I strive to encourage or motivate others to continue learning, regardless of age. Seeing the children’s excitement when they see me arrive with a new bag of books fills my heart with joy and appreciation for them, their parents, and the daycares. I am extremely grateful to minibiblioPLUS for allowing me to reconnect with my younger self in ways I would have never dreamt of. Thank you minibiblioPLUS for welcoming me into such a caring and supportive community and showing me the significance of involvement in our future children’s lives. I hope my passion for books empowers children and helps them find their people, just as I did!”

Nina Peritz

 Congratulations to our latest volunteer of the month for August, Nina Peritz! As an experienced teacher, Nina is equally a  wonderful volunteer reader who brings such magic and wonder to her readings. Here is what she has to say about her experience:

I enjoy volunteering at minibiblioPLUS because I strongly believe in the value of community involvement. Books, learning and language have always played an important part in my life. Each time I leave one of my Story Time animations, I feel grateful that I have turned something I love and care about into a rewarding volunteer opportunity. 

 Intergenerational relationships are essential as they offer a way to connect and enhance the lives of one another. I have learned that sharing my passion for reading with small children is a natural fit. I am not only making a difference in their ongoing learning development but at the same time meeting other educators and building relationships with people of all ages.

 minibiblioPLUS is a great organization full of kind, dedicated individuals. Through them, I have found a fun, meaningful way to contribute and socialize.  Each week, I am delighted by the enthusiasm and wonder of the children who listen to my stories, and they in turn benefit from the warmth and wisdom I offer them. Thanks to the hugs and smiles I see every week at Playskool, I have found a sense of fulfillment that comes with the joy of giving back.

Jennifer Lapointe

 We are delighted to announce our volunteer of the month for July 2024- Jennifer Lapointe, a spectacular storytime animator since 2022. Jennifer is such a playful and vibrant volunteer reader. Here is what she has to say about her experience:

“minibiblioPLUS has given so many children the gift of adventure, joy, knowledge, faraway places, understanding emotions, nature, animals, facts, fiction and imagination through storytime reading. It will instill in them the motivation to read to their children and hand it down generation after generation. What a gift!

I have also noticed that children that used to be shy and not interact with responses at storytime have now blossomed and feel so comfortable that they have a place to shine too and there are so many shining kids at once they can make a sunny warm day in the middle of winter.“

Guillaume Nyssens

 Announcing our newest volunteer of the month for June, Guillaume Nyssens. Congratulations and thank you for volunteering with us as a storytime animator. Here is what Guillaume has to say about his experience:

“What if the purpose of life was to serve? With a change of environment, I wanted to get involved locally. It was with this in mind that I answered the call from minibiblioPLUS, to share the love of books with children. I’ve always loved to read, and the idea of sharing this passion with others immediately appealed to me. After training, I joined a wonderful team, dedicated to awakening toddlers to young readers.

At a time when screens are taking on an ever-increasing role, it’s essential to remember that books are still a wonderful way of sharing unique moments. Each session is a bubble of joy and discovery. The impact on children is hard to measure, but some create precious bonds, others take longer. For me, above all, it’s an opportunity to be there for them, to pass on values and dreams through stories. Seeing their eyes shine when they listen to a book is the greatest reward of all. Especially when you’re supported by a great team of people who are so supportive!”