Volunteer of the month

” I am very happy to be part of the volunteer family. This program is very important to me because reading as a child was a very special time of sharing. My school had a special book event every year where our parents would come to school and read us stories. I was always so proud when my mother led story time. She would even let me choose the book! I want to pass on to the kids not only the magical experience of reading, but also that feeling of being special that you get when a story was chosen just for you. When I see them jumping up and down with excitement when I arrive, asking questions and giving me hugs at the end, I find myself hoping that this mission was successful. Thank you for this great opportunity! “

“The volunteer work I get to do as a volunteer perfectly combines my passion for reading and my love for children. With my background in theater, I am able to create unique moments and connections for the kids each week. Access to reading at an early age is essential for the development and literacy of the very young and it also it also opens the door to curiosity, imagination and exploration. The smile and the and the children’s sparkling eyes during story time are the most the most beautiful gifts.“

” I am so honoured to be chosen as volunteer of the month but even more valuable than this recognition is the time I spend each week reading with the children. When I was little, I was always one of those kids who would stay up after my bedtime with a flashlight under my covers trying to get in a few more pages before my mom forced me to go sleep. This love of reading from a young age endowed me with countless skills for the rest of my life! During my time as a volunteer at I hope to pass my love of reading and all the great lessons that come with it on to a younger generation. And I’m happy to report that the children I see each week are brighter and more enthusiastic about reading than I could ever hope for! “

“Volunteering at  is such an honour! I always loved listening to stories and sharing this passion with others. I am delighted to show children the joy of reading and learning new things through story-time. I share ’ philosophy on the importance of early literacy, and it’s a pleasure for me to demonstrate to children that it is possible to dream and have fun while learning with books. I also love helping in the library. All the moments I dedicated to make me even more positive that working as a librarian is something that I want to do! “

“Stories are such a wonderful way to connect and have a shared experience with students. When I arrive with a bag of beautiful books from , the children’s eyes light up! One of the most precious moments I had this year was when one student was almost falling out of his seat with excitement while I was reading Mélanie Watt’s Chester. When I arrived the following week, this boy gave me a picture he drew of Chester. When I thanked him, he told me it wasn’t for me, but I was to give it to the author (I did my best!). How fulfilling it has been volunteering with , I get to make these wonderful connections with students and spread the joy of reading.“

“For my first volunteering experience as a student, I eagerly accepted to join  because I find that it is never too early to introduce books into the life of a child. Giving toddlers the pleasure of being able to enjoy stories reminds me of the joy I felt when my parents read to me. Books have allowed me to stimulate my imagination and arouse my curiosity, to escape and to immerse myself in a world of fantasy. This has been such a rewarding experience which has allowed me to be not only a source of information for children’s literacy and to promote the love of reading but also a source of joy, pleasure, and comfort.”

We are delighted to highlight Ting Zhang this month for bringing the joy of books and reading to children in our community. Here’s what she has to say:

“Reading has always been an important part of my life. Becoming a volunteer ay , I now pass on this treasure that has benefited me to so many children. Meeting the children once a week is more like a recharge for each other, as they are fascinated and inspired by the stories I bring to them, and I take pleasure and satisfaction in their pure eyes and laughter. I feel so lucky to be able to accompany and witness the children’s first steps towards reading, and I often imagine that one day in their lives they will suddenly realize the changes that books have brought to them. You never know if a story will change a child’s life at some special moment in the future.”

We are delighted to highlight Héloïse Joffreau this month for bringing the joy of books and reading to children in our community. Here’s what she has to say:

“When I first discovered , I immediately thought to myself this was a great project and I needed to contribute! My volunteer hours quickly became the highlight of my week. The children were so excited to have me read to them and what’s more, one story was never enough! Some days they didn’t even want to let me leave even until I had read them all my books. Another great experience has been my time volunteering in the library. Cataloguing, processing and especially stamping books has been very satisfying and fulfilling. My hours there always go by too fast! In a few words, those moments of reading in the daycares and cataloguing books in the library have been ones of pure happiness. I am glad to be part of and its mission to provide free access to books and to inspire a passion for reading!”

We are delighted to highlight Maira Claudio this month for bringing the joy of books and reading to children in our community. Here’s what she has to say:

“It has been such a remarkable experience volunteering with .  I was once a child enjoying books and Storytime from my teachers and volunteers. Now, it is my honor to share my love for reading with the children of today. The excitement on the children’s faces as they run to sit down in front of me, continues to be the highlight of my weeks. Moreover, the light in their eyes and the joy in their voices as they ask for another book is one of the many prime examples, that showcases the mission of being fulfilled. I truly believe that reading brings everyone together through the adventures and important life lessons books hold. I look forward to continuing the mission of improving literacy levels in Montreal and enjoying the amazing connections I’ve made with the children this past year!”