Giving Back…One Book at a Time

When Margaret Schimanski retired from her job at Palmer Johnson in 1980, she knew she’d never really “retire.” Margaret is a “doer.” She sees something that needs being done and she does it. Period.

For the past 32 years (yes, 32 years), Schimanski has volunteered at the Sturgeon Bay Library. Why? “Well, I read a lot and it was convenient because I live in the area, so I just started volunteering there,” said Schimanski. And 32 years later, she continues to do whatever is asked of her; her role has changed as the library’s needs have changed.

“I’ve sorted music and magazines, put labels on and I used to repair the cassette tapes. I had to take the cassette tapes home because it was so time consuming and then you needed to play them back to check them out,” Schimanski recalls.

Now, this 95-year-old volunteer works primarily covering the new hardcover books that arrive at the library and recovering the old ones. “My advice to people checking out books – Don’t eat while you’re reading!” Schimanski laughed. She frequently finds sand from the beach and coffee and chocolate stains on the books, but faithfully cleans them and makes them “presentable” once again.

“Ninety-five percent of the reason I’m still here is because of the people. I don’t have a family, so it’s like having my own family back here (referencing the back room where she works). They bring me things to eat and take me places as if I was part of their families.”

Schimanski’s love of the library began when she was little. Her mother was a strict Catholic and forbid them to go to the library. But she and her sister would sneak out of the house and head down to the library where they would listen to the librarian read books to the children. They’d even sneak books home and read them under the sheets in their beds. As a result of her upbringing, Schimanski also became a “Reading Buddy” at Sunrise School in Sturgeon Bay. “When you don’t have your own children, it’s fun to see their reactions to using terms like ‘Oh my heavens.’ I have so many fond memories of being read to as a child, so being a Reading Buddy was a perfect fit for me.”

After spending an afternoon with Schimanski, it’s clear to me that finding the perfect fit is what has made her such a special volunteer. Schimanski’s passion led her to the library and, 32 years later, that’s still where she is because her heart is there.

What’s your passion? Where’s your heart?

For additional information about volunteering at any Door County Library, call 920.743.6578. For volunteer opportunities in Door County, please visit the Volunteer Center website at http://www.VolunteerDoorCounty.com or contact the Volunteer Center at 920.746.7704 to request a Volunteer Guide.