Fayetteville Public Library

Working as a volunteer in the Fayetteville community has been a wonderful experience. I decided to volunteer at the Fayetteville Public Library because I had heard a lot of good things about the library. I searched an opportunity online. As soon as I found their contact information, I approached the library to inquire regarding volunteer positions. They quickly responded to me and set up an interview schedule. When I visited the library for the first time, I was very excited to see the facility of the library and learn more regarding the opportunity. I liked the welcoming atmosphere. We had an interview and they kindly offered me a chance to volunteer at the library.

Children's Books

On my first day to start working, my supervisor explained me tasks and genuinely taught me various responsibilities as a librarian. I learned that my duty was to reorganize DVDs and CDs for the children’s section. She introduced me to her colleagues and I could learn more about the work environment at the Fayetteville Public Library. It was a friendly workplace, but also a highly professional work environment. All staff members I met were very helpful, and I felt very welcomed by them. My time to volunteer was only 10 hours but I learnt a lot from those hours; being efficient, being punctual, communicating well with other staff and, of course, the meaning of community service.

It was a wonderful experience to volunteer in the library, a very educational setting in the community. Through the 10 hours community service, I experienced a little bit of working atmosphere in the United State. I observed their commitment and dedication of the library team to the education in the Fayetteville community and it inspired me to implement what I learned when I go back to Pakistan.

by Sonia Sadaf

Sonia sharing her culture with Sarah, a Holcombe RA

Sonia has been actively exploring the U.S. culture with her friends and Friendship Family. Community service projects and volunteer activities will definitely enrich your experience and help your understanding about the culture from a different perspective. I would love to encourage all visiting students to join hands-on volunteer projects since there are so many things, such as values, work ethics and so on, that you cannot gain by just studying in classes. Check the Volunteer Action Center website and you’ll find various opportunities in Fayetteville!  — Nami