Here's the Scoop: Friends President Named Library's Volunteer of the Year

Anyone who has ever stopped by the Pauline Haass Public Library’s annual ice cream social has probably seen Janice Gutbrod in action.

That's because she and her husband, Ken, play key roles in making sure the annual event is pulled off without a hitch.

Because of her work on the social and everything else she is involved in as president of the Friends of the Library group, Gutbrod has been named the library's Volunteer of the Year.

Gutbrod, who was recognized at a library luncheon to honor adult volunteers on May 12, said she was “totally surprised” by th award.

“I was stunned because there are so many people who volunteer at our library.  I’m pleased to be in the company of the other people who have been so honored,” said Gutbrod. 

The library has been recognizing a volunteer each year since 1994. 

Gutbrod began serving the library as a member of the Friends of the Library in 2001, and has been the president of the organization since 2006. 

“Janice puts in a tremendous amount of time as the president of the Friends. She is extraordinarily well organized and very good at involving people and being inclusive," said Library Director Kathy Klager. "She represents the organization well, and presents a positive image of the library.”

“I chose to join the Friends after I retired because I’m a reader and I’ve used the library for years," said Gutbrod, a resident of Lisbon. "I’m proud of our hard-working group, which joins together people of Lisbon and Sussex.”

The Friends helps the library by organizing events and raising money through book sales for items not covered by the budget, such as books and snacks for the children’s book clubs and reading groups.  This year they gave $3,000, benefiting thousands of children.

“Janice has provided energetic leadership for such activities as the annual ice cream social, fundraising through sales of used books and many other projects,” said Janet Soofi, the library's head of technical services and volunteer coordinator.

Gutbrod said she is looking forward to the ice cream social on Aug. 3. She and Ken have been working all year on planning the free community event, which is the Friends' way of thanking residents for their support of the library. 

At the social, volunteer groups from around the community come to help scoop ice cream and distribute brownies. Volunteer Organization Women of Sussex, the Chamber of Commerce of Sussex and Lisbon, Leos (youth organization of the Lions Club), and various church groups are some of the organizations that join together for this event.

Technical services volunteer recognized

Gordon Lese was also honored at the luncheon as the technical services volunteer with the most hours.  Lese gave 158 hours in 2010 cleaning and repairing DVDs and CDs. After every 10 uses, discs at the library are wiped off and put through a machine that polishes them and adds a wax to fill in any scratches or gouges. This lengthens the playing life of the discs by repairing any skips.

There are 20 active members of the Friends of the Library, and 20 technical services volunteers at the library. Last year, the technical services volunteers gave 1,310 hours cleaning DVDs, repairing book bindings, fixing labels and other housekeeping tasks. 

How you can get involved

The Friends is always looking for new members and event ideas. For more information, call Gutbrod at 262-251-8218.

Right now there is a plant certificate sale at the library. Until June 4, $12 certificates for Falls Mills Greenhouse in Menomonee Falls can be purchased for $10, with proceeds benefiting the Friends.