It’s National Volunteer Week 2018, and we want to celebrate the important role of volunteers at Queens Library!

All this week, we will share stories of our volunteers on our blog. Thank you to them, and to every Queens Library volunteer, for their service!

This year, Queens Library decided to create the Go the Extra Mile (G.E.M.) Volunteer Award to celebrate our volunteers that go above and beyond in their service and embody the library’s mission “to transform lives by cultivating personal and intellectual growth and by building strong communities.”

Three of our volunteers received Fall 2017 G.E.M. Volunteer Awards and three have been recognized as Honorable Mentions.

Today, we’re introducing you to G.E.M. Volunteer Award winner Joel Oferman, a Homework Helper at Lefrak City Community Library.

Joel has been volunteering at Lefrak City Library for the past two years. Now a high school student, Joel comes to the library almost every day and assists within several programs.

As a Homework Helper in the STACKS Afterschool Program, Joel works with kids and helps maintain a fun learning setting. He also serves as a Youth Counselor and helps organize and monitor youth programs and clubs.

In addition, Joel lends a hand whenever the Friends of Lefrak City Library group hosts an important program or event, and he often stays to help long after the event has ended.

“Joel has done so much for us and has become a member of the Lefrak City Library family," says Lefrak City Customer Service Supervisor Jehanne Black. “He definitely sets the tone for all our volunteers.”

Congratulations, Joel, and thank you for going above and beyond to help others at your community library!