Pictured: KHL volunteer Angela Shambaugh.
As seen in the Times Argus, Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
If you have checked out a new book from the Kellogg-Hubbard Library within the last three decades, there is a high chance that item was handled by one person – and she isn’t on the Library payroll. Angela Shambaugh has been volunteering at the Library for almost thirty years, helping to cover and process new arrivals into the Library’s collection. If you’ve ever accidentally set an overfull cup of coffee down on a library book, only to sigh with relief when the ring is easily wiped off the protective plastic cover, you likely have her to thank.
Angela is one of dozens of volunteers who make the Library’s operations possible. Jared visits the Basement Book Shop twice a week, helping to make sure the shelves are stocked and tidy for the Library’s ongoing fundraiser. Anne Ferguson, Montpelier volunteer extraordinaire, and former staff member Ruth can be found in the workroom on a weekly basis, chatting while mending the many well-loved books in need of repair. Katie has been volunteering in the Children’s Library for nearly ten years, with no task too small for her weekly visits. Linda is celebrating one year as an indispensable Children’s Library volunteer, and the StoryWalk program collection, founded in 2007 by Anne, is undergoing a refresh with the support of volunteer Krista. Master Gardener Kate Taylor designs and maintains the wonderful gardens around the building for all to enjoy.
Library volunteers like Barb facilitate the delivery of books to housebound patrons. They shelf-read to make sure books can be found in their proper place – a constant effort, as Joan can attest. They water the Library’s many beautiful indoor plants. If you sign up for one of the Library’s bimonthly technology help sessions looking to better understand your iPhone, you receive twenty minutes with a world-class technologist donating his time.
Serving not just Montpelier but Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex, and Worcester as well, the Kellogg-Hubbard Library has what may be the largest geographic service area of any library in Vermont. Volunteers help our small staff get out to our communities. They help stock the Little Free Libraries managed by KHL at Camp Meade in Middlesex and the Maple Corner Community Store in Calais. Volunteer Susan delivers books every week to the Worcester Community Lunch, a volunteer-run community kitchen and food shelf at the Worcester Town Hall.
If you are looking for ways to get involved and support your community, start at the Library! From the Library’s governing Board of Trustees to youth volunteers helping younger kids sign up for Summer Reading, there are options for all kinds of volunteering at every level of ability. Youth volunteers like Julien have been helping out for years, and we are so privileged to witness and benefit from their growth. If you have access to a vehicle, you can help us with home delivery and brighten someone’s day. If you like working with youth, our partner organization Elevate Youth Services is looking for help running the Basement Teen Center at the Library. Do you have experience with Preschool Storytime? We may need your help bringing Storytime out to daycares in our area. Reach out to the Library to learn about these opportunities and more.
Last week was National Volunteer Appreciation Week as well as National Library Week, which means there is no better time to share our gratitude for the time, efforts, and dedication of the many individuals who contribute to the Library’s services. There isn’t room here to name you all, but please know that you are seen and appreciated. Thank you for your work, kindness, and commitment! We couldn’t do it without you.