Next week, April 15-21, people throughout the United States will acknowledge National Volunteer Week. To recognize all 110 adults and teenagers who gave their time and talents to the Pierce County Library System last year, the Library is giving each volunteer a certificate of acknowledgement and thanks.

In 2011, volunteers gave 5,163 hours to keep books and materials orderly and clean, help people learn computer skills and offer other valuable and greatly appreciated help.

“Volunteers are essential to helping the hundreds of thousands of people we serve,” said Neel Parikh, executive director for Pierce County Library. “Volunteers free up staff to deliver high-quality customer service and focus on the competing requests from the many people who use the libraries in person and online every day.”

In addition it is highlighting the Top Ten Volunteers—individuals who gave the highest number of hours in 2011.

The following individuals gave the most hours in 2011:

Frank Apolinaro, Graham resident, 137 hours

Bob Arrell, South Prairie resident, 114 hours

Alice Brynestad, Buckley resident, 100 hours

Jean Flynn, Gig Harbor resident, 100 hours

Jan Friend, Lakewood resident, 100 hours

Christen Henry, Lakewood resident, 105 hours

Alice Holloway, Puyallup resident, 118 hours

Irene Kilcourse, Gig Harbor resident, 112 hours

Ethan Nathan, Spanaway resident, 167 hours

Margi Pratt, Orting resident, 84 hours

Ethan Nathan is just one of the many volunteers who gave his help. Nathan has volunteered at Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library for two years. Last year he donated more than 160 hours unloading books and other materials, making labels, and performing other needed tasks.

“I started volunteering at the library to gain experience in the workplace,” said Nathan. “I have continued to volunteer because I absolutely love it! I enjoy the work, the people I work with, and the interaction with people.”