Diane Hotynski of Menasha has always considered libraries as a sanctuary, where she could immerse herself in books and the stories they share.
"The library's always been a happy place for me when I was really small," said Hotynski, 66. "Books were a big deal for me. They transported me someplace else. I passed a lot of time at the library since I was a child. I have been in love with books all my life."
So when Hotynski retired in 2011 after working as a nurse in dialysis at local hospitals, the first thing she did was see if they needed help at the Elisha D. Smith Public Library in Menasha.
Hotynski fills in where needed at the library, from shelving books to working on bulletin boards.
"I did not come in with an expectation to do a certain task," she said. "I wanted to save the librarians some time so they could focus on library-centered activities."
Hotynski, who also enlisted her husband to volunteer, helps with Friends of Menasha Library book sale and other fundraisers.
"There always seems like there is something new that needs to be done," she said. "It gives me satisfaction to save the librarian's time so they can concentrate on all the things one does when you have a degree in library science."
Hotynski enjoys working with the library staff.
"It's fun working with people who enjoy their job and they are always brainstorming ways to make the library more of a community resource," she said.
The library, she said, is a community hub.
"Every time we have something new that we help people find out about, I feel that makes us more valuable," she said. "To me it's a very positive situation and I enjoy helping with everything they try to do there."
Hotynski lives close to the library so she can pop in and out.
"There is always something for me to do," she said, adding she also serves as a citizen representative on the City of Menasha board of health.
Kathy Dreyer, administrative assistant at Menasha Public Library, said Hotynski volunteered 303 hours in 2014.
"Her efforts have helped the staff immensely, allowing them to focus on assisting patrons," she said. "She is cheerful, creative, reliable, dependable and always willing to help."
Hotynski feels volunteering is a way to give back to the community.
"I feel that if you're grateful to be living where you are living, or you want to be able to make the area you call home better or more enjoyable for yourself or anyone else who lives there. I think volunteering is a way to do that because everyone values your services and you have the satisfaction of making an impact," she said.
"It's my way of saying, I like living in Menasha, Wisconsin and I want everyone else to like being here, too. Having them experience the library is a good way to see that Menasha may be a small city but we have a lot to offer."
For volunteer information about the Elisha D. Smith Public Library, find a volunteer form at www.menashalibrary.org/getintouch/volunteering.
Each Saturday on the Good Neighbors page we introduce you to a volunteer in the Fox Valley. If you want to nominate a volunteer, send details to pcfeatures@postcrescent.com.