Last week was spring break at William & Mary, and although students were away and the campus grew quiet, there was still much work happening behind the scenes. Many W&M employees use this time to tackle projects on their ever-growing “to do” lists; others begin planning for the next semester. At Swem Library, we dedicated the first day of spring break to serving our community.
"The College gives employees time for community service, and we wanted to help library staff take advantage of that opportunity," said Dean of University Libraries Carrie Cooper. "Swem Service Day served as a way for staff to spend time together and get better acquainted with the community. It was great fun for those who participated!"
Swem Library worked with the College's Office of Community Engagement to identify service projects in the area in need of extra help and to organize the day's activities.
Science Librarian Karen Berquist braved the chilly day with several other Swem staff members to volunteer at Mattey’s Garden, a learning space at Matthew Whaley Elementary School where students can experience hands-on biology and botany concepts.
"Spring break was the perfect time for Swem Service Day," said Berquist. "In two hours we moved the entire compost pile into raised beds. Some of us required a little more clean up than others, but we all had a good time."
On Monday, the volunteer group "Hands Together Historic Triangle" hosted a resource fair for area families in need of shelter, food, medical care and other vital resources. Swem volunteers helped register those attending the fair – more than 200 people – getting them in the door and to the resources they needed.
Being a small part of this huge project was very rewarding, knowing that folks in need were assisted. It could be me or you one day who needs assistance. We never know what this life will bring," said Cay Davis of the library’s Serials Department.
At Heritage Humane Society, an organization that cares for stray or unwanted pets and promotes adoption into permanent homes, Swem volunteers washed pet food bowls and bedding, and spent time with the resident cats, helping them become more social and friendly.
"Having recently taken in a stray cat myself, I was eager to work with an organization that understands the importance of providing animals with safe, loving homes," said Daniel Weddington, the library's digital archivist. "It's wonderful to know that Heritage Humane Society is working to give the animals in our community the love and care they deserve. If my cat were more welcoming of other pets, I would have surely come home with another addition to the family!"
Debby Weiss, interim associate dean of technology and content services, chose to volunteer at Habitat ReStore, a Habitat for Humanity store that provides affordable household and construction materials to the community and whose profits help to fund local Habitat house builds.
"It was a wonderful opportunity to bond with staff in a different setting, particularly one where our efforts were so much appreciated by the staff at Habitat ReStore," said Weiss. "Who knew that operating a price gun could be so much fun!"