DCL Volunteer Honored by Colorado Association of Libraries

For immediate release: November 12, 2019

Nichole Walters began volunteering for Douglas County Libraries (DCL) at its Highlands Ranch location in 2014. DCL is proud to announce that Walters was recently honored with the 2019 Outstanding Library Volunteer award from the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) at its annual conference in Loveland.

CAL’s Outstanding Volunteer award recognizes a current library volunteer who has provided exemplary service over a span of several years. Nominees are evaluated based on their length of service with a library, the impact of their efforts on library staff and users, and the uniqueness of their contributions.

According to Highlands Ranch Branch Volunteer Coordinator Kim McClintock, Walters is well deserving of this award.

“Nichole is always among the first to offer her help,” said McClintock. “She has super-human stamina and is dauntless in the face of obstacles no matter how insurmountable they may seem. She does it all with a quiet dedication that touches lives but seeks no credit or recognition.”

When Walters first started volunteering at DCL, she helped with the Summer Reading Program, the library’s Simple Science series, Movin’ & Groovin’ Storytimes, the Technology Fair, and prepared crafts for library events. Her huge heart and giving spirit soon led her to become a lead volunteer with DCL’s Homebound Delivery program, which delivers library materials to those in the community who are unable to visit the library in person due to illness or injury.

“I love working with the staff at Douglas County Libraries to help support the programs and resources that are available at all of our libraries,” said Walters. “I especially love to deliver books to my homebound patrons. We share a passion for learning and literature, and I am grateful that I can provide materials to them through DCL.”

In 2018, Walters was also instrumental in processing donated materials for online sales through the library’s used book storefront on Amazon. And when the Highlands Ranch branch closed for renovations in late 2018-early 2019, Walters drove 42 miles roundtrip weekly for nearly six months to continue the operation out of another DCL location.

In addition, Walters’ volunteer efforts have helped support the DCL Foundation, which provides Camp DCL scholarships for qualified kids ages 5-12, as well as literacy-based programs like Cuddle Up & Read, which introduces new parents to the library’s early literacy services.

“We are truly honored to have Nichole as a DCL volunteer!” said McClintock.

For information on volunteering at DCL and available opportunities, visit DCL.org/volunteer or volunteerconnectdc.org.

Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.