FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:   
Kathy Mayo, Project Coordinator

239-533-4836 or kmayo@leegov.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Conversations Project Looking for Volunteers

Fort Myers, Fla., November 17, 2010 --The Lee County Library System is currently working on a grant funded program to make a difference in the lives of older adults in Lee County.  The Community Conversations Project will train a group of volunteers to provide monthly library programs for older adults in participating assisted living facilities, adult daycare programs, and at congregate meal sites.  The project will expose elders to stimulating ideas and thoughtful discussion.   “Volunteers will enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that they are enriching the lives of others and will be happily surprised by what they learn in the process.” says Project Coordinator, Kathy Mayo.

The library is seeking adult volunteers of all ages who have friendly, outgoing personalities, experience with facilitating group discussions (or are willing to learn), a love of reading and a desire to share that enthusiasm.  Volunteers will be trained to facilitate a variety of activities which could include book and short story discussion groups, readers’ theater, reminiscence-based activities using programming kits, adult storytelling, and thematic programs using library materials.  Volunteers will work in teams of two and are asked to commit at least eight hours/month after the initial training.  Volunteers will complete the library’s volunteer application process, a personal interview, a TB test, and the Level 2 background screening now required by state law.   Persons interested in volunteering can reach the Community Conversations Project Coordinator Kathy Mayo at 239-533-4836 or kmayo@leegov.com.  Applications are available on the Library’s website www.leegov.com/library.