Volunteer Spotlight: Cori

Cori serves as vice president/president-elect of the Friends of the Wichita Public Library and is currently juggling three books at once (an audiobook, an e-book, and a hardcover), and belongs to two book clubs. A self-described lover of mysteries, new fiction, and romance, she has one simple question for anyone not yet a member: "If you use library services and love the library, why aren't you a member of the Friends?"

How long have you been a Friends volunteer? I've been a Friends volunteer since I joined the Board of Directors in December 2023. 

How long have you served on the Board of Directors and what is your current office? I have served on the board since December 2023 and my current office is vice president/president-elect.

What committees have you served on? I have served on P&P and book sales committees, and am currently serving on the finance, book sales and governance committees. 

What FWPL-related event are you looking forward to in 2026? Or, which one have you enjoyed the MOST so far this year? This year is absolutely FILLED with so many good events! I have loved the 150th anniversary events at White Crow Cider, Central Standard Brewing and Reverie. It's been so much fun meeting so many library supporters. I'm really looking forward to continuing to celebrate the library's 150th with ice cream socials, events at Hopping Gnome and more. I love that we recognize volunteers during National Volunteer Month in April with a luncheon. 

Can you share all the ways you volunteer? Do you have a favorite task? I volunteer on the board, at book sales, and as needed in the Friends Used Bookstore at the ALL. I love supporting the library in any way I can, but I love book sales and getting the books set up and organized for the sales. I also love helping people find books, whether at a sale or in the bookstore. 

What made you initially decide to become involved with FWPL? I initially became involved with FWPL because I knew there was a significant need for board members. I previously served on the board of directors for the Friends of the Derby Public Library when that library revitalized its Friends group. Having that experience, I hoped I would have something to offer to FWPL as well. It is so satisfying to be part of an organization that supports the library so strongly and well.

What's your favorite genre when shopping for a book to read? When I head into a bookstore, I start at one of three places: staff favorites/recommendations, mysteries, or new fiction. And I almost always check the romance section as well. But I read almost everything (but not much nonfiction).

What are you currently reading? I am currently listening to "Hell and Back" (Walt Longmire #18), reading "R Is for Ricochet" (Kinsey Milhone) by Sue Grafton (e-book), and reading "Life: A Love Story" by Elizabeth Berg (hardcover). I just finished "How to Read a Book" by Monica Wood and "The Bullet That Missed" (Thursday Murder Club #3) by Richard Osman.

Favorite book you've found in our used bookstore or at a recent sale? I found several of the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny at a recent book sale, and scored a like-new copy of Fredrik Backman's "My Friends" at the bookstore. I also picked up a signed copy of "Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett at the bookstore. That one is probably my best find so far, as it is one of my all-time favorite books.

Why should someone become a member of FWPL? If you use library services and love the library, why aren't you a member of the Friends? We try to make membership available to almost everyone and supporting our libraries is so important right now. 

Do you belong to a book club? What has been your club's favorite read? I belong to two book clubs, one I manage privately and one I facilitate for the Derby Public Library. Some of our favorites include "The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife" by Anna Johnston, "The Measure" by Nikki Erlick, "No Two Persons" by Erica Bauermeister, and "The Frozen River" by Ariel Lawhon. 

Anything else you'd like to add? Read more books! It doesn't matter what book or how you read them. And support your library system! Join the Friends!