Volunteer Spotlight: Leslie

Leslie has brought her love of books and community to the Friends of Wichita Public Library. She enjoys volunteering at FWPL book sales and connecting people with great reads. Books and reading have been a big influence in her life and it's something she's instilled in her own family.

How long have you been a Friends volunteer?

This is my fourth year.

How long have you served on the Board of Directors and what is your current office?

I started my volunteering by being voted in as Treasurer for 2023. I served in that capacity for 3 years. I am currently the secretary.

What committees have you served on?

Finance Committee and Book Sales.

What FWPL-related event are you looking forward to in 2026?

I’m looking forward to the book sales. There is nothing I like more than talking with people about books. At the last sale, a young man asked one of our volunteers for help with recommendations. Next thing he knew there were five of us finding books for him. I probably spend five hours a month volunteering, more if we have a sale or pop-up events.

What made you initially decide to become involved with FWPL?

The operations manager for FWPL recruited me because the board needed a treasurer and I work at a bank. And she knows I’m a bibliophile.

What's your favorite genre when shopping for a book to read?

The last few years I’ve been into romance books, but I also like a good thriller.

What are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading "Icebreaker" by Hannah Grace in e-book format, "Gone Before Goodbye" by Harlan Coben and Reese Witherspoon in hardback, and listening to the audiobook of "The Waiting" by Michael Connelly.

Favorite books you've recently found at one of our book sales?

At the last book sale, I found four hardback copies of James Rollins books that I didn’t own. He’s my favorite author!

Why should someone become a member of FWPL?

The support of our members allows us to fund programs at the library that reach members of the community who need help. Combining your membership with volunteering gives opportunities to meet those people. I’ve also made new friends and I love meeting people at events.

Do you belong to a book club? What has been your club's favorite read?

I belong to the Wichita chapter of The Lit Chicks out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I think our favorite read lately was "The Love of My Afterlife" by Kristy Greenwood. It was a lighthearted, uplifting read.

What are your other hobbies?

I like to go thrifting and antiquing. I collect Blenko glass and Kosta Boda glass.

What else would you like to add?

Reading and libraries have always been a big part of my life. As a child, I went to see Miss Dinah at the Sweetbriar Library branch. As an adult, I worked near the old downtown library and then near the Comotara branch in the Dillons on Rock Road. My parents took me to the library weekly. Then they took my children weekly. My children and I joined the book brigade moving books to the new Advanced Learning Library. The library has always been a constant presence for me. I hope it can be the same for others.