Volunteer Spotlight: Susie

Our library runs on heart and helping hands. Get to know the remarkable volunteers who give their time, energy, and passion to support our library system.

Susie is the Friends’ Treasurer and numbers whiz! She started volunteering in February 2024. As Friends’ volunteer, she manages everything from book sorting and displaying to merchandise sales tracking and financial deposits. She serves on three committees, plus is an at-large board member for the Friends of the Kansas Libraries. Her current reading genres include science fiction, fantasy, romantasy, romance, and thrillers. Recently retired, Susie is committed to strengthening library advocacy. Her advice? If you want to support the library, join the Friends!

What committees have you served on?

I serve on the Finance Committee, the Book Sales Committee, and now I will be on the Executive Committee.

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

I really enjoy the books sales - they are always an adventure!

Can you share all the ways you volunteer?

Sorting donated books, book sale prep, merchandise sale tracking, etc

Do you have a favorite task?

As a volunteer I work in the back accepting donations and sorting them. I help load and display books before and during the book sales. I also do the weekly deposit, weekly inventory of merchandise, tracking and reporting volunteer hours, and helping out Britten (Friends' Used Bookstore Manger) and Melissa (Friends' Operations Manager) with one-off projects.

What made you initially decide to become involved with FWPL?

I was recently retired and thrilled to have time to volunteer with the Friends.

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

I read a variety but have been reading science fiction, fantasy, romantasy, romance, and thrillers lately. I read very little non-fiction and it’s usually gardening related.

What are you currently reading?

A new book by Ilona Andrews titled The Inheritance. I am also in the middle of The Pollinator Victory Garden by Kim Eierman.

Favorite book you've found in our used bookstore or at a recent sale?

Too many to count. I find an amazing number of books for family and I love when we get puzzles in.

What's your role with the Friends of Kansas Libraries?

I recently became an at-large board member with FoKL. I hope to get more involved this year but I’m also trying to not overcommit my time.

Why should someone become a member of FWPL?

The FWPL is a great way to work with books, other great volunteers, and support the library while having a good time.

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

I am not a book club member at this time, but I’m working on the ReadICT list for 2026.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I think the FWPL is also a force for good and can be more active in advocating for the Wichita Public Library and libraries in general.