Meet Your Neighbor
By Karen Milano

Thirty three years ago Bryan and Helen Mahoney began clearing a plot of purchased land, and today they continue to call Killingworth home.  Having learned by example from her parents, the couple has been long-time volunteers in town.  Bryan chose the Ambulance Association for which he has been active for thirty years.  Helen began working the desk at the library, originally located where the resident trooper currently resides.

Now that Helen is retired from her 38-year career as an English teacher, she wears several hats at the library. Her duties include a regular weekly shift at the circulation desk and giving one-on-one computer lessons to those learning word processing or internet use. She also serves as a member of the library's Board of Directors.  Helen states, "It is important to stress that what I do is not unusual.  There are many people who give their time and talents to help the library. There are over 20 dedicated desk volunteers.  Board President Nancy Bradley has served the Library for many years. Shelly Cumpstone has donated immeasurable time and effort at the circulation desk and as a fund raiser for both the building construction and major annual events. "

It is Helen's philosophy that volunteers make small towns three-dimensional. "I can't imagine what life in a small town would be like without Little League coaches, Scout leaders, Ambulance and Fire personnel, Church Committees, Town Committees, school board members and, of course, library volunteers. I believe that everyone who is able should get involved in some way, not for the recognition, but because it's the right thing to do. I strongly approve of the High School's policy to require it's students to complete 30 hours of community service. This helps to instill in young people the ideals of civic responsibility."

Helen suggests that people should follow their passion when choosing to volunteer for a cause or an organization. Her position as a teacher made working for the library an easy transition. She also points out that when her husband chose the ambulance association, he purposefully avoided doing the same thing he did for his "day" job.

Those interested in getting involved at the library should contact Tammy Eustis, head librarian, at 663-2000 or drop by the library to inquire.    Depending on how much time you want to give and where your interests lie, there are many ways you can be of service. Currently the circulation desk is in need of volunteers and there are many other projects in need of a helping hand. These include, but are not limited to, fundraising, programs for children and adults, and sorting through donated books for the book sale. The list goes on, and there is just the right place for anyone interested in helping out.