Livermore Public Library is proud to recognize several outstanding volunteers for their exceptional service to the Livermore community. Aaron Stoien has been selected as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year. In January, Aaron was instrumental in launching Basic Tech Help, a free library service that provides basic drop-in support for adults needing assistance with basic technologies such as uploading and downloading files, creating email accounts, using Microsoft Office and Google suites, and Web searching and browsing. In this capacity, Aaron has volunteered nearly every Tuesday and Thursday since this program began. He not only helped launch the program but trained additional volunteers as the program grew. Aaron has received many outstanding comments from Library patrons who have benefitted from the service, and Library staff have been impressed with his commitment and communication skills. Aaron has made a positive impact at the Library during his time volunteering, and staff appreciate what he has enabled the Library to offer to the community.

 

Brooklyn Fowler has been selected as Livermore Public Library’s 2025 Young Adult Volunteer of the Year. Brooklyn has been a Young Adult Volunteer and Shelf Steward, primarily at the Springtown Branch Library, for the past four years. Brooklyn has assisted with setting up programs, putting on crafts, and keeping shelves tidy, among other essential tasks that make a difference for Library staff. She has been described as reliable, patient and kind, and efficient. She works well with staff and the public and steps up as a leader among other Young Adult Volunteers. Brooklyn brings a positive, can-do attitude to the Springtown Branch Library.  

Gary Graff has been chosen as Livermore Public Library’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year in support of Literacy. Gary first learned about the Library’s Literacy Program for adults and started volunteering in 2014. During this time, he’s tutored learners both in-person and online. Gary is known to be friendly, patient, reliable, and easy to talk to. He’s described by those he’s worked closely with as more of a friend than a tutor. “He’s always there to help out. He’s really cool. I’ve been lucky to have him. English is not easy. I’ve learned a lot from him. He’s really good,” one learner said of him. Gary has served as an ambassador for the program over the years, actively participating in various program activities, speaking with new volunteers, and encouraging others to get involved, including family members! When he isn’t tutoring at the Library, Gary is likely volunteering elsewhere in our community. The Literacy Program, Library, and our community are all so fortunate for Gary Graff’s kindness and dedicated support.

Callie Rainsford is the 2025 Volunteer of the Year for the Friends of the Livermore Library (FOLL). Callie embodies the true spirit of volunteerism, and her dedication has made a lasting impact on both FOLL and the community. When Callie joined FOLL, she immediately took charge of revitalizing the group’s website. She completely redesigned it, making it more user-friendly with updated photos, convenient links, and intuitive menus. She maintains the site, ensuring that it stays current and engaging. Callie also breathed new life into FOLL’s Facebook page and launched an Instagram account, where she regularly shares updates and photos. She established a MailChimp account, which she uses to design, write, and distribute the FOLL’s Footnotes newsletter. Additionally, Callie transitioned FOLL from Dropbox to Google Drive this year, streamlining access for board members. At each board meeting, she keeps members informed with updates on FOLL’s ever expanding online presence. FOLL is deeply grateful for Callie’s many talents she brings to her volunteer work for the organization. Thank you to Callie for her outstanding work.

Congratulations to all who were selected! Livermore Public Library is grateful for the generous help provided by these and all Library volunteers. For further information about volunteer opportunities at Livermore Public Library, visit the Library’s Volunteer Opportunities webpage.