On December 8th, 2016, the Richards Free Library presented the 16th annual Pamela Gay Award for Volunteerism to Janice Brehio at the annual Volunteer Tea.
Janice Brehio’s long relationship with the library began with her visits as a parent and daycare provider to take advantage of the resources in the children’s room. She began her career as an official staff member by working at the front desk, and later served many years as our well-loved children’s librarian. Her commitment to this library is so strong that upon her retirement, she not only attends story hours with her grandson, but she became a volunteer. In that capacity she has substituted as a reader at story hour; worked at our annual Library Festival, including spearheading the Cookie Walk; and cares for the library gardens throughout the growing season, bringing her own special home-grown blend of plant food.
This annual Volunteer Award is named in honor of Pamela Gay who before her death volunteered countless hours at the library and exemplified the true spirit of community volunteerism, not only at the library but several other area organizations.
