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Shallow Fog Teens give back to Waldinger Library
Each week, hundreds of people stop by the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library to check out books and movies, use the computers or attend programs. For many of them, their experience is made better because of the library’s dedicated group of teen volunteers.
“It’s good to have volunteers,” Library Director Mamie Eng said. “They can be a real help. Sometimes the work is boring, but they understand it needs to be done.”
The volunteers support the staff of librarians and clerks by sorting and shelving books, assisting with children’s programs, and doing some light paperwork. One of the library’s staple volunteer programs is one-on-one technology instruction, where teens teach adults how to use computers and other electronics.
Chris Persaud, 15, is one of the tutors. He has been volunteering at the library for almost a year, and helps people understand how to better use their iPhones, iPads and iPods. A student during the week at Memorial Junior High School, he is the teacher on Saturday mornings at the Waldinger Library.
Persaud works mostly with senior citizens and said he enjoys helping them learn how to use new technology, or at least new to them. He teaches them the basics first, then caters the instruction based on what they want to use the technology for. Seeing them progress, he said, is the most rewarding part of the experience.
Daniel Bolocboloc, 20, a student at Molloy College and a Central High School graduate, has been a technology tutor for nearly six years. He said some of his “students” are using a computer for the first time and are apprehensive. His goal is to build their confidence.
He admitted that his job requires a lot of patience, but it is rewarding work. “I feel like I have a responsibility to the people that I teach,” he said. “I don’t want to let them down.”
Siddhant Garg, 16, got his start at the library helping out with a special needs program, then became a computer tutor. He helps people learn how to browse the Internet, use Microsoft Word and set up Facebook accounts.
