Library volunteer honored at White House

Volunteer coordinator Marilyn Bass represented the Ocean County Library at a Sept. 8 White House ceremony, honoring 1,000 people who volunteered their time in service to their community.

During the ceremony, President George W. Bush renewed the challenge he gave the country in his 2002 State of the Union Address, requesting Americans devote 4,000 hours over their lifetime towards community service.

"You will become a better person for it and our society will be more healthy as a result of it," he told the volunteers. "You know, there is an old adage that says, you can bring hope to the lives of others, but the life you enrich most will probably be your own.

"Having the opportunity to speak with many of the other volunteer coordinators from all over the country was a truly rewarding experience," said Bass. "President Bush recognized the audience as part of a group of people who are so dedicated that they are willing to take time out of their lives to help somebody in need."

Ocean County Library participates in the President's Volunteer Service Award program. More than 50 Ocean County volunteers have received the award.