Go the Extra Mile (G.E.M.) Awards 2024 - Natalie Lai
In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation 2024, Queens Public Library recognizes the contributions of its volunteers and spotlights the recipients of the Go the Extra Mile (G.E.M.) Volunteer Award. G.E.M. celebrates individuals that exemplify the values of Queens Public Library and demonstrate stellar customer service and dedication to our patrons and staff.
This year, Queens Public Library recognizes Natalie Lai for her work as a Library Aide. This past summer, Natalie served 308 lunches to children, many of whom were new arrival migrants who could not communicate in English. Ms. Lai applied her high school Spanish fluency to translate daily menus and the Department of Education’s program guidelines. She exemplified outstanding cultural sensitivity by encouraging children and families to join lunchtime despite their reluctance. She assisted babies and toddlers with opening stubborn milk cartons, peeling pesky oranges, unwrapping sticky plastic wrap from sandwiches, and opening airtight sealed bags of chips. She was thoughtful to save unused straws--of which there was a shortage--for future service. She served meals to children older than herself who respected her authority and was highly punctual.
“Ms. Lai volunteered purely for the kindness of helping the library. She exemplifies the spirit of the GEM Award because she represented the library with a good heart and kindness. She is the model of altruism and everything we stand for.”,
Meet Natalie Lai...
Q: What can you tell us a little about yourself?
A: Hi! My name is Natalie, I’m a current high school junior, and I aspire to be a nurse!
Q: What are 3 words that best describes your personality?
A: Curious, empathetic, calm
Q: What was your first memorable experience with Queens Public Library (i.e. visiting as a child, attending a program, getting a library card, etc.)?
A: There are so many wonderful memories I associate with QPL that it’s difficult to weed out just one. I remember getting my first library card (it was golden), playing duck life 4 on the library computers, checking out stacks and stacks of books, and printing out math worksheets. Just recently I returned two books that were well overdue and incurred, on my account, a staggering thirty dollars of debt—so I’m very grateful for whoever got rid of late fees because I remember having to read those off too..haha.
Q: Why did you first volunteer with QPL? What was your first Volunteer experience with the Library?
A: I volunteered with QPL because I was seeking a valuable way to spend my summer and the sudden excess of time that comes with it. For me personally, there’s really nothing better than dedicating time to service!
Q: What were your reasons for volunteering in your role and why you felt a need to serve in this capacity?
A: This past summer, I participated in QPL’s Summer Meals program to provide free lunches for kids and teens. I strongly believe in the importance of this program and its undertaking to mitigate food insecurity in the city, as well as its commitment to serving demographics reflective of global and state humanitarian crises. I’m so grateful to have been able to help facilitate these lunch sessions and I thoroughly enjoyed working with children and their contagious energies!
Q: What are 2-3 skills that you have learned while volunteering with the library and how they are useful to you?
A: Summer Meals strengthened my abilities in communication across difference and problem solving in the face of moral complexity. These are two skills that I will undoubtedly carry with me in future experiences.
Q: What are 2-3 tips you would tell someone thinking about volunteering with the library or anyone that just started to volunteer with the library?
A: Have fun and give it your all!
Q: The library continues to explore different ways for its volunteers to contribute to the community. What are two new ways you would like to support the community through the library? Why?
A: I would like to further participate in one-day service projects and help advocate for lesser budget cuts; the library provides fundamental services to everyone, and it is crucial that it has the support to continue to stand as a strong pillar of community.
