Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Mallory!

Mallory began volunteering with Dayton Metro Library in late 2022. She sought to volunteer for a couple of reasons. First, she was new to the Dayton area, having lived in Fairfield, Ohio. She knew volunteering would help her get to know the area and meet new people. Second, she had just taken a desk job and wanted to find volunteer opportunities where she could be both helpful and active.

Mallory is one of those volunteers who is willing to help at any DML location. She has helped with a tie-dye program at the New Lebanon Branch, a craft fair at the Brookville Branch, and at the Student Success Center at the Burkhardt Branch, but more often she can be found helping at the West or West Carrollton Branches. She loves helping with the ornament station at the annual Holiday Fest at the West Carrollton Branch each December. It is one of her favorite volunteer shifts because she loves ornaments. At one time, she worked for Hallmark, where she amassed her own large collection of ornaments and collectibles.

Her current job is with a small school in Miamisburg serving students of all different abilities. She loves her job—especially her coworkers and the students. Her love of children doesn’t end there. She and her husband became licensed foster parents in 2025 and have opened their home to provide a safe space for older children in addition to their two small dogs, Gravy and Crosley.

Mallory has served over 215 hours at events, programs, pantries, and the Essence of West Boutique at the West Branch. She not only serves patrons but also welcomes new volunteers, especially teenagers with service hour requirements. At the Boutique, she will gladly show them the process and guide and mentor them along. The Library has given her opportunities to make a direct impact on patrons' lives.

She recalls a time while helping with The Foodbank Pantry, when a mother arrived with five children—some of them had no shoes or wore slippers that did not fit. Mallory watched as the staff performed Mission: Impossible maneuvers to reach some of the boutique donations that had been pushed aside to make room for the food distribution. That powerful act of service stuck with her, and it keeps her motivated to continue serving. It also explains Mallory’s latest volunteer effort: joining the Friends of the Library Executive Committee. After helping the Friends with multiple Book Sales, she now has a leadership role in fundraising, new member recruitment, and helping with Library services and events.

Mallory also knows that volunteerism isn’t a one-way street. Since she became a volunteer, she has begun using the Libby app for eBooks and audiobooks. She has also attended a gift-wrapping workshop at the West Carrollton Branch and a Bingo for Plants program at the Miami Township Branch. Mallory is thrilled to report that the plants she and her husband won at that program are still alive and well!

Thank you, Mallory, for all that you do!