Taking that first step

In writing the story for the 2025 Creston Citizen of the Year, I interviewed the honoree himself, Jamie Travis.

Every year we do stories like this and honor people who go above and beyond for their community. Not too long ago, I interviewed Julie Lang, another Kiwanian, for a story about volunteerism.

I’m a big proponent of being involved. When I was the store manager for U.S. Cellular, our store consistently logged the most volunteer hours. I found employees enjoyed giving back.

U.S. Cellular is a partner with the Boys and Girls Club of America, so I spent numerous days at both the Dubuque and Des Moines locations. It’s always such a rewarding feeling.

Last year, I was a part of Lead UC, a leadership group that met once a month to develop our skill for the betterment of the community. It was wonderful to be involved.

Now that it is completed, I’ve been pondering where I can make a difference. I considered service clubs and looked at other opportunities around town.

I finally settled on something that feels right for me as a person and now as a mother. I joined the Creston Friends of the Library group to support the Gibson Memorial Library, including joining the board for their monthly discussions.

I attended my first meeting Monday, and as I walked in right at 2:30 p.m. (I was running behind), I found a room filled with people passionate about the library. But it was also a room full of mostly unfamiliar faces.

The Friends have been doing this for a long time and have things running smoothly. I wondered if I belonged.

Then I remember what Jamie told me. “You say to yourself, well I don’t know these people. You’re not going to get to know them if you don’t just get out of your comfort zone to take that first step to join something good going on.”

I will get to know the women of the board and the other volunteers. I’m usually not good with names and faces, but at the meeting, I tried to pay special attention to each woman’s name and commit it to memory.

Kay Raymond is someone I do know, and she made me feel so welcome. All of them were so kind as I immediately jumped in, spouting off ideas because I’m physically incapable of not sharing my thoughts.

It turns out I joined during a busy time of year. The Friends serve hot chocolate and donut holes at the Lighted Christmas Parade at the Depot; they host a holiday bake sale on Dec. 19 and it’s almost time for the 25th anniversary of the Valentine’s Day cookie sale.

This year, the Friends will also have the Used Book Sale during Merry Marketplace, a great opportunity to give something once loved a new home. I go back there from time to time and usually am able to find something good. While donations are not required, they are certainly appreciated.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how I recently came across some of my childhood favorite books. They look so strange on my bookshelf next to my crisp, special edition, sprayed-edge hardcovers.

But if I had to rid myself of my very expensive special edition “The Serpent and the Wings of Night,” by Carissa Broadbent, I wouldn’t be happy, but it wouldn’t really bother me.

On the other hand, you couldn’t pry the beat-up copy of “The Borrowers” by Mary Norton out of my possession. It reminds me of a time where I didn’t care what was flashy or trending, I just liked what I liked.

The books available at the used book sale may not all be in like-new condition, but the content is the same. In a time where new stuff is flying off the shelves to fill stockings, gift bags and presents, take a look at some already-loved items to see if you can give something a second life.

It’s also a good opportunity to go through your own items. If you have any books you’re looking to re-home, the Friends of the Library would be happy to take them.

The Used Book Sale is held in the back of the CNA building and can be accessed through the side door on Division Street during business hours.