Longtime Richland Library volunteer spends the day delivering books to elderly

CHAPIN, SC (WIS) - With May marking "Senior Citizen Month," a well-known Richland Library volunteer took us through a piece of his day volunteering at a local senior living home.

Montague M. Thompson, Jr. has volunteered with the Richland Library for 12 years. He delivers books to elderly individuals through the library's "Books To You" program once a month at The Heritage at Lowman facility in Chapin.

The program aims at bringing books to people who can't make it to the library. Montague travels the halls of the Lowman home with a hand truck and two big buckets of books, each specifically requested by residents at the facility.

"I just love libraries," Peggy Smyly, a Books to You recipient, said. "I've just always been in book clubs and read. I'm used to going to the library, but right now they keep me on top of what to read. I thoroughly enjoy it."

He knows all the residents he delivers to by name -- including Peggy -- who he spent several minutes catching up with. Montague says he looks forward to seeing these residents every time he delivers and picks up their books. Many times, he lingers in the doorway for a little while, asking each one how they're feeling, and asking what they've been up to, before telling them "God, bless you," and "take care."

"I see it as a form of giving back," Montague said. "Because when I was in the military, I didn't have a chance to give back, and then I look how my family was blessed and how other people helped my kids and now I'm able to give back. To me, it's a part of ministry."

Montague truly believes in the power of the programs the Richland Library offers, especially for senior citizens, and that's why he keeps volunteering.

"I just love doing this, I love coming around. The library programs they have now are much different than the library when I was coming up. It's like a community. They have so much to give, so much to offer for all ages," Montague said.

For his service, Montague was recognized at the 28th annual Richland Library volunteer recognition awards a couple of weeks ago.

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