The Kutztown Community Library is proud to recognize Barbara Stolz for all of the hard work she puts into volunteering at the library. For many years, Stolz has worked with the library in an effort to make it the best place it can be.
Before joining the Kutztown Community Library, Stolz worked as an elementary art teacher where she made lasting impacts on her students. One such student was the late Keith Haring, an accomplished artist. Haring was the founder of the Keith Haring Foundation, which is dedicated to providing education and awareness on AIDS/HIV through his artwork.
Growing up Stolz really loved the book series “Little House on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
“My family was always reading,” she said.
With books being a major role in her life growing up, it only made sense for her to volunteer in the library after retiring from teaching.
Stolz’s main responsibilities include shelving, organizing and helping around the library as needed.
“I really like meeting new people,” Stolz said when asked what her favorite thing is about volunteering.
The library is somewhere that people can go to learn and have fun. Stolz believes that the reason Kutztown Community Library does so well is because of the programs and resources it offers, such as the passport service, youth activities and adult events.
“The library is more than just a place to check out books,” she said.
In addition to being a volunteer, Stolz is a part of the Friends of the Library which raises funds for the library through fundraisers, such as bus trips and the annual Holiday House Tour. For a number of years, Stolz acted as the treasurer before stepping down.
True to their art education roots, Stolz and her late husband and former Kutztown University art professor John Stolz set up a scholarship for students in the Visual and Performing Arts Department at KU. The John E. and Barbara A. Stolz Honorary Scholarship is awarded to a sophomore or above, majoring in crafts with a financial need who demonstrates academic excellence.
The Kutztown Community Library is located at 70 Bieber Alley, Kutztown. For more information, call 610-683-5820.
