“As president of the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library, I recruit and train lots of volunteers. They are an amazing group of people and FJPL could not do what it does without them. Ricardo Montoya is an outstanding volunteer. He came to one of our book sales (as a customer) and we recruited him (as a volunteer). He stayed throughout that sale and worked very hard. He kept on working afterward, helping us sort books at our Book Warehouse and helping organize subsequent book sales. He was chosen 2010 Volunteer of the Year and elected to the FJPL Board of Directors. He now chairs FJPL’s book sales committee. We are very proud of Ricardo and we appreciate this recognition.”
Q: Mr. Montoya, you were recruited as a volunteer for FJPL at a Great Annual Book Sale. How long ago was that and what particularly interested you?
A: It was almost four years ago while browsing through the non-fiction section at the March 2008 Sale that I answered a request for volunteer help, donned a blue apron, and began my volunteer experience with FJPL by assisting with the checkout process. That day was very exciting for me, being of service and also being surrounded by so many others who share my interest in books/knowledge.
I continue to feel that same excitement at each sale and through our sorting process. That coupled with the camaraderie of my fellow volunteers, makes all of the work we do worthwhile.
Q: You are FJPL's 2010 Volunteer of the Year. Could you tell us about the different types of volunteer activities you have done with the Friends?
A: Currently, as Sales Committee Chair, my major focus is the logistics and planning to create a better customer experience at our book sales by having on display as many categories of books as possible, highlighting categories for quick search and to maintain an accessible path for everyone. In between the sales, I continue to participate in the book sorting process (mostly in non-fiction) where I began. And, whenever I visit the Main Library, I make time to assist as needed in the Friends' Booktique store, and at times bring books and media from our warehouse to re-stock the store.
A couple of years ago, I also began volunteering weekly at my local Willowbranch Library, where I do receiving and re-shelving of books and assist the many great library associates and members.
Q: You also joined FJPL's board this year and must believe FJPL provides an important service to to this community. What value do you think FJPL brings to the library and the Jacksonville community as a whole?
A: Yes, our main goal in relation to the Library is to provide additional funds to assist them in fulfilling their mission and achieving their goals. To the community, we provide the opportunity for Jacksonville residents to purchase books at a much discounted price.
Q: You have a myriad of experience in industrial, manufacturing, service in the U.S. Marine Corps, and now you are an emergency planning consultant. Of all these pursuits, which one proved most rewarding and why?
A: I feel that my life’s experiences have been rewarding and believe that they have led me to this point in life to incorporate and funnel those traits back into the community. I like the independence that being self-governed provides me, and it allows me the flexibility to continue my volunteer activities. My experience in the Marine Corp provided me with a global perspective, the self-discipline, and the awareness of the importance of maintaining a state of preparation, which eventually brought me to my current endeavor as an Emergency Planning Consultant, which, by the way is not about beans, bullets, band aids and bottled water; it is the ability to create as an event unfolds.
Q: Do you have leisure activities other than volunteering?
A: Absolutely; keeping physically fit is an imperative in my mind and also allows me to express my competitive nature. Right now, I’m focused on improving my handball game to compete again at the national level and at the same time promote this sport that I love playing here in Jacksonville. I’m a longtime competitor and teacher in both handball and racquetball and I am very good at both. Running is also an integral part of my fitness regimen, and I make time each year to run in both the Gate River Run and the Marine Corp Half-Marathon.
And, of course, I enjoy reading and collecting books.
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