At 91 years of age Opal Pfeiffer is one of the longest serving volunteers at the City of Playford’s Library service, having volunteered with the library for 24 years.
Originally Opal began volunteering at the library assisting to process returned items, shelving books and other odds and ends. She currently works with Wendy Vice, Library Home Officer, one afternoon a week where she selects library resources for people accessing the Playford Home Library Service, a service for people who are unable to access the library.
“I’m part of the furniture with Wendy,” said Opal.
I first started volunteering to learn new skills and do something to give back to my community.
Over her 24 years Opal has learnt a lot about books, and the type of books people generally enjoy. “It’s amazing to see how many items the library holds. “There are many different sections with a variety of resources to borrow such as books, dvds and audio books, – there is something for everyone at the library.”
Having lived in Elizabeth since 1957 Opal has witnessed significant growth in the area. Growing up in the Barossa, Opal enjoys living in Playford due to its central location to the City and Barossa.
After leaving high school Opal went onto to study at the Gawler Exchange to become a telephonist and at the end of her career worked at the Elizabeth Park Post Office with her husband. Volunteering with the library was a decision Opal made during her retirement.
Opal’s highlight over the past 24 years was the first Christmas party she attended. “I was quite new to volunteering and I went to the Christmas party at the Shedley Theatre not knowing anyone very well. “However other volunteers made an effort to make me feel included and I have felt at home ever since.”
In Opal’s spare time she enjoys gardening and spending time with her family, in particular her great-grandchildren. When selecting a book for herself to read, Opal cannot go past a good murder mystery. And in case you were wondering, she is a traditionalist and prefers to read a printed novel.
Home Library Service
