ARLINGTON – Steve Glaze found his calling as a volunteer for Sno-Isle Libraries and member of the Friends of the Arlington Library.

He’s one of the many volunteers who help keep the libraries operating smoothly day to day.

The Los Angeles native said he’s always had a passion for books, thanks to his father, and he appreciated the dedication his mother gave to volunteer causes.

Glaze, 61, and his wife, Linda, moved to Arlington six years ago. He retired after working 30 years for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power as a billing analyst. He had free time in a new community.

Glaze volunteered with the Arlington food bank and Cascade Valley Hospital. In early 2017, he visited the Arlington Library for a book sale. He signed up to volunteer.

Glaze wheels a cart through the rows of books, CDs and DVDs with a list of titles to fill customer requests.

For the Friends of the Arlington Library, he helps stock the ongoing book sale and helps at the bake sales, too. Proceeds support programming and other library needs.

Glaze’s dedication earned him recognition from the city winning the Mayor’s Volunteer Award last month. Through July, Glaze has volunteered 187 hours for Sno-Isle and 225 hours for Friends.

He encourages others to get involved in their community.

“Volunteer for something you have an inkling for,” he said. “There are lots of volunteer opportunities. Check the internet. Lots of places need help.”

Sno-Isle has nearly 700 volunteers in 23 libraries and the district service center.

Sno-Isle offers an online volunteer application or prospective volunteers can get a volunteer application and background check form at any library. Volunteers age 13 and younger must be supervised by a parent/guardian.

Glaze likes what he does at the Arlington Library. “This is my adult sandbox where I get to play.”