Volunteer Spotlight: Tom Weiler

Tom Weiler has volunteered with the Digital Literacy program since October of 2017. When asked how volunteering has changed his life, Tom said, “It’s certainly fulfilled my life, it’s something I look forward to. Meeting new people, hearing their stories, and helping them through challenges is what makes volunteering worthwhile.”

Digital Literacy volunteers interact with community members who need help with technology ranging from writing resumes to learning how to download and use apps. Challenges can stem from lack of computer access or from a hesitancy to try something without proper support and guidance. 

Tom spoke about how he came to be a Digital Literacy program volunteer: “Originally, I thought I would be helping people learn keyboarding but now it is mostly me learning with the customers and helping them to be more comfortable with the technology.” One customer who stands out in Tom’s memory, is a local business owner who came to the Lincoln Library to download and print documents he needed for a financial audit. Tom remembered that the gentleman was unsure of how to access the information but was eager to learn.

Tom has been active at the Lincoln Library for over two years. He speaks highly of the library’s staff and their helpfulness, especially when he is looking for guidance or resources at the location. Tom is also active at the Lincoln Library with his other passion, gardening. The library has a flower garden in the front of the building and in the spring, if Tom is not at a computer, he can be found tending the flowerbeds. In 2017, he was a Captain at one of the EDEN Community gardens in Rochester and is an ongoing gardener at the Zen Center. Tom has a love of nature and reading and enjoys sharing his knowledge and interests with others.

Related: Tom’s Big Heart .