Volunteer coordinator Diane Altieri, in the early days, hones her skills practicing reading aloud.

Passion at the Heart of Volunteer
Coordinator's Modus Operandi

The very first voice and face that many encounter at MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS is that of Diane Altieri – volunteer coordinator and program assistant.

Diane came to MWFB as an AmeriCorps volunteer, and after two years had become such an integral part of the MWFB team, she was hired to stay on. She has been enthusiastically and expertly managing the Storytime volunteers and library and contributing her creative skills to various MWFB programs for the last five years.

"I've learned what it takes to be a good reader, and I have changed things over the years to help new volunteers learn how to be good readers," she said. "I have realized that I am a teacher even though I don't have the background in education that some of our volunteers have. I know what MWFB is all about and how to share that with anyone!"

It's All About Learning from One Another

Diane’s passion stems largely from past work experience (in bookstore management), her role as mother to three and grandmother to eight, and what she learns every day from colleagues, volunteers, and the children who are mesmerized with excitement at Storytime.

In the retail book business, books were about what was trendy and what sold well, Diane explained. There was no focus on the importance of literacy. At MWFB, books are valued as early literacy tools to which all people should have access.

“It’s so important to be reading to kids, and it’s so much fun for them, especially those who don’t have that opportunity at home. And there are so many of those kids in Tucson.”

Alex Miranda of “The Morning Blend” dons one of Diane’s Dust Bunny creations.

A Penchant for Perfectionism and a Flair for Creativity

In addition to her formal roles at MWFB, Diane serves as artistic director, bringing incredible pizzazz to props for events and story performances--her favorite the colorful, whimsical Dust Bunny costumes.

But for Diane, the most inspiring aspect of being at MWFB remains working with the volunteers and seeing the program grow steadily over the years.

“People are eager to join the tribe to promote early literacy,” said Diane. “They are all just wonderful people. They have their ups and downs just like everybody else, but the dedication they show in sticking with it year after year, just amazes me.”

“I’ve learned what it takes to be a good reader, and I have changed things over the years to help new volunteers learn how to be good readers,” she said. “I have realized that I am a teacher even though I don’t have the background in education that some of our volunteers have. I know what MWFB is all about and how to share that with anyone!”