The Man, The Myth, The Overflowing Book Cart
Volunteer Spotlight: Joe Alessi
If the Friends of the Library had a patron saint, it would probably be someone serene, cherubic, and fond of quiet contemplation. Instead, we have Joe Alessi — a man who has been volunteering since 2002 and has not experienced a moment of serenity since.
Joe began his service heroically; manning Saturday sale room shifts before discovering the thrilling underworld of online book sales. By 2003 he was listing treasures on Amazon, transforming his home into a literary warehouse with up to 1,200 books stacked neatly (or ominously) around him. He spent over a decade personally handling every listing, package, and shipment — all while traveling for work — a lifestyle choice only understandable to someone who truly loves the Friends of the Library and is determined to make them a small fortune in the process. And indeed, he did: Joe’s online sales have brought in a remarkable amount of revenue for the Friends, and because all profits ultimately end up back in the library hands, the library is — quite sensibly — forever in his debt.
Eventually, Joe took a brief hiatus to focus on his demanding job — a noble attempt at adulthood. But retirement arrived soon after and he promptly returned to the Friends’ room, liberated from corporate duties and the tiresome charade of taking it easy.
But Joe’s volunteering is not limited to books. Far from it. He also hosts a weekly jazz radio show, presides over the WVLP board, mentors a third grader through Lunch Buddies, and supports Reins for Life, SilverStray Socials, Take a Kid Fishing, Friends of Fishing, Porter County Park Foundation, and even refurbishes toy trains for seasonal giveaways. He is also a member of the Eagles, presumably because he needed one more organization to prevent idle time from sneaking up on him.
In short: Joe Alessi is the volunteer who does everything, everywhere, all at once — and makes the rest of us wonder if we should perhaps be doing a bit more with our Tuesday afternoons.