Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Kanemi!

Kanemi joined the DML volunteer program in November 2023 while a student with Ohio University School of Medicine. Originally from Maryland, she has enjoyed getting to know the Dayton community. Students at OU do not have a service requirement but she wanted to find a flexible volunteer opportunity as she got to know the area. Most of her service has been in the Saturday morning Reading Buddies program but also as a Program Helper for Tween Game Time and other events between the Miami Township and Miamisburg Branch Libraries. When asked why she chose the Library, she says “I grew up in a library as a kid” and has enjoyed encouraging a love for reading in the young patrons that she meets in Reading Buddies. She remembers leaving the library with a basket full of books as a kid and in turn, encourages each Reading Buddy to check out the books and continue practicing at home after the session ends.

Kanemi remembers a Saturday early in her service where both the staff and the parent were impressed and surprised that a child who normally declines and shies away from the program eagerly agreed to read with her! That can be the magic and novelty of a volunteer—a nice change of pace for both the caregiver and the child. At another Library Branch, she says a group of girls attend consistently which is fun to have regulars and be able to see the progress.

Kanemi has also been a member of the Skin of Color Society, an organization dedicated to achieving health equity and excellence in dermatologic care. In the fall of 2024, she contacted DML about distributing information and samples to patrons about the “My Best Winter Skin Day” campaign during DML Resource Fair Tuesdays at the Main Library and also at the West Branch Library.

The flexibility of volunteer opportunities and the ease of scheduling online with each Library has been really helpful as she finishes up her studies and heads back to Maryland to start her residency. When she isn’t volunteering or studying, she and her friends have been finding all of Dayton’s local restaurants including plans to visit The Silos, a new food hall. She still prefers to hold print material in her hands but admits the Libby app has allowed her to keep up with reading for pleasure. A recent book she recommends is “Someday, Maybe” by Onyi Nwabineli—but quickly mentions to have tissues handy: “It’s a tearjerker!”

Thank you Dr. Kanemi for over 35 hours of service!