Connecticut native Kelly Johnston loves Westport. She works and volunteers here, soaking up the walkable, vibrant community that she calls “key to my health journey.”
When she isn’t catching a show or hanging out with her nieces, Kelly can be found diving into a book or podcast. A lifelong learner with a heart for mental health, physical wellness and neurodiversity, she writes:
A year ago, I found myself at a difficult crossroads.
I had spent years focused solely on work, slogging through toxic corporate environments. The stress and anxiety took a toll on my health.
Kelly Johnston
When I was laid off, I suddenly had a lot of time on my hands — and very little direction. I spent a lot of time in my apartment, feeling disconnected and unsure of how to rewrite my future.
I decided to start with something small: spring cleaning. I had a stack of gently used books, and looked for a place to donate them where they might do some good.
That search led me to the Westport Library’s book donation annex.
I went to the donation center just to drop off my books to support the Westport Book Shop’s mission, one close to my heart. But seeing the operation — the rows of stories waiting for new homes, and the hum of activity — sparked my interest.
I didn’t just want to leave my books; I wanted to see where they were going.
I started volunteering there, sorting through donations. As I learned more about them, and they learned more about me, I found myself among the greater non-profit, composed of the Big Book Sale Events and the Westport Book Shop.
Westport Book Shop, across Jesup Green from the Library.
It wasn’t a magic cure for my stress, but it was a much-needed change of pace. It got me out of my apartment, and into a room with like-minded, wonderful people.
For the first time in a long while I found myself excited about being creative, applying my marketing background to help share their mission. It felt good to get back to basics, and find joy in a shared project.
A recent New York Times article really resonated with my experience. It noted that our mindset regarding purpose and community connection can significantly impact our longevity, and how we age.
Research suggests that staying socially engaged and having a reason to get out the door isn’t just a “nice to do” — it’s a vital part of staying healthy.
Aging well isn’t about a gym membership. For me, it was about getting out of my own head and into my community. I needed to get back to basics. I needed to find what brought me joy.
Sorting books may seem simple. But the sense of joyful giving it sparked in me helped fill my heart and spirit at a time when I really needed it.
Kelly Johnston, sorting books.
Our biggest event of the year — the Big Spring Book Sale — is right around the corner (May 15 to 18).
We would love for you to be a part of it. Whether you’re looking for a way to reconnect with the community or just want to spend a few hours surrounded by books and great people, there’s a spot for you.
We need volunteers to help with:
- Set-up (Wednesday & Thursday, May 13-14): Helping prep the library.
- During the Sale: Assisting our neighbors in finding their next great read.
- Pack-up (Monday, May 18, late afternoon): Closing out another successful chapter.
Westport Library book sale.
Meanwhile, if you have books that need a new home, there is always time to donate. Bring them to our book donation center in the Westport Library’s upper parking lot Mondays through Saturdays, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Volunteering changed the direction of my life. It gave me a community, a creative outlet, and a healthier mindset. This May, I hope you’ll join us – to shop, donate or volunteer.
Let’s find what brings us joy, together.
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. Send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this hyper-local blog, please click here.)
A great story and cause and your service to the library is appreciated. As a member of the Board of Finance I’ve encouraged the library to expand the use of volunteers. Currently volunteers are limited to events like the book sale and other special one off events. The library does not use volunteers to restock books or aid in circulation or other day to day areas. What you described here is exactly why I think it’s important. These opportunities could give our residents purpose and community connection for people with skills and passion like you (and look out for all town taxpayers).
A quick note to compliment the Book Store and all who work there. They do a terrific job and are incredibly friendly and helpful.