Celebrating Scott Curoe’s 15 years of leadership, connection, and community building.
When Scott Curoe first stepped into the Friends of the Library Book Store as a volunteer 15 years ago, he didn’t expect it would become one of the most meaningful chapters of his retirement. What began as a simple Wednesday morning shift alongside his wife, Deb, soon grew into more than a decade of leadership, connection, and community-building.
Scott recently retired from his role as volunteer Co-Manager of the Friends' Book Store, and he generously shared reflections from his time supporting the Library through this beloved community space.
Finding Purpose Through Volunteering
Scott and Deb began volunteering shortly after retiring, looking for a way to stay active and engaged. Their shared love of books made the Friends Book Store a natural fit. Before long, their weekly shift grew into a larger commitment: Deb became President of the Friends organization, and Scott stepped into the role of Store Co-Manager.
Together, they helped create a warm, welcoming environment where volunteers feel valued and customers feel at home. As Scott puts it, “Everyone fits in, finds fulfillment, and together it all works.” He remembers countless small moments that made the work meaningful—therapy dogs stopping in for morning greetings, neighbours dropping by with baked treats, and customers chatting about books, birds, and everything in between.
Building Community Behind the Scenes
Scott played a key role in shaping the systems that keep the Book Store running smoothly. He trusted volunteers to learn from one another, take initiative, and make decisions that helped the space stay vibrant and adaptable. Even occasional missteps became opportunities to laugh, learn, and communicate better.
With a background in Human Resources, Scott focused on the two things he knew mattered most: people and process. He understood that volunteers come for many reasons, including connection, contribution, curiosity, and personal growth, and he wanted the Book Store to be a place where all of those motivations could thrive.
“I’ve always believed the best work environments are those that respect people and their ability, and that demonstrate trust in their judgement,” he says, a belief that guided how he helped shape the culture of the Book Store.
And the results speak for themselves. As Scott proudly reflects, “We take pride in knowing that the efforts of volunteers have helped the Book Store raise upwards of a million dollars during the time we have worked there.” From literacy initiatives to community events, countless Londoners have benefited from the work of the Friends and the volunteers who keep the bookstore thriving.
Photo: Mary Blasl and Scott Curoe, Store Co-Managers in 2019 in the Friend's Book Store at Central Library.
Looking Ahead
As Scott steps back from his co-management role, he reflects on the natural rhythm of volunteer-driven spaces—how leadership evolves, new ideas emerge, and each person leaves their own mark before passing the work forward. He sees this transition not as an ending, but as part of the ongoing life of the Book Store, where fresh perspectives and long-standing dedication work hand in hand to keep the space thriving.
What remains constant is the sense of community that first drew him in. Scott hopes to continue working a weekly shift with Deb, Lois, and Ulyana, greeting the therapy dogs as they come in and welcoming customers with the familiar warmth that has defined his time at the Book Store.
What brings Scott and many volunteers back is simple: supportive teammates, meaningful work, and the simple pleasure of spending time in a book-filled space.
Today is International Volunteer Day and we would like to extend our deepest thanks to Scott, the Friends of the London Public Library and our Library volunteers for your commitment, dedication and generous gift of time and talents. The Library could not have the impact we do without your support.
Learn more about the Friends of the Library Book Store at Central Library here.
Photo at top: Sharon (Library Board representative to the Friends of the Library), Deb and Scott celebrate the recent donation from the Friends of the Library in support of the Children's Area at Sherwood Branch Library.