We haven’t yet finished 2017, yet another tax season is rapidly approaching. Already many state agencies and volunteer organizations are busy preparing their tax preparations for 2018.
In years past, the best help the Delaware County District Library has been able to offer is the printing of forms and instruction booklets, and computers and free internet access for those who wish to file electronically. Sometimes a community partner like H&R Block will also schedule regular hours at a DCDL location to give free advice.
This year, DCDL is proud to announce that our Orange Branch Library will be an official tax-prep site through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. This program is the nation’s largest volunteer-run tax preparation service and is entirely free for low- and middle-income tax payers, with special attention given to those 60 and older.
The organization is looking for local volunteers who have basic computer skills, some aptitude or experience working with numbers, and an interest in serving the local community. Volunteers do not need any prior tax experience because AARP provides the training and IRS certifications needed to be ready for the job.
The commitment begins on February 1 and runs through April 15. Volunteers must be available to work at least one day a week (daytimes Monday through Friday). Volunteers need not be an AARP member or retiree in order to participate. Continuing Education credits and mileage reimbursements (for travel to training and tax prep sites) are available.
Orientations are already underway and will continue throughout October and November at SourcePoint. A combination of classroom and home-study training will begin in December.
The need for qualified volunteers is great. Unfortunately, schedules are full early in the season and individuals have to be turned away. If a great deal of volunteers can give their time to this cause, even more community members can be helped through this wonderful service. I urge you to consider being a part of this fantastic volunteer force. If you’re interested, contact the AARP Foundation at 614-636-1155 or email [email protected] and indicate your interest.
Also, I wanted to remind our readers that today at the Delaware Main Library is the Great GeekFest. It will not be a great day to come, study and enjoy the silence. However, it will be a great day to enjoy all the “geeky” things in life like anime, comic books, cosplay, roleplaying games and more. I hope you have a great weekend. Here are some new and popular titles in our Home, Garden and DIY genres.
“350+ Crochet Tips, Techniques, and Trade Secrets” by Jan Eaton. A treasury of tips, techniques, and trade secrets for crocheters provides step-by-step, illustrated instructions that cover everything from choosing the right hook and yarn to setting up a dye studio and managing yard ends.
“Potted: Make Your Own Stylish Garden Containers” by Annette Goliti Gutierrez and Mary Gray. This lushly designed guide empowers you to create your own show-stopping containers made from everyday materials such as concrete, plastic, metal, terracotta, rope, driftwood, and fabric.
“The Harvest Baker: 150 Sweet & Savory Recipes Celebrating the Fresh-Picked Flavors of Fruits, Herbs and Vegetables” by Ken Haedrich. Award-winning cookbook author Ken Haedrich serves up 150 delicious baked goods that are full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs and go far beyond zucchini bread and carrot cake.
“Bravetart: Iconic American Desserts” by Stella Parks. These meticulously tested recipes bring an award-winning pastry chef’s expertise into your kitchen, along with advice on how to “mix it up” with over 200 customizable variations.
