LINN — The Osage County branch of the Missouri River Regional Library honored longtime volunteer John Gulick as its 2026 Volunteer of the Year during a ceremony on May 7 at the library in Linn.

Gulick was recognized for years of volunteer service supporting the Osage County Library, the Friends of the Osage County Library (FOCL), and the Missouri River Regional Library system.

Osage County Library Branch Manager Sarah Falter said Gulick quickly became one of the library’s most active volunteers after she arrived in 2021.

“The first time I met John Gulick was in June of 2021,” Falter said. “He came into the Osage County Library, headed to my office, pulled up a chair, and told me all about the Osage County Agritourism group, the Osage County Extension, and how vital our library was to the community.”

According to Falter, Gulick’s volunteer work has included serving two terms on the MRRL Board of Trustees as the Cole County representative, acting as treasurer for the Friends of the Osage County Library, sorting nonfiction books, helping with monthly book sales, recycling cardboard, promoting summer reading programs, helping with storytelling festivals, and organizing community displays. The printed list of contributions presented during the ceremony also noted his work setting up for major events, helping young readers as a reading buddy, moving and sorting donated books, and assisting with attendance tracking during summer reading programs.

Falter said even the lengthy list did not capture everything Gulick has contributed to the library over the years.

“He’s someone we can rely on to be here,” Falter said. “He’s always talking about, ‘Have you been to the Osage County Library? Did you know what these programs that are going on? Do you know this? Do you know that?’ And connecting us with different people that can help us with our mission, which is to serve everyone.”

Missouri River Regional Library Assistant Director Angie Bayne also praised Gulick’s service and advocacy.

“John is a huge library advocate,” Bayne said. “We always appreciate your insights and your willingness to help us with our messaging, with advocating for us.”

During the ceremony, Gulick thanked library staff and volunteers and reflected on why he enjoys volunteering.

After discussing how he became involved with the library, Gulick said the teamwork and camaraderie are part of what make volunteering enjoyable. “The thing that makes it fun here is how much you guys work so great as a team, and with FOCL you work with us so well,” he said. “We enjoy each other while we’re working. And again, that always makes it fun.”

He closed by thanking the group for the recognition.

“Thank you for the recognition,” Gulick said. “And again, we’re a great team.”