E-Free library volunteer Sally Steele has 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren; serves a host of ministries, and has still found time to read more than 250 books in the last five years. One could say her passion for reading is insatiable.

“There are so many books, and so little time,” says Sally, 70, who has volunteered at the church library since 2005. “I probably read about two to three books a week, just to keep up, and now keep a journal to catalog what I’ve read.”

Sally’s favorite book genre includes mysteries, especially those written by authors Bodie and Brock Thoene, Randy Singer, Terri Blackstock, and Francine Rivers. She enjoys historical Christian novels as well. “Good readers expect a book to have some kind of religious significance. A point for the Lord,” she says. “Yet not all authors are equal, so I’m always on the lookout for new writers.”

During off-hours—that is, when she’s not attending twice-weekly Bible studies, preparing for E-Free’s Caring Closet ministry, or even working as the secretary of her homeowner’s association—Sally lends a dutiful hand to the E-Free library, as she has done for the past six years.

“Well, I’d like to say it’s hard work, but for me, it’s a joy,” says Sally. “I am the person that helps to get the book on the shelf by labeling and covering, etc. I’ll basically do anything that Lisa needs.”

Lisa Gregory is the church’s library coordinator, a friendly, committed individual who tirelessly cares for more than 10,000 books, CDs, DVDs, and other reference materials. Lisa claims Sally is a blessing not only to the library’s efforts, but also to the entire congregation of West Shore E-free.

“She is a wonderful friend and advisor, bringing her life experience, her gentleness, her love for Christ, to all she does here at E-free. Sally is never afraid to share her experiences, both good and bad, for the benefit of others. I am so grateful for her servant’s heart,” says Lisa.

Humbly, Sally, standing within earshot of Lisa, waves her friend’s comment into the skies, picks up two more books “to review before we accept them into the collection” and smiles. “Well, I’d be lying to you if I didn’t say I get a few perks out of volunteering.” Then whispers, “I get first dibs on new releases!”