Dorothy Gale learned in “The Wizard of Oz” that your heart’s desire can be found in your own backyard. Gaithersburg’s own Dorothy Wiseman, who goes by Dottie, reached the same conclusion when she volunteered at last year’s inaugural Gaithersburg Book Festival.

“To have good authors speaking so close to home is amazing,” Dottie said. “I wanted this fabulous event for myself, for the City of Gaithersburg, and for the people of this area, so I decided to put my money where my mouth was and volunteer for the Festival.”

I first met Dottie and her husband, Kevin Wiseman, who have lived in Pheasant Run for 18 years, when they were encouraged to volunteer by their friend Jud Ashman, Gaithersburg City Councilman and founder of the Book Festival. I was coordinating the festival volunteers, and was impressed by the enthusiasm I saw. More than two hundred volunteers generously gave their time, even though the event was brand new to Gaithersburg.

Dottie and Kevin arrived at City Hall’s grounds one Saturday last May not knowing exactly what they would find, and they told me that what they saw made a big impression.

Tents dotted the gently rolling grounds of City Hall. The blue skies, green trees and rumbling trains made for a pleasant small-town atmosphere. But this was no small-town event. Dottie points out that many of the authors who were speaking were nationally known, like sportswriter John Feinstein and National Book Award winner Alice McDermott, who read from a new novel she was still writing.

“It was like witnessing the book’s creation,” Dottie said.

I clearly remember seeing the Wisemans during the festival as I was overseeing the volunteers. They had taken turns working in tents and listening to presentations. On my way back to the volunteer tent, Dottie stopped me in my tracks and glowed with excitement as she told me what an unbelievable day she was having.  “We’re so lucky!” she said. “I can’t believe this wonderful event is happening right here in Gaithersburg!”

By the end of the day, Dottie and Kevin were even more energized and excited.

“It was the actual event that moved us,” said Kevin. “We knew this was something we wanted to support.”

And so they did. This year, Dottie and Kevin will take over the coordination of volunteers. I am certain their enthusiasm will be contagious and inspiring to others. The authors may draw the crowds, but Dottie and Kevin know that it’s the volunteers who ensure the day’s success.

The volunteers make a big impression on the authors, as well. Feinstein complimented last year’s volunteers, saying they obviously “knew what they were doing.” Author Sarah Lewis Holmes said “Thank you to the volunteers and organizers of the festival, who totally rocked their roles by being organized, helpful and kind.”

The Wisemans encourage anyone 16 or older with a passion for books or reading to join this year’s volunteer crew. Volunteers are needed to escort authors, manage book signings, ensure schedules are kept, staff the information booth, assist with children’s activities, and undertake many other activities. Half-day shifts are available so that volunteers can enjoy the festival themselves. SSL hours are available for high school students who meet the age requirement.

If you would like to be a part of this exciting new community event on Saturday, May 21, please check out the “Participate” tab on the Festival’s website www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org and click on Volunteer. Send a note indicating your interests, and Dottie and Kevin will make sure you, too, have a day to remember.

As a founding member of the Gaithersburg Book Festival Committee, Becky Meloan recruits authors to appear at the Festival. She is also the senior review editor of the Washington Independent Review of Books, and the co-director of the annual Stone Ridge Used Book Sale, April 8-11, 2011.