Volunteer at the Library

Volunteer Duties

This list is not exhaustive, but are some of the things that a volunteer could help the library with completing in the course of their scheduled shift.

• Shelving: understanding of basic filing rules, accurate shelving of books and other materials in their appropriate location, checks surrounding area while shelving on a continuous basis to identify areas where library materials have been misshelved, re-sets loose book ends, straightens books that have slipped, keeps shelves looking neat and tidy.
• Shelf Reading: understanding of basic filing rules, reviews shelving in stacks to ensure that books and other materials are in correct filing order, straightens books that have slipped, keeps shelves looking neat and tidy.
• Shifting: moving and realigning books to maintain appropriate space between books and shelf ends, adjusting position of sections of books after additions/deletions have been made.
• Cleaning public computer stations: using library-supplied cleaning products to clean keyboards, mice and screens.
• Pulling items and preparing them for interlibrary loan: understanding of basic filing rules, using an inventory list to retrieve books and other materials that have been placed on hold.
• Inventorying and organizing pamphlet files: attention to detail and good organization skills are required. Assisting the Head Librarian with keeping and maintaining a finding aid for materials within the pamphlet files may involve use of spreadsheets or word processing software.
• Assisting with the preparation of materials for storytime (craft projects, nametags, other items as needed and assigned by Youth Services Librarian)
• Researching and creating lists for Head Librarian and Youth Services Librarian: may involve use of spreadsheets or word processing software.
• Assistance with the creation of signage and marketing materials: requires attention to detail and knowledge of various office management products, not limited to word processing and graphic design software. Also requires knowledge of fair use and copyright guidelines and advanced web searching skills.
• Other special projects as assigned

Volunteers need good handiwork skills, along with neatness and attention to detail. Ability to alphabetize and place items in dated order are especially important skills, as is the ability to follow the supervisor’s instructions and work on tasks with minimal supervision.

To apply, come in during library open hours to get a volunteer application and schedule an appointment to talk with the head librarian.