There are many rewarding opportunities for volunteers including keeping our collections in order, assisting staff during library classes and events, rewarding participants during Summer Reading, helping students be successful in our Homework Help Centers.
General Support
As a volunteer, you will help us keep the library neat, organized, and accessible to the community.
Reports to: Library Staff
Responsibilities: Tasks include dusting, shifting and straightening books on the shelves, setting up displays, sanitizing computers and children’s toys, preparing materials for events, and other small but vital tasks.
Position Requires:
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to adapt to changing organization and set-up in the library
Special Requirements: May require ability to stand for extended periods of time, squat to reach lower shelves, and/or ability to lift and carry up to 25 lb.
Time Involvement: Flexible; typically 2-4 hours per week in 1 or 2 shifts.
Training: Volunteers will receive a library tour and orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator
Shelving Materials
The Library best serves the community when every available item in the collection is in its proper place. Volunteers in this capacity shelve or shelf-read materials for easy retrieval by library customers and staff, and maintain order of library materials. Volunteers for this position are typically needed to commit to at least 4 months of volunteering at the library.
Reports to: Customer Service Staff
Responsibilities: Volunteers re-shelve materials according to the proper filing order, shift materials on shelves when needed to make room, and organize and straighten materials on shelves. Volunteers may also shelf-read and restore out-of-order items, search for items thought to be missing, and/or process and shelve materials on reserve. Volunteers perform additional duties and assignments as requested.
Position Requires:
- Ability to arrange items in alphanumeric or subject
- Knowledge of Dewey Decimal System
Special Requirements:
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to adapt to changing organization and set-up in the library
- Physical strength necessary to transport materials and push/pull carts
- Ability to squat while removing or replacing materials on shelves
- Ability to read shelf labels
Time Involvement: Flexible; typically 2-4 hours per week in 1 or 2 shifts
Training: Volunteers will be trained in position responsibilities by library staff.
Special Events and Classes
Events and classes for all age groups are among the Library’s most popular offerings. Volunteers help library staff set up and/or present Events and Classes effectively and ensure a pleasant experience for all participants. Volunteers may also participate in special events at the library or in the community.
Reports to: Library Staff
Responsibilities: Volunteers help library staff set up events and classes (handouts, decorations, refreshments, etc.) welcome community members, and assist in presenting large events as needed. Volunteers may also serve as greeters at special events. Volunteers perform additional duties and assignments as requested.
Position Requires:
- Desire to work with groups of people
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work independently or in groups
Special Requirements: May require ability to stand for extended periods of time and/or ability to lift and carry up to 25 lb. Volunteers must provide own transportation to off-site events.
Time Involvement: As needed. Most events/classes will be 1-4 hours on a single day. Volunteers may commit to or decline particular programs/events depending on availability and interest.
Training: Volunteers will receive a library tour and orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator.
Homework Help Center
The Homework Help Center (HHC) provides students with access to reference tools, technology, and people who can help them with their homework. HHC volunteers assist students in grades K-12 with their homework and studies. HHC volunteers are not tutors, nor should they represent themselves as tutors or prescribe courses of action for students outside of visiting the HHC.
Reports to: Homework Help Center Coordinator
Responsibilities:
- Answer questions related to homework assignments.
- Review homework papers, looking for errors and ways for the students to easily improve their assignments. Point out information that is incorrect or missing.
- Teach students to use reference materials.
- Model and reinforce literacy skills and good basic study skills.
- Support the education and enrichment of the students by organizing and implementing supplementary materials for student use, assisting with projects, providing computer support, and related tasks, as requested by the Homework Help Center Coordinator.
Position Requires:
- Advanced literacy skills
- Knowledge of elementary, middle school-level and high school math, science, social studies, etc.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to respond appropriately to customers while establishing a good rapport.
- Willingness to work with students on any subject.
- Ability to work with several students at a time.
- Adaptable to helping students using the methods currently taught by the schools.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to use a personal computer.
Special Requirements: Volunteers in this position should be excellent communicators, be comfortable working with youth ages 5-17, and demonstrate patience and concern for students and their educational needs.
Time Involvement: The Homework Help Centers are open Monday-Thursday during the school year, from 2:30-6:30 p.m. at Pickerington Main Library, and from 2:30-6:00 p.m. at Sycamore Plaza Library. Volunteers are asked to commit to a regular weekly schedule of between 3- 6 hours/week depending on volunteer’s availability and library needs. To ensure adequate staffing during HHC hours, we ask that HHC volunteers honor their voluntary commitment and give at least two weeks’ notice when leaving the volunteer position permanently. Vacations, illnesses, etc. are expected and will be accommodated.
Training: Volunteers will receive an orientation to the HHC and more detailed training with the Homework Help Center Coordinator.
Summer Reading
Summer Reading volunteers assist Summer Reading participants with registration, tracking progress, and prizes.
Reports to: Youth Services staff
Responsibilities:
- Describe summer reading activities to children
- Register participants for the program
- Help participants track their hours
- Distribute prizes to participants
Special Requirements:
- Ability to work well with groups of children, parents, staff, and other volunteers
- Experience entering information into a computer
- Ability to follow directions
- Ability to give clear directions to participants
- Ability to attend training at beginning of the summer
Time Involvement: 2-hour shifts; typically 2-6 hours per week during the summer.
Training: Volunteers must attend a training at the beginning of each summer that they plan to volunteer.
