Adult Volunteer Criteria:

• Able to pass a criminal background check (age 18+)
• Looking for an on-going opportunity lasting 3 months or longer
• Able to commit to an on-going schedule (weekly/monthly) of 2-6 hours per week
• Be a Pickerington Public Library cardholder
• Attend orientation

Volunteer Recognition: Volunteens/Volunteers that have volunteered 100 hours or more hours or have volunteered on a consistently regular basis may request a letter of recommendation. Regular basis would be volunteering for HHC, special projects, or more than 4 months. Volunteers that volunteer on a regular basis will be invited to attend the library volunteer recognition program. Volunteering can also count toward service credit for school/community organizations.

Pickerington Public Library has volunteen programs during the school year and the summer for teens who want to give back to their community and earn service hours. If you are currently a Volunteen, please contact Lauren Edmonds about volunteering opportunities.

Eligibility: Volunteens must be at least 12 years old or entering grades 7-12.

Volunteen Criteria:

• Age 12 and up or in grades 7-12
• Looking for an on-going opportunity lasting 3 months or longer
• Able to commit to an on-going schedule (weekly/monthly) of 2-6 hours per week
• Be a Pickerington Public Library cardholder
• Attend orientation

School Year Volunteens, typical activities include:

• Assisting with special projects and events
• Assisting in the Homework Help Center
• Outreach

Summer Volunteens, typical activities include:

• Assisting with Summer Reading
• Assisting with special projects
• Outreach

Volunteen Orientation In order to volunteer, volunteens must attend an orientation session before scheduling service hours. Check the library calendar for specific dates and times.

Volunteen Recognition Volunteens that have volunteered 100 hours or more hours or have volunteered on a consistently regular basis may request a letter of recommendation. A regular basis would be volunteering for HHC, special projects, or more than 4 months. Volunteers that volunteer on a regular basis will be invited to attend the library volunteer recognition program. Volunteering can also count toward service credit for school/community organizations.

The library is a certifying organization of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Volunteers that meet the criteria and eligibility will be recognized with a President’s Volunteer Service Award; teens 50+ hours, adults 100+ hours, groups 200+ hours. As of December 2019, the library also provides an annual service award scholarship for teen volunteers.

THE APPLICATION WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON

Current library teen volunteers with a minimum of 25 service hours over the last year or 50 service hours over the last two years are eligible and encouraged to apply.

The submission deadline for consideration is January 31 of each year, beginning January 31, 2020. The scholarship application form is available online or for free printing at either library location. Instructions for submission are included with the application.

This service award is funded through an anonymous private donation made by two Violet Township residents.  Award winners will be selected by the Pickerington Public Library Fund and Fundraising committee. A total of $1,500 will be available each year for one or more selected applicants with a minimum of $500 awarded per applicant. For more information, please see the December 2019 press release announcing the new initiative.

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.

Immediate Supervisor: 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 patrons 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 a library tour and volunteer orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers will receive an orientation to the HHC and more detailed training with the Homework Help Center Coordinator.

Volunteer for Classes and Special Events

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.

Immediate Supervisor:  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 staff information tables or 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.