Make a difference at your Library!
Volunteers are a welcome and integral part of our library. They help us to offer the very best services to our community. Come and be a part of the Library Team!
The Volunteer Program at the Woodstock Public Library includes senior citizens, students, and professional people. All you need to join is time, interest, and enthusiasm! Volunteer shifts can be made to accommodate your schedule and time availability. Suggested commitments are for 2-3 months; ongoing or seasonal commitments welcome.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Book Barn Sorting and Sales
- Community Service
- Gardeners
- Homebound Materials Delivery
- Programs Assistant
- Technology/Computer Helper
Expectations of all Library Volunteers:
- Willingness to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to get along with fellow employees and patrons.
- Appropriate dress and personal hygiene.
- Judgement to refer complicated questions to staff.
- Accuracy, patience, and a tolerance while assisting patrons.
- Ability to communicate in a tactful, courteous, and pleasant manner with library staff and patrons.
- Respect for patron privacy as they use the library and its services.
How to get involved:
- Print the Volunteer Policy and Application and drop off your completed application at the Library
- Stop by the Circulation Desk for a volunteer application
Volunteer Job Descriptions
These are the general duties of the jobs for which we need Library Volunteers.
Book Barn Sorting and Sales
Job duties:
- Work under the guidance of Head of Book Barn through the Friends of the Library
- Moving, sorting, pricing, and display of donated materials
Requirements:
- Ability to work with others.
- Interest in processing donations.
Physical Requirements:
- Moving boxes of materials, book carts, could involve moving tables.
Community Service Volunteer
Community Service Volunteers complete a range of short-term projects including substituting for absent volunteers in a variety of departments as well as performing cleaning projects throughout the library. These projects are extremely valuable to our organization and help enhance the library atmosphere for our patrons.
This is for either school or court-ordered community service requirements. Special projects can also be assigned or other volunteer duties can be provided to match interest and abilities.
Job duties:
- Cleaning computer stations in the Adult and Youth Services areas.
- Dusting library shelves.
- Pulling the spines of all books neatly to the edge of the shelf so that they can be easily read by patrons.
- Books that are out of order or lying on shelves and tables can be collected checked in at front desk.
- Book Cleaning in our Youth Services Department.
Requirements:
- Be on time and committed to the program.
- Maintaining set schedule and keeping track of time spent volunteering with Time Sheets.
Gardeners
Job duties:
- Responsible for maintaining and upkeep of Library Gardens.
Requirements:
- Interest and some knowledge of gardening.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to garden; stooping, weeding, and watering.
Homebound Materials Delivery
Job duties:
- Responsible for getting materials to and from patrons unable to make the trip to the library.
Requirements:
- Transportation will make it easier for you to deliver materials to those in need.
- Trustworthiness and a caring attitude.
- Be reachable on an as-needed basis or delivery schedule.
Physical requirements:
- Carrying materials.
Programs Assistant
Job duties:
- Responsible for helping Library Staff and Friends of the Library set up and breakdown programs for Adults or Children.
Requirements:
- Moving chairs, tables, A/V equipment as needed for specific program.
- Follow directions for room set up and breakdown.
Physical Requirements:
- Walking, carrying chairs, carrying equipment, moving tables, setting up displays, lifting.
Hours:
- Reliability and promptness important when coordinating volunteer schedule and program schedule. Programs may be after regular library hours. Volunteers expected to show up before and remain until after program if required. Contacting supervisor with schedule changes is of utmost importance.
Technology /Computer Helper
Job duties:
- Responsible for assisting patrons with computers and devices.
Requirements:
- Understanding of computer basics (library computers are Windows 7), Internet, email, completing on-line applications, and basic Office applications.
- Library catalog, computer reservation and printing management system, eBook & eAudiobook borrowing training provided by library.
- Additional knowledge of Mac, tablet, and smartphone applications a plus.
- Ability to understand and follow directions.
- Accuracy, patience, and a tolerance while assisting patrons.
- The ability to communicate in a tactful, courteous, and pleasant manner with library staff and patrons.
- Ability to refer complicated questions to staff.
- Must be able to work under busy conditions which may cause stress.
Physical Requirements:
- Stooping, walking, repetitive motions, computer use.
Hours:
- Technology / Computer Helpers are expected to maintain a regular schedule, and to call in or otherwise notify Volunteer Coordinator if they cannot be in. Because certain training and promotion of services will be provided by the library at least 3 month commitment is expected.