Volunteer

Do you dream of being surrounded by books?

Raised hands in varying colors of the rainbow appear above the word Volunteer.

Have a few extra hours per week? Explore whether Schlow has a volunteer opportunity that is right for you!

Open volunteer positions include: Book return room

Who can apply to be a Schlow volunteer?

All applicants must be at least 16 years old, and those under 18 must submit a parent/guardian consent form.

Summer Reading Volunteers: There are special volunteer opportunities for children ages 13-16 during our Summer Reading Program. These positions are limited and are offered on a first come, first serve basis.  

May I apply if I need to do some community service hours?

If you need to do 20 or more hours of community service and your hours are not court-mandated, please contact Schlow's Volunteer Coordinator first using our Contact form to find out whether we will be able to assist you.

How do I apply to be a volunteer?

  1. Get started on background checks

    Applicants 18 years of age and older must submit 2 required background checks.

  2. Complete the Volunteer Application

    Please fill out our online Volunteer sign up form if you are 18 and up.

    Online Volunteer Sign up form (18 and up)

     

    If you are under 18 or prefer paper forms, then please print a Volunteer application or pick one up at any service desk. Complete it and turn it in at any service desk for Schlow's Volunteer Coordinator to review.

    Printable Volunteer application (under 18)

  3. Wait to hear from Schlow's Volunteer Coordinator

    After reviewing your application, our Volunteer Coordinator will determine if we have any open spots that match your interests and skills. This review may take a few weeks, so please be patient if you do not get an email response right away.

What types of volunteer opportunities does Schlow offer?

Book Return Room

  • Check in books and other library materials using library computer system
  • Sort Schlow Library materials and place them on appropriate carts in a specified order
  • Identify and check in materials that will be shipped to other libraries
  • Identify and check in Interlibrary Loan materials
  • Identify materials that are on request for Schlow patrons

Job requirements: strong attention to detail and accuracy; ability to stand, lift, bend, and stoop for extended periods; ability to work alone in an enclosed space with no windows; ability to handle a fast work pace.

Children’s Department Assistant

  • Shelve books and other library materials
  • Pull books and other materials for displays
  • Assist with occasional art and craft projects
  • Pick up, straighten, and otherwise keep the department areas neat

Job requirements: good vision; strong attention to detail and accuracy; ability to stand, lift, bend, and stoop for extended periods; ability to push moderately heavy book carts; ability to work in an often noisy, hectic atmosphere where there are young children; familiarity with the Dewey Decimal system is a plus.

Adopt a Shelf

  • Shelf-read an assigned area of books or other materials
  • Correctly re-shelve any misplaced items, pull items for end-of-shelf display, and generally keep the assigned area neat and organized
  • Regular hours not required: volunteers may choose any time the Library is open to come in and work on their assigned area, usually once a week
  • Volunteers may choose to Adopt a Shelf in either the Adult Department or the Children’s Department

Job requirements: good vision; strong attention to detail and accuracy; ability to work independently; ability to stand, lift, bend, and stoop for extended periods; familiarity with the Dewey Decimal system a plus.

Adult Department Assistant

  • Shelve books and other library materials
  • Clean CDs and DVDs using an automatic cleaning device
  • Clean books and perform minor repair
  • Pick up, straighten and otherwise keep the department areas neat

Job requirements: good vision; strong attention to detail and accuracy; ability to work independently; some tasks require standing, lifting, bending, or stooping for extended periods; some tasks require manual dexterity; some tasks require computer or other library skills.

Technical Services Assistant

  • Process new materials for circulation (labeling, barcoding, covering, etc.).

Job requirements: excellent vision; strong attention to detail and accuracy; manual dexterity; ability to work independently.