A VOLUNTEER is a person who is a light to others, giving witness in a mixed-up age, doing well and willingly the tasks at hand-namely, being aware of another's needs and doing something about it.

 

 

“Be of service. Whether you make yourself available to a friend or co-worker, or you make time every month to do volunteer work, there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone in need.”
- Gillian Anderson



 

"Volunteer—not so you can build your resume, but so you can build yourself."
-Anonymous

 

 

“Volunteer activities can foster enormous leadership skills. The non professional volunteer world is a laboratory for self-realization.”
-Mae West

 

 

 

“The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.”
-B.B.King

 

 

  Volunteer at the Library

We're thankful for all our wonderful volunteers.

Committed, enthusiastic people help maintain and strengthen the high levels of service our patrons expect and deserve.

Volunteers are selected for a specific job placement based on availability of the job, their qualifications and interests.

The library also welcomes senior-high school and college students who need service learning hours, who are considering a career in library sciences, or who want a feel for the job world. We're a great place to gain valuable work experience.

There are times when more applications are submitted than we have openings to fill. Check with us periodically to see what opportunities are available.

Here are a few of the volunteer opportunities at the James V. Brown Library:

If you like - Teaching - You Might Want To Be a:


SeniorNet Instructor
Provide basic computer instruction to adults over age 50, based on a set curriculum, with training on both thecurriculum and software. Class size 8-10 students.

SeniorNet Coach
Coaches provide individual help to the Instructor and students in the SeniorNet classes.

Literacy Tutor
Provide weekly one-on-one tutoring for adult learners who want to improve their basic reading, writing, math, and everyday living skills. In service training and staff support are provided.

 

If you like - Board Membership - You Might Want To Be a:

Friend of the Library
Help to preserve and strengthen the library, and to create awareness and appreciation of library services through publicity, fundraising and advocacy programs. The Friends sponsor book review luncheons, book sales, author events, exhibits and other activities. Must be willing to commit to three years of service.

SeniorNet Advisory Board Member
Help to manage the SeniorNet Learning Center program establishing the training agenda, promoting the program, recruiting and training volunteers, and establishing fees and planning for the long term continuation of the program. Must be over 50 years of age, and willing to commit to one year of service.

If you like - People and Computers - You Might Want To Be a:

Library Services Desk Assistant
Assist patrons with word processing, the Internet, and network databases, also help to locate magazines and newspapers, and to use and copy microfilm. Especially needed during evenings and weekends, and during the summer months.

If you like - Books & People - You Might Want To Be a:

Weekly Reader
Provide a vital link to the library by reading to homebound, convalescent and retirement home residents or disabled persons on a regular basis.


BRAVO Volunteer
Select, check out, and deliver books to individuals who can no longer come to the library because of health or transportation limitations.

If you like - Books - You Might Want To Be a:

Adopt-A-Shelf (Bookshelf Monitor)
Keep the materials in your favorite section of the library in shipshape order so that you and others can locate items quickly and easily. This is an excellent opportunity for a family as well as individuals.

Bookmobile Assistant
Check the computer for requests, and pull books and audiocassettes from library shelves to hold for patrons of the Bookmobile.

If you like - Behind the Scenes - You Might Want To Be a:

Mailing and PR Assistant
Help to fold, stuff envelopes, apply labels and sort newsletters, brochures and other publications for mailing. Must be flexible with the willingness to be "on call."

Technical Services Assistant
Perform a variety of tasks, including typing labels, pockets, applying covers, taping videocassette cases, processing paperbacks, and other duties to place new items in the library collection.

Recycling Coordinator
Pack and remove discarded newspapers and magazines from periodical stacks at the end of each month and take to a recycling center.

House & Grounds Keeper
Dust shelving and furniture, sweep stairways and sidewalks, and provide basic lawn care and landscaping assistance in and outside the library building.

If you like - Children - You Might Want To Be a:

Get Ready, Get Set, Read! Storytime Presenter
Visit child care center or home child care sites each month to present storytimes using Brown Library theme kits. A one-year time commitment is requested, training is offered, and one to two visits each month are scheduled.

Circulation Desk Assistant
Assist the Youth Services staff with checking in, sorting, shelving and displaying items in the children's and teens areas.

Family Place Assistant/Art Activity
Assist in preparing and implementing the Parent/Child workshops in the Family Place Room. Willingness to work with children ages 1-3.

Youth Services Program Assistant
Help the Youth Services Staff in providing necessary materials for programs, from copying program materials, preparing craft materials, upgrading story boxes, assisting in compiling program statistics, making popcorn or showing videos.

Youth Services Tour Guide
Make contact with groups, schools and organizations who have expressed an interest in a tour of the library for children, schedule a tour and a story or two in a fun format. Must have an interest in the library, its history, and patience with small children, and flexibility to schedule.

Volunteer Tutor
Meet with a student at a mutually convenient time to provide one-on-one assistance for children who want to improve in school related subjects.

Youth Services Collection Development Assistant
Read reviews of new materials, search databases for new materials, and complete paperwork to select materials for the children's and teen collection.

If you like - Young Adults - You Might Want To Be a:

Teen Advisory Board Member
Work with the library staff and administration to develop and evaluate the young adult collection, as well as create, plan, implement and evaluate programs for the teenage library patron. Must be between 12-19 years old.

Young Adult Book/Music/Film Reviewer
Looking for someone who enjoys reading books, viewing videos, and listening to music and feels they can constructively review materials in a way that will help patrons find materials that would be recommended for children or teens.

If you like - Videos - You Might Want To Be a:

Video Check In/Shelving Assistant
Check in  DVDs, prepare for shelving, and replace on shelf in alphabetical or Dewey Decimal order.

For a full volunteer description for any of these positions or to discuss your own idea about how your talents could help us please contact any member of the library staff.

 

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James V. Brown Library
19 East Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA 17701      Phone: 570-326-0536
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