Volunteer at the Library

Volunteers are vital to the library's success; their work helps keep the library running smoothly and efficiently.  Many of the hundreds of items we check in and shelve each day are handled by volunteers. We're looking for people age 14 and over who can make a regular commitment to shelve library materials, keep shelves organized, and participate in occasional special projects. Temporary projects may also be available for persons age 12 and up (parent authorization required for all minors).

 We aim to make your gift of time and talent a rewarding experience through the following goals:

• To recognize each volunteer’s efforts through expressions of appreciation.
• To provide opportunities for volunteers to learn as much as possible about the organization’s policies and programs.
• To place each volunteer in a position best utilizing their skills and in which they are most comfortable.
• To provide opportunity for growth and greater responsibility with helpful training and guidance.

For further information, please call Sylvia at the library at (541) 523-6419.

Becoming a Volunteer

APPLYING 

All volunteers must apply for a volunteer position through an application and interview process. Your training and job schedule will be based on the opportunities available as well as your interests and availability.

DUTIES

Shelving materials is the primary job for our volunteers. Other ongoing work includes book or media processing, mending or cleaning, shelf reading, retrieving patron holds, edging and straightening shelves, assisting with inventory projects, and other important library-related tasks. If you are interested in any of these areas specifically, please mark it on your Volunteer Application and let the Volunteer Specialist know during your interview. Occasionally, a special program or project requires the help of volunteers, and we keep a list of those willing to be called as needed.

To apply to volunteer at the library please download and fill out our Volunteer Application [see above]. 

Return it to the library and one of our Volunteer Specialists will contact you soon.

Expectations

In many ways, volunteers are like staff members. We expect that you will work in a manner that reflects positively on our library. As a representative of the library, you should work steadily and in a respectful manner.  Please see our Volunteer Policy for more details of expectations.

Physical Requirements

We require that volunteers have the physical requirements necessary to properly complete tasks without staff assistance. These may include bending, squatting, reaching, pushing a cart filled with books and lifting 40 pound courier bags. If you have vision that requires eyeglasses or contact lenses, we ask that you wear these while working at the library. Please inform the Volunteer Specialist if you cannot meet these requirements.