Volunteers are an important part of Curtis Memorial Library’s service to patrons.  Volunteers give their time and diverse talents to support professional staff, and perform a wide variety of tasks.  Some volunteer opportunities include shelving books, gardening,  sending out mailings, working on the newsletter and helping children with homework.  In 2008, over 300 adult and youth volunteers contributed 7700 hours of service to the library.

How to Volunteer

If you are 12 years or older you may apply to be a volunteer at CML, by contacting Pamela Bobker, the Volunteer Coordinator, at 725-5242 X237 or pbobker@curtislibrary.com.  After you complete a volunteer application, an interview will be scheduled, discussing time commitments, skills and interests.

Minors must have parental/guardian permission. A variety of short-term and on-going projects are available.  An average volunteer commitment is two hours a week for a six month period.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Acquire new skills and gain work experience
• Expand your social horizons
• Keep up with the latest books
• Help, and be appreciated for it!

Volunteer Opportunities

Weekly/Ongoing

Book Movers: Move book sale books from library to warehouse each week.  Must have personal transportation options and the ability to move boxes of books.  Time commitment:  2 hour/week.

Lobby Greeter: Man the volunteer information station during busy times at the library, to greet patrons and answer questions.  Time commitment:  2 hours/week.  Training provided.

Newsletter Volunteer: Assist in the production of the library newsletter by writing articles, proofreading and editing.

Outreach Volunteer: Deliver library materials to, visit with and read to homebound individuals in the community.    Time commitment: 1 – 3 hours/month.

Shelver: Shelve materials such as books, DVDs, magazines and CDs.    Time commitment:  2 hours/week.  Training provided.

Special Events Coordinator: Plan for special events for the library, such as social events, fundraisers or speakers.  Must be highly organized and willing to work with people of varying ages.  Good leadership and planning skills needed.

Seasonal

Exterior Painter: Help prime and paint Children’s Garden fence in Spring.  Required:  exterior painting experience, attention to detail, ability to work as a team member, strong arms, hands, back.  Time commitment:  one weekend morning or afternoon/year.

Fireplace Tender: On winter Sunday afternoons  tend the fire in the 1904 Fireplace Room.  Patrons enjoy a cozy place to read a book or have quiet conversation.  Time commitment:  12:45pm to 3pm, once a month. December – March.  Training provided.

Gardener: Perform seasonal garden work around the library grounds — pulling weeds, raking, trimming.  April – October.

Homework Helper: Help children with schoolwork at the homework drop in program.  Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during the school year.  Time commitment:  2 hour/week.

Monarch Butterfly Docent: Assist the Cornerstones of Science Director in caring for the Monarch butterflies during their entire life cycle.  Duties include cleaning the enclosure, feeding the caterpillars, assisting with wing-tagging and release of adult monarchs, and educate children and adults about the monarchs.  Time commitment:  July – September ?? Training session required.

Mural Mover: Help move and install eight butterfly mural panels from storage to he Children’s Garden fence in April; then remove, clean and store in October.  Each of the mural panels measures 4′ X 8′ and requires stong back and hands, knowledge of tools and ability to work in teams.

Book Sales: June Book Sale and November Children’s Book Sale - (more info on Book Sales)

• Sales:  Work the day of books sale.  Work as a cashier, keep books organized on tables, help customers.  No experience necessary.

On-Call

Mailings: Prepare, stuff and seal announcements to be mailed out to communit members.  As needed basis 1 -2 hours/mailing.