Volunteer

As a Book Wrangler, you will improve library experiences by making sure that all materials are in their designated spot. This position has flexible hours and is available at all seven locations.

Fill out an interest form to speak with someone about this opportunity.

Responsibilities:

• Organize and shelve items
• Mend items using our provided supplies
• Use disc-cleaning machine
• Assist with shelf-reading the collection

• A positive attitude
• Ability to alphabetize
• Ability to bend, scoop, lift, stand for extended periods of time and push a loaded book cart (thought not all at once!)
• Familiarity with the Dewey Decimal System of organization

We are looking for students, professionals and residents in the Arlington area to lead tutoring sessions, conversation circles, and support adults enrolled in our adult education programs.

All tutors participate in an orientation to acquaint them with the program philosophy and structure. We are committed to providing ongoing support for our volunteers.

Fill out an interest form to speak with someone about this opportunity.

• Commitment to a specific time slot each week, through the end of a specific term.
• Passion for lifelong learning and commitment to helping a person grow
• Resilient dedication, great patience, and the ability to have FUN!
• Previous tutoring experience is not necessary

Change a life! As a Tech Wizard, you will share your technology skills with a variety of library users. You can assist with a computer class, guide library patrons on the internet, download audiobooks or show users how to use equipment in the maker space. Help bridge the digital divide in our community!

Fill out an interest form to speak with someone about this opportunity. 

There are opportunities for anyone interested in helping people learn, regardless of experience teaching or with technology. Responsibilities may include:

• Teach classes in one of our computer labs or Youth Technology Centers.
• Give presentations on new social media and technology trends.
• Provide one on one help to patrons using the library’s public computer centers.
• Create help guides for computer users.

Required Skills:

• Lots of patience.
• Working knowledge of computers, the Internet, e-mail, Microsoft Office, social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, downloadable audiobooks and eBooks as well as many other current and upcoming technologies (training will be provided).
• Good presentation skills
• Ability to communicate with a variety of users one-on-one or in groups.
• A positive attitude, friendly, courteous and enthusiastic
• Ability to make a minimum commitment of 2-3 hours per week for a period of at least 3 months. Weekend and evening shifts are available.

Are you a bookworm, actor AND a volunteer? Prove it by volunteering to serve as our library mascot, Read! Read loves to go out to elementary and middle schools, community events, and library programs to share his love of books and inspire kids to read.

Sign Up as an Actor on our city’s volunteer page.

Responsibilities:

Wear the READ costume at attend community events.

• A pageant-like wave.
• Excellent dance moves.
• A positive and playful attitude.
• A toleration of heat, and ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Availability during the evenings and on weekends is a plus.

Books on Wheels Drivers deliver books and other material to senior residences, whether a single family home, assisted living facility or senior living apartment complex.

Reading or listening to books for recreation and information is therapeutic for seniors because it can engage and stimulate the mind, evoke pleasant memories, and introduce new ideas for discussion with others. Invest a couple of hours twice a month to make a real difference in someone’s life!

Sign Up to be a Books on Wheels Driver on our city’s volunteer page.

Responsibilities

• Have your own transportation
• Be willing to drive a short route twice a month to deliver library materials

• Drivers license in good standing
• Friendly
• Timely

Do you have experience digging up your family tree? Want to share your knowledge? Assist customers with genealogical quests and local history projects by being a Heritage Sleuth.

Fill out an interest form to speak with someone about this opportunity. 

Responsibilities:

• Assist others in researching their family histories

• Pass along your research techniques to others

• Assist with digitizing/recording local historical information (oral history, photographs, etc.)

• Experience with genealogy resources in print and online
• Computer skills
• Willingness to help and teach others
• Ability to make a minimum commitment of 2 hrs/wk for at least a 3 month period.

Do you need an internship for college? Do you have a special skill you can share with the library? Arlington Public Library currently hosts college internships and practicum assignments.

Examples include:

• Technical Services digitization projects.

• General Reference/Customer Service for adults and children

• Special projects on demand.

• Got a better idea? Run it past us, and we will determine if it is a good fit.

• A smile!
• Must be currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program.
• Friendly demeanor and ability to get along with a diverse group of people.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Lots of patience.
• A strong grasp of computers, the Internet, e-mail, Microsoft Office, social networking sites such as facebook and twitter, photo editing and hosting sites, downloadable audiobooks and ebooks as well as many other current and upcoming technologies.
• Ability to communicate with others.
• A positive attitude and ability to get along with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to make a minimum commitment of 2-3 hours per week for a period of at least 3 months.

• Contact the volunteer coordinator to set up a meeting with administrators.
• Indicate a position that interests you. After application processing, an interview will be arranged to match your interest and availability with the positions open. Please bring a resume and all university required documents to the meeting. If selected for this position, training will be provided and a staff member will always be close at hand to offer assistance.

Working side-by-side with staff with the setup, implementation, and cleanup of library programs.

Fill out an interest form to speak with someone about this opportunity.

• A Smile!
• A love for children and reading.
• Creativity.
• A positive attitude and ability to get along with a diverse group of people.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Friendly, welcoming demeanor
• Knowledge of languages other than English is helpful, but not required.

As a Program Helper, you will work side-by-side with our staff to help set up and assist events, special projects and programs.

Fill out an interest form to speak with someone about this opportunity.

• Meet and greet members of the community while attending library programs and community events.
• Provide general information about library services, programs and materials.
• Assist with special projects such as fundraising and marketing assignments.  
• Assist with the setup, implementation, and cleanup of library programs.
• Take pictures of the community’s experience.

• A Smile!
• A positive attitude.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Friendly, welcoming demeanor and ability to get along with a diverse group of people