Volunteer
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If you can serve a few hours each week in your local branch or the Main Library downtown, your contribution will help maintain library operations. Library volunteer service offers a social experience, exercise, and a valuable chance to contribute!

When you volunteer at the Library you:
  • Provide valuable assistance
  • Learn more about your Library
  • Gain meaningful experience
  • Meet new people
  • Make a difference in your community.

Contact Us
Phone: 574-282 - 4646
Contact: Sigrid Schuchard & Frances Walters

Complete an application on the 3rd Floor-Main Library, Reception Area, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Two references are needed.

Volunteer Application (pdf)

A Complete Listing of Volunteer Opportunities at SJCPL! (pdf)

Current Positions

Homebound Delivery

Branch: Main Library

Department: Literacy & Outreach Services

Time Involvement: Varies, usually 2-4 hours once or twice per week

Position Summary: Deliver library materials to patrons and/or nursing homes.

Qualifications:
  • Have own personal transportation
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • To be able to lift heavy library materials (up to 25 lbs)
  • Must be able to deliver to at least one client per month
  • To have good verbal communication skills
  • To have good eyesight and hearing
  • To have excellent customer service attitude and manner
  • To establish and maintain good relations with library clients
  • To work with library clients of any age
  • Be at least 18 years old to volunteer

Drug Testing and Criminal History Record check are required as a condition of being a SJCPL Homebound volunteer Any offer of Homebound volunteerism for the Library is subject to the applicant passing a Drug-screening Test and Criminal History Record Check.


Local & Family History

Branch: Main Library

Department: Local & Family History

Time Involvement: Varies, usually 2-4 hours once or twice per week

Possible Projects: Volunteers typically work on one or two projects at a time, based on the department’s needs and the volunteer’s interests and abilities.
  • Shelf-read books and assist with reshelving
  • Photocopy fragile newspaper clippings and then file copies in new filing system
  • Assist with withdrawing items
  • Rebox and relabel damaged historic microfilm boxes
  • Scan historic books for online projects
  • Create an index to a local periodical publication such as a newsletter or newspaper
  • Assist with research to help genealogists and historians from around the world
  • Other projects as available.

Qualifications:
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
  • Ability to stand, bend, stoop or to sit for extended periods
  • Ability to read regular size print and have manual dexterity
  • Ability to use the following office equipment: stapler, scissors, typewriter, photocopier (computers, scanners, microfilm readers and printers are nice but not necessary)
  • Ability to be accurate and detail oriented
  • Ability to perform data entry (typing using keyboard)
  • Knowledge of and comfort with computers (using mice and clicking, opening and using any software)

Special Volunteer Requests for Local & Family History:
  • Volunteer to photocopy fragile newspaper clippings for preservation purposes and to type labels for the documents. Requires ability to stand at photocopy machine, type on a typewriter, and keep papers in order. No computer skills needed. (1 or more needed)

  • Volunteer to verify the contents of some historic microfilm and create new boxes and labels for them. Requires patience, great attention to detail, ability or willingness to use Microsoft Word, and ability or willingness to use microfilm readers. (1 or more needed)

  • Volunteer to transfer a handwritten index (of historical society publications) onto the computer. Requires patience, great attention to detail, and familiarity with Microsoft Excel. (1 needed)


Complete an application at SJCPL’s Main Library, available in Local & Family History Services on the 2nd Floor or in the Administration Office on the 3rd floor. Contact information for two references is required.