You are invited to join the Lafayette Library and Learning Center’s elite corps of dedicated volunteers! By sharing your time and talent with us, you can make a big difference in the quality of library service in your community.

You will be able to…

• Acquire new skills and gain recognized work experience
• Expand your social horizons
• Serve in your own neighborhood
• Keep up with the latest books
• Help, and be appreciated for it 
• Brag that you volunteer for our new Library, considered a "national model" for libraries of the future!

Our volunteers range in age from 12 to 90. Some do short-term projects, and some stay for years! We welcome your gift of time and talents, whatever it may be.

LIBRARY OPERATIONS

Help the Lafayette Library & Learning Center with a variety of services including processing and displaying materials, assisting with special projects, and completing various clerical assignments.

Administrative Support Volunteer

Examples of Duties

Check in returned material; assist with opening and closing the library; sort and shelve books; assist with filing; post community information on library bulletin boards and maintain "giveaway" sections in library; help find and retrieve materials requested for patrons from other libraries (Router list); prepare new patron information packets; help process new books, newspapers and magazines; repair damaged books; assist with surveys; perform additional tasks as needed.

Qualifications and Skills

Must be able to follow oral and written instructions and have the ability to use alphabetical and numerical filing systems.  Must be able to interact in a pleasant manner with staff; must possess ability to use office equipment; prior secretarial or administrative assistance helpful but not required.

Time Commitment

Volunteer is needed for a minimum of  two hours per week, six consecutive months.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

LLLC Volunteer Coordinator

The LLLC Volunteer Coordinator works in cooperation with the Senior Community Library Manager, the LLLC Program Director and the Contra Costa County Library's Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, interview, train and coordinate a large number of volunteers who will assist staff as requested.

Examples of Duties

Assist with outreach and publicity to recruit volunteers from within the community; interview prospective volunteers for positions identified by the Senior Community Library Manager, and the Program Director; match prospective volunteer's interests and time availability as closely as possible with current library needs; notify volunteer of acceptance or declination into the Volunteer Program and schedule training and orientation sessions; assist with training as needed; maintain library volunteer file: submit original copy of "Volunteer Application" form to Volunteer Coordinator, Library Administration; keep photo copy of "Volunteer Application" on file at library; schedule volunteers for service; follow-up with volunteers who fail to show for assignment; on a monthly basis, add volunteer hours and forward volunteer timecards to Library Manager, and then to the Library Volunteer Coordinator, Library Administration; assist with volunteer recognition events.

Qualifications and Skills

Ability to interview prospective volunteers and determine appropriateness for library volunteer position(s); ability to match prospective volunteer's interests and time availability as closely as possible with current library needs; ability to train new volunteers and to provide scheduling and follow-up; ability to work with staff and volunteers.

Time Commitment

Six-month commitment and approximately two hours per week, depending upon need.  The Volunteer Coordinator may work evenings or weekends as needed.

Training

The Contra Costa County Library Volunteer Coordinator and the Senior Community Library Manager will provide training and orientation.

Public Relations Specialist

Provide or assist in providing public relations and community support services to the Library.

Examples of Duties

Take photos at library events; help create flyers for the library or volunteer program; write press releases; act as liaison between library and local schools, organizations and businesses; develop speakers bureau to speak about the library and its resources; speak about library resources at community forums and meetings; assist with open house and library tours; assist with room arrangements and hospitality at programs.

Qualifications and Skills

Under the direction and training of library staff, the public relations volunteer must present him/herself in a professional manner and ideally, possesses prior public speaking experience.  Volunteers who create newsletters or are tour docents, school liaisons and volunteer photographers must possess appropriate skills corresponding to the identified duties.

Working Conditions

Volunteer(s) will be assigned to work at various functions in the library or will make presentations at assigned meetings or forums which may take place in the library or in the community at large.

Time Commitment

Hours will vary depending upon the assignment.  A minimum six-month commitment is requested.

Art/Display Designer

Coordinate or create art displays, library display case, and/or library bulletin board(s).

Examples of Duties

Work with library personnel to create book and other displays in children, young adult or adult areas; recruit and schedule exhibits in library display cases or other appropriate areas.

Qualifications and Skills

It would be a plus to have appropriate prior experience or skill in designing and creating displays; ability to recruit displays from community organizations or establishments; ability to communicate and work well with staff. 

Working Conditions

May include lifting of materials and standing on stool to create bulletin boards.  Volunteer must adhere to library policies regarding exhibits and displays.   

Time Commitment

Weekly commitment will vary dependent upon the Library’s needs; six consecutive month commitments is requested.

School Outreach/Library Ambassador Volunteers 

Each Library Ambassador will act as a liaison between the Library and one or more local schools with the purpose of increasing communication between the two entities and enhancing services or programs offered by the library.

Examples of Duties

Work with schools regarding library reading programs; assist in developing Homework Help or other tutoring programs; assist the Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation (LASF) with annual Art of the Book program, science fairs and history walking tours; attend PTA meetings, Back-to-School nights or other school functions and report to library about activities; develop and maintain lines of communication between teachers and librarians regarding school assignments that will impact library resources; distribute flyers about library programs and other library information to schools; assist with the development of a book delivery program: doing book talks to students in the classrooms and having books available for checkout at that time (as professional staff time allows to assist in coordination.)

Qualifications and Skills

Ability to develop lines of communication with local school personnel or PTA's to obtain information regarding school assignments; ability to assess additional means of support the library can provide the schools; must be able to work well with staff and school personnel; knowledge of local school personnel helpful but not required.

Working Conditions

Volunteer work will be conducted at the library and local schools. This position may involve attending school and library meetings.  Some work can be done at home, i.e. telephone and email communications.

Time Commitment

An average of two hours per month, nine-month commitment is desired.

Teen Outreach Volunteer (Teens 13 – 18)

Under the direction of the Teen Services Librarian, help design and implement teen programs and participate in teen library activities.

Examples of Duties

Attend Back-to-School nights or other school functions and report to library about teen activities; participate in the Library’s Teen Advisory Group (TAG); assist with annual poetry slam to showcase the poetry of local elementary and secondary school students, to complement the local California Poets in the Schools program; work as a Homework Center tutor; assist in the annual Summer Reading Program.

Qualifications and Skills

Ability to develop lines of communication with local school personnel to obtain information regarding teen activities; must be able to work well with staff, school staff and teens. 

Working Conditions

Volunteer work will be conducted at the library and local schools.  This position may involve attending school functions and library meetings.  Some work can be done at home, i.e. telephone and email communications.

Time Commitment

An average of two hours per week, nine-month commitment desired.

Story Time Assistant

Volunteer will assists library staff and other programmers at library programs and events.

Examples of Duties

Welcomes patrons to programs; assists in preparing for programs and crafts; collects and records attendance figures; provides library and program information; distributes literature and handouts; assists in maintaining an orderly and welcoming environment; helps lead group activities; assist with clean-up at completion of the program; represents the Library and the Friends of the Library in a positive light to the community; assist with scheduling of preschool visits, etc. 

Qualifications and Skills:

Possesses strong people skills and is friendly and outgoing.  Works productively with others and brings energy, enthusiasm and a positive attitude to the job.  Is aware of basic safety issues; follows safety procedures and maintains a safe work environment

Time Commitment

Approximately two hours per week.

Book Discussion Group Leader

To organize and develop book discussion groups under the supervision of the Senior Community Library Manager and Adult Services Librarian.

Example of Duties

Lead book discussion group; start and foster growth of adult or teen book discussion groups; assist in developing publicity for book discussion groups; create book reviews.

Qualifications and Skills

Knowledge of a variety of book genres and ability to choose books that would encourage others to join a discussion group; ability to lead book discussion groups and discuss books in depth; ability to focus discussion and accept differing viewpoints.

Working Conditions

Book Group Discussion groups will be conducted at the library, senior centers, or schools, depending upon the identified group.

Time Commitment

Approximately two hours per week to prepare and conduct book discussion group(s).

Arts and Science Discovery Center Technicians

Under the direction of Library staff and the LL&LC Program Director, volunteers will use audiovisual/digital projection and recording equipment to record activities and programs in order to make them available for later viewing and to allow for Web-based or video presentations of Arts and Science Enrichment Program activities. A flat screen monitor mounted on the wall of the Arts and Science Discovery Center facilitates the viewing of Web-based and video presentations.

Examples of Duties

Record activities and programs; assist others with use of equipment; develop exhibits of K-12 student artwork and science projects; assist Children’s Librarian with library programs;

Qualifications and Skills

Must be comfortable/competent with computers and other electronics; ability to work with children, volunteers and staff; enjoy being creative.

Working Conditions

Volunteer work will be conducted in the Arts and Science Discovery Center and the Library.

Time Commitment

An average of four hours per month, six-month commitment is required.

Computer Coaches

Assist patrons in the use of the Internet, including how to use e-mail, the Library catalog, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Library electronic resources including databases, e-books and other Library online services.

Examples of Duties

Demonstrate to library patrons how to use the computer catalog to increase patron's comfort; may include checking the location and status of a particular book, giving directions to areas in the Library, and placing holds on books; conduct computer literacy training programs for adults and seniors; provide instruction and computer literacy workshops in the Technology Lab.

Qualifications and Skills

Volunteer must be service-oriented and able to demonstrate the computer catalog and other online Library resources to people with diverse levels of computer knowledge.  Computer experience or expertise is helpful but not required. 

Working Conditions

Docents will be seated or standing at a computer terminal for two hour shifts.

Time Commitment

A minimum two hours per week, three-month commitment is required.

Homework Center Tutors

Assist students in grades 1-12 with homework assignments in a variety of subjects, i.e. math, reading, term papers, or other subject areas as specified by student.  The goal of the Homework Help program is to improve students study skills, provide necessary reference materials, and ultimately, to increase the student’s self-esteem and motivation to do well in school.  The program operates on a drop-in basis for student’s grades elementary through high school. 

 This position may require fingerprinting.

Examples of Duties

Adult volunteers assist high school students with homework assignments and tutoring assistance.

High school volunteers assist elementary and middle school students with homework assignments and tutoring assistance.

Qualifications and Skills

Must complete a volunteer application and interview.  Ability to interact in a pleasant manner with children, parents, and staff; requires good listening skills and patience; if assigned to a particular subject area, must be knowledgeable and proficient in subject.  Prior teaching or tutoring experience is helpful but not required. 

Working Conditions

Volunteer may need to move tables or chairs to provide Homework Help assistance.

Time Commitment

We request a nine-month, two hour per week commitment.