We are looking for creative and talented volunteers to assist in programs at our libraries. We want volunteers that can best utilize their skills as well as the resources found at those specific branches to better serve our patrons.
Volunteers would assist staff with programs as well as possibly being able to host your own program for patrons. Examples of where we need volunteers is at the Library Partnership Branch, where we need volunteers that have a background in music recording to help in the sound recording studio. We need volunteers that can help with programs about cooking at the Tower Road Branch in our foodie space. The Waldo Branch has an ArtSpace, and we need volunteers that can help with creative art projects. We have several other opportunities where we need volunteers that can help in specific specialized areas.
Also, we are always in need of one-on-one literacy and language tutors who can assist learners with reading and practicing English (especially at the Alachua, High Springs, Newberry, and Tower Road branches). Volunteer opportunities are also available helping with technology and career assistance. This is done through our Literacy Department.
How to Apply
To volunteer, you must be at least 12 years old and able to volunteer a minimum of 2-4 hours a week for at least 3-6 months. You must submit a Volunteer Interest Form based on your age group: Youth (aged 12-17) or Adult, and have two people not related to you submit reference forms on your behalf. If there are spaces available at your preferred branch, the Volunteer Program Office will contact you.
For more information visit the volunteer page on our website.
History of Volunteering at the Alachua County Library District.
From the beginning of the library system in Gainesville, volunteers were the foundation of the library. They were responsible for introducing the idea of creating a local library. They acquired books to stock the shelves, generated money to initially fund the library prior to the independent taxing district, and volunteers provided the initial services and staff in order to run the Library District. The first volunteer coordinator, Jean Starting, was hired in 1998 as a part time employee. The position has expanded to full-time in order to increase and enhance library services by developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive volunteer program throughout the Alachua County Library District.
What kind of things does a volunteer do?
Volunteers can assist in a wide variety of tasks that are beneficial in helping us enhance the quality of our library services and programs. Volunteers can:
• Shelve library materials
• Help with book repair
• Assist with programs and special events
• Assist with special projects
• Help with Seed Library maintenance
• Computer/Technology assistance
• Literacy and language tutoring
For more information visit the volunteer page on our website.