Volunteer
Volunteers are always needed to support the assorted services offered at the Clayton Library and Clayton Library Friends projects. Volunteer opportunities range from short-term to long-term projects, from working on a scheduled shift to working on an “as needed” basis, and from working with the public to working “behind the scenes”. In other words, there is something for everyone!
Clayton Library Volunteer OpportunitiesThe Clayton Library, part of the Houston Public Library system, provides volunteers with opportunities to assist library visitors, work with library collections, and represent the library at special events. The following opportunities require that the prospective volunteer complete a Houston Public Library Volunteer application prior to volunteering. For more information about these opportunities, please contact Clayton Library’s Volunteer Coordinator at 832-393-2600 or at cla.reference@houstontx.gov |
Desk AssistantDesk Assistants provide customer service to library visitors at the Clayton House welcome desk or the Main Building microprint desk. Duties include:
Training will be provided. Helpful skills include being a people person, basic computer skills, familiarity with microfilm readers and copiers, and general experience in genealogical research. Volunteers typically cover one 2-hour shift each week. Scheduling is flexible. Outreach AssistantOutreach Assistants help to represent Clayton Library in its outreach efforts at neighborhood libraries, community centers, cultural organizations, etc. Duties include:
Training will be provided. Scheduling is flexible, although a majority of the outreach events take place on Saturdays. Commitment can be one-time or ongoing. | Shelving Assistant
Shelving Assistants work with book carts and move them around in the stacks to return books to their correct location. Duties include:
Training will be provided. Helpful skills include good visual acuity, focus, and attention to detail when placing books in order on the shelf, and the ability to bend, stoop, and lift books to their proper location in the stacks.
Volunteers typically cover one 2-hour shift each week. Scheduling is flexible. Display CuratorDisplay your creativity and knowledge by curating themed displays highlighting library materials, using descriptive signage, and, if desired, offering a handout or bibliography. Duties include:
Training will be provided and will consist of the following:
Scheduling is flexible. Volunteers can participate on a one-time or ongoing basis. |
Clayton Library Friends Volunteer Opportunities
The Clayton Library Friends organization supports the Clayton Library through acquisitions, volunteering, and programming support. The following opportunities are managed directly by the Clayton Library Friends. For more information about them, email volunteers@claytonlibraryfriends.org. New opportunities will be posted to the CLF website as needs arise.
Book Sale AssistantBook Sale Assistants work with the donated duplicate books temporarily stored at the Clayton House and prepare them for inventory and inclusion in the library’s unit book sale. Duties include:
Training will be provided. Helpful skills include good visual acuity and attention to detail, as well as familiarity with entering information into a Word table. Some bending, stooping, and light lifting may be required. This activity involves working on a computer and in the stacks at the Clayton House. Scheduling is flexible but subject to days/times that the Clayton House is open. A commitment of 8 hours per month is requested. Outreach AssistantOutreach Assistants help to represent Clayton Library Friends at various community events. Duties include:
Training will be provided. Commitment can be one-time or ongoing. | Research AssistantResearch Assistants are part of the Clayton Library Friends Research Team, which receives requests from clients (CLF members and non-members) to conduct introductory-level, fee-based family history research on the client’s behalf, using resources available at the Clayton Library or online. All proceeds from the research fees benefit the Clayton Library Friends. Duties include:
Training will be provided. Helpful skills include a general background in genealogical research, knowledge of using online catalogs and databases, familiarity with Microsoft Word, and effective communication skills. Research Team members are assigned to clients on a rotating basis and then have several weeks to complete the research request. |