Volunteers are always needed to support the various services offered at the Clayton Library. 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! Volunteer opportunities are currently available in the following areas:
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. 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. 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 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. |
Display Curator
Display your creativity and knowledge by curating themed displays highlighting library materials, using descriptive signage, and, if desired, offering a handout or bibliography.
Duties include:
- Work with library staff to create rotating displays featuring monthly or periodic themes
- Current display needs include:
- Native American Heritage Month display, to go up on or before Nov. 1, 2021
- African American History Month display, to go up on or before Feb. 1, 2022
- Volunteers can optionally assist with even more monthly/periodic themed displays (based upon library needs and volunteer interest)
Training will be provided and will consist of the following:
- Staff will provide a 13-minute video on creating dynamic displays.
- Staff will provide training in use of library catalog to locate display materials.
- Staff will assist in printing signage, handouts, display decorations, etc.
Scheduling is flexible. Volunteers can participate on a one-time or ongoing basis.