More volunteer info
High River Library welcomes individuals who want to give freely of their time and talents to make a difference in their community. We could not do all the work that we do without the expertise and help of volunteers.
Attributes:
Volunteers must be:
- Friendly, polite and enthusiastic
- Able to commit to a standard schedule (except for periodic volunteers – see below)
- Willing to work initially with staff for training
- Available to work during open hours
- At least 14 years of age. Please note that volunteer applicants under 18 require a parent/guardian's permission to volunteer at the library.
- Able to provide a criminal record check and vulnerable sector check if 18 years of age or older
Key Responsibilities
• Assembling take home kits.
• Developing a program based on your specialized skill, talent, or hobby.
• Presenting a program.
• Assisting staff during a program or special event.
• Preparing materials in advance of a program.
• Advising the library on community interests for adult programs.
• Set up and tear down-including technology
• Track the number of participants and administer surveys and evaluations
• Take photos during program
Length of Appointment
• A minimum of 4 months.
Time Commitment
• One 2-hour shift each week or as needed for events.
Qualifications
• No previous library experience required.
• Patient, flexible, enjoy working with the public.
• Able to work in a busy environment.
Key Responsibilities
• Assembling take home kits.
• Developing a program based on your talents/interests.
• Developing and leading teen programs when possible.
• Writing book reviews for publication on library website or social media.
• Assisting staff during a program or special event.
• Preparing materials in advance of a program.
• Advising the library on community interests for youth programs.
• Set up and tear down-including technology.
• Track the number of participants and administer surveys and evaluations
• Take photos during program.
Length of Appointment
• A minimum of 4 months.
Time Commitment
• One 2-hour shift each week or as needed for events.
Qualifications
• No previous library experience required.
• Able to work in a busy environment.
Key Responsibilities
• Assembling take home kits.
• Developing a program based on your talents/interests.
• Presenting a program.
• Assisting staff during a program or special event.
• Preparing materials in advance of a program.
• Advising the library on community interests for children’s programs.
• Set up and tear down-including technology
• Track the number of participants and administer surveys and evaluations
• Take photos during program
Length of Appointment
• A minimum of 4 months.
Time Commitment
• One 2-hour shift each week or as needed for events.
Qualifications
• No previous library experience required.
• Able to work in a busy environment.
• Patient, flexible, enjoy working with the public.
• Experience working with children an asset.
Key Responsibilities
• Helping with the Friends book sale.
• Assisting with raffle sales and other fundraising activities (e.g. casino).
• Contributing original ideas to assist with library fundraising.
• Writing thank you notes to donors.
• Joining the Friends of the High River Library (optional).
Length of Appointment
• As needed during fundraising campaigns/events. Typically 3 hours shifts.
Time Commitment
• As needed during fundraising campaigns/events.
Qualifications
• No previous library experience required.
• Friendly and outgoing. Willing to approach members of the public and community organizations.
Key Responsibilities
• Greeting visitors and introducing them to library services
• Help staff library tables at community events & talk about library resources
• Social media and/or website updates
• Distributing brochures and posters in community
Length of Appointment
• A minimum of 4 months.
Time Commitment
• One 3-hour shift each week.
Qualifications
• No previous library experience required.
• Understanding of social media platforms an asset.
• Strong communication skills. Ability to edit own work.
• Excellent understanding of current library programs and services.
• Friendly and outgoing. Willing to approach members of the public and businesses/organizations.
Key Responsibilities
• Reshelving returned library materials in the correct alphabetical or Dewey Decimal order.
• Shelf reading to ensure items on shelves are in correct order.
• Help shift books to ensure shelves are not too full.
• Brings items from the shelves that are in poor condition to library staff for possible weeding.
• Dusting shelves.
Length of Appointment
• A minimum of 4 months.
Time Commitment
• One 3-hour shift each week.
Qualifications
• No previous library experience required.
• Patient, flexible, enjoy working with the public.
• Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal system is an asset.
Key Responsibilities
• Monitors online and written exams.
• Ensures no irregularities take place during writing of exam.
• Informs library management of any issues with exam.
Length of Appointment
• A minimum of 4 months.
Time Commitment
• As needed. Typically a 3-hour shift.
Qualifications
• No previous library experience required.
• Ability to sit for up to 3 hours.
• Ability to understand and enforce written instructions.
Key Responsibilities
• Assists library patrons with their own devices, such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, smartphones.
• Help patrons set up e-mail and other online accounts.
• Help patrons set up and troubleshoot accounts for library eResources (Libby, Hoopla, cloudLibrary, etc.)
• Assist with software use.
• Provide support for first time/infrequent internet users.
Length of Appointment
• A minimum of 4 months.
Time Commitment
• Typically a 3-hour shift once a week.
Qualifications
• Comfortable with computers, mobile devices, software, eReaders.
• Knowledge of library eResources.
• Good problem-solving abilities.
• Patient, flexible and enjoy working with the public.
Key Responsibilities
• Working one-on-one or in a small groups to help develop proficiency in subject area.
• Preparing books and other learning materials in advance.
• Advising the library on community need for tutoring services.
• Keeping track of attendance.
Length of Appointment
• A minimum of 4 months (September to December, January to April, May to September.
Time Commitment
• Typically a 2-hour shift once a week or as needed.
Qualifications
• For tutoring, some level of expertise in the subject area.
• For reading, fluency and the ability to use strategies to develop comprehension.
• No previous library experience required.
• Able to work in a busy environment.
• Patient, flexible and enjoy working with the public.
Duties:
Assist library staff with tasks that include, but are not limited to:
- Program and special event support
- Fundraising support
- Facility support(general tidying, dusting, wiping book covers, watering plants)
- Promotion/publicity support
- Collection support
Support Provided:
- An orientation to the layout and structure of the library. Introduction to library personnel.
- A copy of the volunteer handbook.
- Volunteers will not work alone. Library staff are always available to answer questions and provide other assistance as needed.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods of time.
- Ability to lift, move objects up to 30 pounds.
- Must be able to reach, crouch, kneel.
Schedule:
To be arranged in consideration of task requirements and personal availability. Volunteers are responsible for informing library staff if they are unavailable for their scheduled shift. Time commitment varies but is typically 2 to 5 hours per week.