Volunteer Opportunities

The Indian Trails Public Library District needs volunteers to supplement its paid staff. It welcomes inquiries from anyone interested in helping the library for any length of time.

All volunteers will meet the volunteer coordinator to discuss the volunteer's abilities and preferences for times to work, and to determine what tasks or projects are available and in need of volunteer help. Most do not require knowledge of computers. If a suitable match cannot be made, the volunteer may be referred to another agency that uses volunteers.

The library does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex or disability, except where such prevents the volunteer from performing the tasks in question. Reasonable accommodation is made for persons with disabilities.

The library does not provide transportation or insurance for volunteers. Volunteers are not paid. The library provides the tools or equipment for any assigned task or project. All tasks are performed in the library, with the exception of occasional outreach projects or community events that occur away from the library.

Orientation of new volunteers will include a tour of the library and a copy of the volunteer policy. Volunteers will be given training by their supervisors. The volunteer and his or her supervisor will determine a mutually agreed upon weekly work schedule and inform the volunteer coordinator of any changes to the regular schedule.

Because volunteer experience is commonly valued on employment and scholarship applications, the volunteer coordinator will maintain a record of the volunteer's hours of service, written evaluations, special recognitions and other related information.
Additional details and information about the volunteer program and tasks and projects may be obtained from one of our two volunteer coordinators:
Lillian Taylor, 847-459-4100 extension 246
Reva Kaplan, 8470459-4100 extension 224
or by meeting the volunteer coordinator at the library. Please call to make an appointment.

Some examples of volunteer projects are:

Summer Reading Club assistant. Assist patrons in playing the Summer Reading Club games in the Youth Services department. Help patrons register for the games and distribute game materials. Explain game rules, verify game play and stamp the booklets.

Maintain tallies and statistics. The time commitment is one or two hours per week. This is a good opportunity for teenagers to help. Persons interested may call youth volunteer coordinator Kelly Brungraber at 847-459-4100 extension 247, or inquire at the "Ask Me" desk on the first floor of the library.

Translator. Bilingual (English and another language) persons are occasionally needed to translate public relations text for letters, brochures, flyers and posters. The languages most needed are Spanish, Russian, Korean, Japanese and Chinese. May participate in orientation or introduction to the library in the other language of new patrons.

Project Helper. There are short-term and long-term tasks and projects for which there is a variable need. Many do not require a special skill. Helping with bulk mailing, assembling kits of parts, stamping books to be withdrawn from the collection and creating databases and e-mail lists are just some of these. These tasks and projects change as the library needs change.

Volunteers must be able to:
Communicate in English with the supervisor of the volunteer.
Follow directions and complete projects in a timely manner.
Put materials in numerical or alphabetical order.
Know how or be able to learn how to operate a photocopier.
Know how or be able to learn to how to perform simple tasks on a personal computer.

Volunteers are expected to:
Dress neatly and appropriately for the tasks.
Limit socializing so as not to distract others.
Maintain sensitivity to the needs of library patrons and co-workers by begin positive and cooperative.
Treat library patrons with courtesy and respect.
Comply with the library's policies and procedures.
Maintain good skills in communication, time management and problem solving.
Develop and maintain an awareness of the library's operations, as needed.
Report schedule changes and absences to the supervisor in a timely manner.
Arrive at the work area on time.
Record the time and task information on the appropriate forms.
Report problems and difficulties promptly to the supervisor.