Library

• Branch Libraries
• Central Library
• READ/San Diego Literacy Program

Branch Libraries

Contact:
Individual Branch Library Volunteer Supervisor for openings:

Hours: Vary for each location.
Minimum Age: 13; Court Referrals: No

Book Detailer. Assist library staff in maintaining and improving the physical condition of library materials, including cleaning, mending and covering books. Qualifications: Good manual dexterity and attention to detail; able to work independently; no allergies to commercial cleaners. Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 2+ hours/day; 6+ months.

Book Shelver. Assist library staff in shelving materials. Qualifications: Able to arrange items in alphabetical and numerical order; able to push, bend, stretch and lift; attention to detail; able to work independently. Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 2+ hours/day; 6+ months.

Children's Arts/Crafts Instructor. Assist library staff in planning and conducting arts and crafts programs for children of all ages. Qualifications: Creative; enjoys working with children; good organizational skills; dependable. Time Commitment: 2 hours/session; 6+ months.

Community Information Organizer. Assist library staff in maintaining community information "give away" materials and posting community information on bulletin boards. Qualifications: Able to work independently; good organizational skills; able to push, bend, stretch and lift. Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 2 + hours/day; 6+ months.

Computer Assistant - Public. Provide basic training and user assistance for public computer resources, including Infotrac, Internet, IBM PC, Macintosh, and CD-ROM. Qualifications: Knowledge of computers; patient; flexible; able to work independently. Knowledge of Internet desirable. Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 2 hours/day; 12+ months.

Computer Operator. Assist library staff in maintaining the library materials database, creating lists, and preparing documents on the computer. Qualifications: Working knowledge of personal computers; attention to detail; able to work independently and follow directions. Knowledge of Word Perfect desirable. Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 3+ hours/day; 12+ months.

Cultural Arts Instructor. Conduct educational programs to promote intercultural awareness through demonstrations or instruction relating to cultural heritage of particular ethnic groups. Qualifications: Culturally sensitive; creative; flexible; able to work independently. Time Commitment: Varies.

Display Coordinator. Assist library staff in identifying, scheduling and organizing exhibits from the community and other sources, including local art, crafts, cultural material. Qualifications: Managerial skills; able to work independently; professional attitude; self-starter; flexible. Time Commitment: Varies; 12+ months.

Display Designer. Assist library staff in creating and installing visually interesting displays. Qualifications: Creative; able to work independently; good organizational skills. Time Commitment: 3 hours/month; 12+ months.

Graphic Art Specialist. Assist library staff in creating and developing requested flyers, bookmarks, signage and promotional materials to publicize the library and its programs. Qualifications: Creative; flexible; good attention to detail; graphic art skills; able to work independently; computer skills helpful. Time Commitment: Varies; 12+ months.

Green Thumb. Help maintain atrium and indoor potted plants. Qualifications: Knowledge of house plants and their care; able to work independently. Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 1+ hour/day; 1 day/week; 6+ months.

Handyman. Assist staff with maintenance of library building, including minor repairs; touch-up painting; moving furniture, etc. Qualifications: Knowledge of simple maintenance skills and access to basic tools; able to push, bend, stretch and lift; flexible. Time Commitment: Varies; 6+ months.

Homebound Book Deliverer. Assist librarian in selecting and delivering appropriate library materials to homebound library patrons. Qualifications: Valid California Driver's License; availability of personal vehicle with adequate insurance; patient; dependable; flexible. Time Commitment: Varies; 12+ months.

Homework Assistant. Provide homework help and remedial assistance to students studying in the library. Qualifications: Patience; flexibility; enjoys working with children; dependable. Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 2+ hours/day; 12+ months.

Language Instructor. Assist the library in promoting multilingual services for various ethnic groups through teaching or tutoring in different languages. Qualifications: Bilingual; culturally sensitive; able to instruct at appropriate reading/speaking levels. Time Commitment: 1 day/ week; 2+ hours/day; 12+ months.

Magazine Maintainer. Assist the library staff in maintaining the magazine collection in an orderly manner. Qualifications: Attention to detail; able to work independently; able to arrange materials in chronological and alphabetical order; able to push, bend, stretch and lift. Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 2+ hours/ day; 6+ months.

Materials Processor. Assist library staff in making new materials available to the public in a timely manner, including processing new books, magazines, etc. Qualifications: Able to follow directions and work independently; good manual dexterity and attention to detail. Computer skills desirable. Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 2+ hours/day; 6+ months.

Preschool Storyteller. Assist staff in providing preschool story time for children and parents. Qualifications: Enjoys working with children; creative; able to work independently; dependable. Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 2 hours/day; 12+ months.

Program Assistant. Assist library staff in putting on special programs for the public, including set up, refreshments, clean up, etc. Qualifications: Punctual; flexible; able to push, bend, stretch and lift. Time Commitment: 3 hours/program; 12+ months.

Publicity Assistant. Assist librarian in promoting the library as a community resource, and providing awareness of special programs, events, collections and services. Includes writing news releases and distributing promotional materials. Qualifications: Valid California Driver's License; availability of personal vehicle with adequate insurance; good written and verbal communication skills; able to meet deadlines and work independently. Word processing skills desirable. Time Commitment: Varies; 12+ months.

Rotational Collection Coordinator. Assist library staff in transferring temporary collections such as large print, Spanish and videos to other libraries on monthly basis. Qualifications: Attention to detail; legible handwriting; able to work independently. Time Commitment: 3 days/month; 2 hours/day; 6+ months.

Study Monitor. Assist library staff in maintaining the decorum of quiet study areas during afternoon and evening hours. Qualifications: Able to apply library rules with firmness and fairness; able to push, bend, stretch and lift. Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 2+ hours/day, afternoons and evenings; 6+ months.

Telephone Monitor. Assist library staff in giving improved customer service by promptly answering the phone, providing basic information, doing shelf checks for specific titles, and relaying messages. Qualifications: Good verbal communication skills; pleasant telephone manner; legible handwriting. Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 2 hours/day; 12+ months.

Youth Outreach Assistant. Assist library staff in outreach to local schools and recreation centers through distributing flyers and maintaining satellite homework centers. Qualifications: Valid California Driver's License; availability of personal vehicle with adequate insurance; enjoys working with children; able to work independently; flexible. Time Commitment: Varies; may include evenings; 6+ months.

Central Library

Children's Room Study Monitor. Assist staff in maintaining the decorum of the Children's Room during afternoon and evening hours. Qualifications: Able to apply library rules with firmness and fairness; able to push, bend, stretch and lift; able to sort and file. Time Commitment: 1+ days/week; 3 hours/day; 6+ months.

Genealogy Aide. Assist library patrons in researching and developing a family history. Qualifications: Familiar with genealogy resources in the library and other collections; experience researching family history; computer literate. Completion of genealogy classes and/or volunteer work in genealogy library or society required. Time Commitment: 3+ hours/day; 1 day/week or every 2 weeks; 6+ months.

Government Documents Aide. Assist in maintenance and processing of federal, state and local government publications. Qualifications: Able to follow detailed instructions, label and rubber stamp materials, and work in a quiet setting. Appreciation/understanding of government documents and value of historical artifacts desirable. Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 2 hours/ day; 6 months.

Grants Analyst Assistant. Assist library Grants Analyst in researching and/or writing grant proposals. Qualifications: Experience in research; able to meet deadlines and work independently; good written/communication skills. The following are desirable: familiarity with Internet; word processing skills; bilingual; valid California Driver's License and availability of personal vehicle with adequate insurance.Time Commitment: Varies; 2+ months.

Picture File Processor. Assist in the Art & Music Section with trimming, stamping, assigning subject headings and filing pictures. Qualifications: Good manual dexterity; able to work independently; able to type and file; attention to detail. Time Commitment: 3 hours/week; 6 months.

Special Collections Equipment Guide. Assist public with mechanical workings of newspaper index, photocopiers, microfilm viewers and printers, and assist staff in keeping California and Newspaper Rooms neat. Qualifications: Able to interact with public in a friendly, patient manner; able to follow instructions and give instructions clearly. Time Commitment: 3+ hours/week; 6+ months.

Typist. Assist in preparation of special indexes and files for various sections of the Central Library. Qualifications: Able to type accurately; able to follow directions. Word processing skills desirable. Time Commitment: 3 hours/week; varies.

Wangenheim Room Docent. Welcome visitors, conduct tours, answer questions about exhibits in Wangenheim Room, which holds a special collection on the history of books and the history of printing. Qualifications: Interacts well with people; can remember text of tour script, present in friendly manner, and work in quiet setting. Appreciation/understanding of historical artifacts desirable. Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 3 hours/ day; 6 months.

READ/San Diego Literacy Program

Computer Lab Facilitator - Assist tutors and learners in using computerized instructional programs in reading, writing, mathematics and GED preparation. Qualifications: Knowledge of computers; good organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently. Minimum Time Commitment: 2 days/week; 2 hours/day; 6 months.

Computer Lab Instructor - Teach short-term computer classes to literacy students on a prer-class basis. Must have knowledge of one or more of the following: basic computer skills, Internet, MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, or other office programs. Minimum Time Commitment: 4 two-hour sessions to teach a scheduled class.

Data Entry Volunteer - Enter and update all information on volunteer tutors, learners and contributors on program database. Qualifications: Computer skills; accuracy and attention to detail; flexibility. Minimum Time Commitment: 2 days/ week; 3 hours/day; 6 months.

Friends of READ/San Diego - Become a member of the non-profit corporation dedicated to supporting the READ/San Diego Literacy Program. For more information, call (619) 527-5475.

Learner Assessment Counselor - Conduct intake interviews and basic skills assessments of incoming adult learners. Qualifications: Pre-service Tutor Training; strong interpersonal and communications skills; good writing and listening skills; caring, creativity, culturally sensitive attitude. Minimum Time Commitment: 1 day/week; 2 hours/day; 3 months.

Learning Center Manager Assistant. Assist in management of day-to-day operations of neighborhood, recovery center, or workplace literacy programs; supervise tutor/learner matches at learning center sites. Qualifications: 15-hour tutor training workshop; strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills; caring; culturally sensitive attitude; flexibility. Minimum Time Commitment: 2 days/week; 3 hours/day; 6 months.

Library Materials Processor - Assist staff in making new and returned books and audio cassettes available to the public in a timely manner. Qualifications: Ability to follow directions and work independently; attention to detail; good organizational skills; manual dexterity. Minimum Time Commitment: 3 days/week; 2 hours/day; 6 months.

Literacy Volunteer Tutor and English as a Second Language Tutor - Tutor adult learners, one-on-one or in small groups, in reading, writing and/or math skills. Qualifications: High school diploma or GED; patience; caring; creativity; culturally sensitive attitude. Minimum Time Commitment: 2 days/week; 1.5 hours/day; 6 months-1 year.

Office Assistant - Provide general office assistance. Qualifications: Dependable; pleasant attitude. Minimum Time Commitment: 1 day/week or month; 1-2 hours/day.

Program Assistant - Assist Tutor/Learner Coordinators in matching volunteer tutors and learners; conduct follow-ups. Qualifications: Ability to work independently; excellent phone and oral/written communication skills. Minimum Time Commitment: 2 days/week; 3 hours/day; 6 months.