Library

• Branch Libraries
• Central Library
• READ/San Diego Literacy Program
• Online Form to Volunteer for the Library (City of San Diego).
  Be sure to specify "Library" as your volunteer choice, and note which branches or locations for which you wish to volunteer.

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.