Volunteer Opportunities
In 2010, more than 290 volunteers contributed a total of 18,873 hours, the equivalent of more than nine full-time employees. That includes 4,558 hours of assistance from 179 teen volunteers.
In all, volunteers contributed $393,502.50 of labor. This makes a huge impact on the quality of service the Library is able to provide!
Your contributions are welcome!
Central Library
Business & Technology: Weekend Volunteer
Description: Assist customers with the catalog, copier and computers; locate auto manuals and other books on the shelves; and help with a minor amount of shelving.
Time: To be determined.
Frequency: Weekly on Saturdays and/or Sundays, or as available.
Skills: Enjoy working with people. Knowledge of computers, Internet and the Library catalog. Some automotive knowledge is helpful, but not necessary. Ability to bend, stoop and push a loaded book truck. Requires repetitive work.
Duration: Ongoing.
Genealogy: Desk Volunteer
Description: Work on the Genealogy Desk includes answering genealogical and local history research questions, answering the phone, demonstrating the use of the microfilm machines and book copier, retrieving items from the Local History Workroom, and instructing customers in the use of the Library Catalog, the Internet and electronic databases. Can involve working alone in the Section.
Time: 2-4 hours.
Frequency: Weekly.
Skills: Good research and speaking skills. Ability to work microfilm machines. Ability to use the Library Catalog, the Internet and electronic databases. Ability to handle books, some weighing several pounds.
Duration: Ongoing.
Genealogy: Shelf Reader
Description: Checking each shelf of books to see if each book is in proper order.
Time: 2-4 hours.
Frequency: Weekly or monthly.
Skills: Alphabetizing skills and knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System. Ability to handle books, some weighing several pounds.
Duration: Ongoing.
General Reference: Computer Volunteer
Description: The duties include assisting the customers with the Internet, Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher. Also be able to assist customers to save files, apply for jobs online, sending files, etc.
Time: Daytime hours and/or weekend hours
Frequency: To be determined.
Skills: Need to be customer service-oriented and have knowledge of computer programs.
Duration: Ongoing.
Friends of the Wichita Public Library
Used Bookstore (in Central Library)
Desk Workers
Description: The duties include counting money, working the desk for a 3.5-hour shift. The volunteer is responsible for helping the public when they are paying for their items. The volunteer is mainly sitting for the shift. The volunteers also help out by straightening the shelves.
Time: 3.5 hours
Frequency: We have an opening on the 1st Friday, 1:30-5 p.m. and every other Saturday, 1:30-5 p.m.
Skills: Need to be able to handle and count money, and handle books.
Duration: Ongoing.
Substitute Desk Workers
Description: The duties are the same for the Desk Worker but instead of a regular schedule substitutes are called on an on-call basis. If a permanent volunteer is absent for any reason a substitute is called in. You can decline when called if you are unable to help on the day and time you are called.
Time: 3.5 hours
Frequency: We are in need of substitutes for Monday evenings 5 p.m.-8 p.m., weekends and afternoons.
Skills: Need to be able to handle and count money, and handle books.
Duration: Ongoing.