Volunteer
Volunteers at Eugene Public Library contribute to fulfilling the library’s mission: providing equitable resources and opportunities for everyone to create a connected, caring and inspired community. Beyond contributing their time, talents and energy to the library, volunteers are an important part of our vibrant and dedicated team.
Most volunteer positions require regular weekly 2-hour shifts and a six month commitment. The minimum age is 14. Volunteers are matched to open positions based on schedules, skills and interests.
Contact our volunteer coordinator at 541-682-8335 or fill out our Volunteer Interest Form to get started today.
Current Positions
Information Desk Volunteer Position Description
Department: Community Relations
Commitment: Six month minimum, 2-hour weekly shift
Work Location: Downtown Library, first floor
Schedule: Various shifts during Library open hours
Position Summary
Help Library patrons get pointed in the right direction and feel welcome as they enter the Library. Physically, this position requires the ability to sit and/or stand for two hours, hear patrons from about 6 feet away, and to read notes printed on paper.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Commit to a weekly shift
- Direct patrons to a variety of places in the Library
- Oversee the Lost & Found
- Report inappropriate behaviors to Library security
Qualifications and Qualities
This position might be perfect for you if you are:
- detail-oriented
- enjoy interacting with a diverse public
- take pride in delivering excellent customer service
- are able to verbally communicate effectively
Benefits
- Satisfaction from giving back to the community
- Knowledge that you are directly impacting Library patron’s experience
- Learn a great amount about Library services and structure
Download Information Desk Volunteer Position Description (PDF)
Holds Team Volunteer Position Description
Department: Circulation
Commitment: Six month minimum, 2-hour weekly shift
Work Location: Downtown Library, all floors
Schedule: Mornings, typically
Position Summary
Pulling books, videos and other library items off the shelves that have been requested by Library patrons.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Commit to a weekly shift
- Pull the items for the Holds list that staff provide
- Return collected items to be further processed
Qualifications and Qualities
This position might be perfect for you if you are:
- detail-oriented
- able to frequently bend, squat, and kneel
- a person who enjoys alpha-numeric order
- a person who likes working independently in a quiet environment
Benefits
- Satisfaction from giving back to the community
- Knowledge that you are directly impacting the efficiency and availability of the Library holds service
- Gain or improve skills in alpha-numeric order
Shelf-Reader Volunteer Position Description
Department: Circulation
Commitment: Six month minimum, 2-hour weekly shift
Work Location: Downtown Library, all floors
Schedule: Flexible all hours library is open and starting at 8:00 a.m.
Position Summary
Each shelf-reader is assigned a floor of the library and comes in weekly to “read” a section on that floor by looking for books that are in the wrong place and tidying the shelves so books are easy to find. Shelf-Reading is either alphabetical or numerical depending on which floor is chosen. Shelf-reading is a very important and valued task. By making materials findable, you make the Library better for everyone.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Commit to volunteering weekly
- Read your section to find books that are out of order
- Straighten up books and remove anything that doesn’t belong
Qualifications and Qualities
This position might be perfect for you if you are:
- detail-oriented
- able to stand, bend, squat, and kneel
- a person who enjoys alpha-numeric order
- a person who likes working independently in a quiet environment
- a person who wants a little more flexibility in your schedule
Benefits
- Satisfaction from giving back to the community
- Knowledge that you are making materials findable for all Library users
- Gain or improve skills in alpha-numeric order
Storytime Assistant Volunteer Position Description
Department: Youth Services
Commitment: Six month minimum, approximately a 2-hour weekly shift Work
Location: Downtown Library, Youth Services, 1st Floor
Schedule: Thursdays or Saturdays, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Position Summary
Assist a staff in preparing a welcoming environment for children and their families in this program designed to build early reading skills.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Assist with set-up for the event
- Welcome and count attendees
- Hand out materials
- Clean up after the event
- Let patrons know when the event is full
Qualifications and Qualities
This position might be perfect for you if you:
- Love children and families
- Are able to bend, sit on the floor, and stand
- Enjoy interacting with people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities
- Can follow detailed instructions
- Must pass City of Eugene criminal background check
Benefits
- Satisfaction from giving back to the community
- Watching families benefit immediately from your efforts
- Knowledge that you are helping make these events possible
Download Storytime Assistant Volunteer Position Description (PDF)
Questions? Email the library volunteer coordinator or call 541-682-8335.