The Duluth Public Library is seeking energetic, responsible people who are looking for rewarding work. Volunteering at your library is a wonderful way to help people, while also staying connected to your community. Please read our volunteer policy before applying.
If you would like to donate your time, please read our Volunteer Policy and then contact our volunteer coordinator, Cheryl Skafte, at:
Phone: 218-730-4334
Email: cskafte@duluthmn.gov
Download Volunteer Application
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Youth Services – True North AmeriCorps Summer Position
Time Commitment: 315 hours total, about 34 hours/week. Monday through Friday, 9am - 5pm with some evenings. This position has start and end dates of May 17, 2019 - August 16, 2019.
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Assist with and attend all of the DPL's summer events for children and teens
• Help with planning, development, and implementation of summer programming
• Create learning and play opportunities for children of all ages
• Encourage children and teens to continue to read and learn over the summer months
• Support and promote the library's summer reading program through public outreach
• Develop outreach materials and presentations to be delivered to local youth development agencies and KEY Zone programs
• Help with development and expansion of programming to underserved communities that would benefit from additional summer reading resources
• Participate in and complete all required True North AmeriCorps professional development trainings and orientation
Qualifications:
Required
• Must be at least 18 years old at the start of the service term
• U.S. citizen or U.S. National or have status as a Lawful Permanent Resident Alien
• Verify that he/she has a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Please note: final candidates will be required to successfully pass a FBI background check before being officially enrolled in AmeriCorps by True North AmeriCorps
• Volunteer experience or desire to develop a strong service ethic
• Experience working with youth and youth programs
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Possess basic computer skills
• Self-motivated, able to work independently without daily supervision and take initiative
• Able to present oneself in a highly professional manner and represent True North and National Service
Preferred
• 2- or 4-year degree in social work, education, human services, or related field
• Demonstrate awareness and acceptance of cultural differences
• Knowledge/understanding of the impact of class and race on behavior, attitudes, and values
• Experience working collaboratively with youth and adults
• Initiative to plan and follow through with projects/programs
• Able to work independently without much direction as well as on teams
Benefits:
• Education Award: $1289.95 awarded at end of service; can be used on tuition or qualified student loans
• Living allowance twice a month
• Loan Forbearance on student loans
• Free YMCA membership
• Experience working with youth of all ages
• Leadership development
• Event planning experiences
• Have a direct positive impact on youth in the commuity
• The opportunitiy to see how a municipal library, governmental organization, is run and operated
Application Process: Complete an Online Application here
Home Library Service – Delivery Drivers and Contact Volunteers
Goal of Opportunity: Promote the use of library materials to patrons who physically cannot visit the library.
Time Commitment: 4-6 hours per month, minimum of one-year commitment encouraged. The schedule is flexible, depending on the volunteer’s availability.
Duties/Responsibilities:
There are two Home Library Service volunteer opportunities available. Depending on availability and interest, volunteers may apply for both opportunities.
Contact Volunteer
Volunteer contacts Home Library Service users to discuss book interests and requests. Using the patron's account, volunteer selects, checks out and bags the requested books for the patron, preparing it for delivery volunteers. Every effort will be made to match volunteers with Home Library Service users with similar book interests.
Delivery Volunteer
Volunteer delivers and picks up loaned materials from Home Library Service users. Volunteers select a delivery route based on geographic considerations. The bag of library materials may be picked up and dropped off at any Duluth Public Library location.
Qualifications:
• Enthusiasm for the Duluth Public Library; friendliness; ability to interact with the public.
• Able to work independently and with little supervision.
• Ability to push, bend, stretch, and lift; a bag of materials can weigh up to 22 lbs.
• Delivery Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Contact Volunteers must be comfortable using phones and the online library catalog.
Training/Orientation: All Home Library Service Volunteers are required to attend the basic orientation session and at least 3 hours of additional training provided by the DPL. Current volunteers who are already fulfilling this volunteer description can be excused from training if current supervisor(s) sign off.
Background Check/Screening: Applicants must fill out an application and consent to a background check. Delivery Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and consent to a driving history check.
Application Process: Complete a Volunteer Application and send to Cheryl Skafte, Volunteer Coordinator, cskafte@duluthmn.gov
