Volunteers
Libraries in Harford County have a rich history of volunteer support that dates back before the 1946 tax-supported Public Library Law. Groups in the incorporated towns and in other locales saw the importance of a library and gave their time to make it happen. Even though the way libraries provide service has changed dramatically over the years, the need for volunteer support has not. Library volunteers are involved in almost every aspect of library service. Volunteers who donate their time and talents provide the support necessary to maintain and extend quality library service.
Education and/or skills needed for volunteer opportunities vary. All volunteers will receive appropriate training to complete their volunteer assignments. To help ensure a successful volunteer placement, each volunteer is assigned a supervisor. Volunteer opportunities vary from branch to branch.
Every year, the library honors its volunteers with a special annual celebration.
Special Areas Where Volunteers are Needed
Computers
Volunteers with computer experience are needed on an ongoing basis to help train the public on various computer functions/applications.
Partners in Reading
Trained, caring volunteers visit elementary schools weekly to work one-on-one, or in small groups, to enhance students' reading skills. Volunteers give appoximately 1 hour of service each week as they develop a relationship with the students and encourage the childrens' enthusiasm for reading.
Tax Advisors
Volunteers with expertise in accounting and tax preparation can offer their knowledge and skills during tax season. The program coordinated with AARP is available January through mid-April at various branches.
Summer Reading Program
Volunteers entering Grade 6 and up can assist the childrens services department at various library branches with the Summer Reading Program. Sign up for this program begins in May.
Sharing the Gift
Volunteers share the joy of books with young children in preschools and at licensed daycare centers throughout Harford County. Training is provided by the library in sharing stories and in use of fingerplays and audio-visual materials. Each trained volunteer is requested to give a minimum of one half day each month for seven months to introduce book-based programs prepared by the Children's Services staff. Training is offered in September. The program begins in October and ends in April.
Additional Volunteer Opportunites
Circulation Aide
Volunteers assist the circulation staff with checking materials out and in, accepting and sorting daily delivery.
Clerical Aide
Volunteers support library staff with clerical needs such as word processing, typing, filing, sorting mail and other office responsibilities.
Processing Aide
Volunteers assist with preparing for the public to borrow new books and other materials. Be one of the first people to see new materials purchased for the branches!
Program Aide
Volunteers help professional library staff present programs and storyhours for children and adult book discussions.
Shelving Aide
Volunteers assist staff to sort and shelve books, audio recordings, CD-ROMs, magazines and other library materials.
If you have any skills and/or talents that you would like to share with us, please call us to discuss them. We welcome your suggestions.
