About Our Volunteer Program
The Library is looking for people who:
- are passionate about continuous learning,
- embrace working in a diverse environment, and
- respect and provide excellent customer services.
Throughout the year we have many opportunities for volunteers.
If you wish to apply to be a volunteer, please read our position descriptions and reach out to us at 603-382-6011 or director@plaistowlibrary.com with any questions. You may also fill out an Application Form.
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
Some volunteers assist with more than one volunteer position.
- General Helper (clerical work, etc.)
- Adult/ Community Program Volunteer
- Children’s Activity Volunteer
- Gardeners
- Literacy Volunteer
- Technology Tutor
- High School Volunteers
Adult/ Community Program Volunteer
We regularly host lectures, movies, and community events for adults that rely on volunteers for support. Adult Program Volunteers work with staff they have skills that they can share, and enjoy being social by nature. Volunteers are needed for set up/ clean up and to help prepare materials in advance and other duties. In addition volunteers get to enjoy presentations while also helping with program development, prepare mailings, photocopy and assemble handouts, fundraising, and assisting with setup and breakdown.
WHO: Our volunteers enjoy working with others are enthusiastic, friendly, patient, good at explaining tasks, organized, and like a fun and busy environment.
WHEN: Activities take place during the week and weekends with Daytime/Evening hours. Most programs take place on weekday evenings from 5 to 8 pm. You may sign up for day or evening shifts.
- Most shifts require a one or two hour commitment
- Weekly opportunities are available
Children’s Activity Volunteers
Many of our programs and events for children and families rely on volunteers for support. Children’s Activity Volunteers work with staff to welcome participants and show children how to play a game, complete an activity or enjoy a craft during a library program. Volunteers may also help count attendance, set up and clean up and prepare materials in advance, depending on the program.
WHO: Our volunteers enjoy children, are enthusiastic, friendly, patient and good at explaining tasks, organized, and like a fun and busy environment.
WHEN: Most activities take place on Saturdays and school holidays some activities take place during the week in the morning or evenings.
- Most shifts require a one or two hour commitment
- Weekly opportunities are available
Gardeners
Session runs from May to October
We need volunteers to help care for our lawn and develop gardens. Volunteers will regularly water, weed, dig, mulch and prune, according to the needs of the garden.
WHO: Our volunteers work on their own and like to bend, lift and dig in the dirt. Prior home gardening experience is an asset.
WHEN: Flexible schedule. All shifts must occur when Library is open.
Literacy Volunteers
Literacy volunteers help one child (7 to 12 years) to discover the joy and confidence that being a reader brings. For one hour, once each week during the school year, our Literacy volunteers play board games, try out a new craft or experiment, tell jokes, write stories and read with their young partner.
WHO: Our volunteers enjoy children, share a sense of fun, creativity and good communication skills and are patient and caring. Retirees, high-school students, young adults, adults and volunteers of all ages make great Literacy volunteers!
No teaching experience is necessary and training and resources are provided.
WHEN: One hour weekly
- We can work around your planned time away for holidays.
- Afterschool, early evening or Saturdays.
- You choose the time and day that works best for you.
Technology Tutors
Many of us have helped a parent or friend to set up an email account, download a file or fill out an online application form. Tech Tutors offer friendly assistance with basic computer tasks to people using our public computers.
WHO: Retirees, high-school students, young adults, adults and volunteers of all ages make great Tech Tutors. Our volunteers are very friendly, confident, patient and good at explaining simple tasks to adults. Tech Tutors do not need to be experts, but should be very comfortable using a computer, email, social media and working online. Experience with “Gadgets” such as tablets and e-readers is a benefit.
WHEN: Two hour weekly shift daytime, evenings or Saturdays.
- We have a great need for weekday, daytime volunteers.
- We ask that volunteers can commit to a 4 month schedule.
Most programs take place on weekday evenings from 5 to 8 pm. You may sign up for day or evening shifts.
High School Volunteers
The Library is a great place to volunteer if you are in high school!
Many of the PPL’s volunteers are high school students earning Community Involvement Hours. If you are 14 years of age or older, you can be considered for many of our volunteer positions at the PPL.
Volunteering at the PPL is a great opportunity for you to build up your resume and at the same time have fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers at the Plaistow Public Library help us to serve the people who use our services. Our volunteers really enjoy helping people and are enthusiastic, friendly and confident.
How do I apply?
- Review our Volunteer Positions.
- Choose positions that you find interesting.
- Complete a Volunteer Application.
- Discuss available opportunities with a staff member to find projects that will be a good fit.
How long before I start?
After you apply, we will contact you about the next steps. You will need a personal or professional reference, a brief interview and a criminal background check before you can begin volunteering. Orientation and training will be announced at time of hire.
How many hours can I volunteer?
It depends on the position and your schedule. Most volunteers work with us a few hours each month, but more intensive schedules are also possible.
Do I need a Criminal Background Check?
Plaistow Public Library requires a Criminal Background Check for all over the age of 18 who have the potential to work with children, vulnerable populations, or sensitive data.
