Share Your Talents with the Library
Help make our library and community stronger! Volunteering at the library allows individuals to give meaningfully of their time and talents – to both connect with our community and to make it a better place. It provides an opportunity to build relationships, learn new skills, and increase fun and fulfillment in life.
The library appreciates the help of volunteers from teens to retirees. If you are interested in volunteering, please submit a Volunteer Application Form.
For questions or more information, contact:
Susie Danielson, Volunteer Coordinator
651-491-3416
susie@stillwaterlibraryfoundation.org
Library Volunteer Opportunities
You can help make the library a more welcoming, dynamic place for everyone. Whether you’re working behind the scenes or greeting visitors, you play a vital role.
Public-Facing Roles
Greeter Desk Volunteer
Description: Welcome visitors at the 4th Street entrance and provide basic assistance and directions. This volunteer may also act as a docent providing guided tours of the library and may provide clerical support while working at the Greeter Desk.
Responsibilities:
- Welcome and greet library patrons with a friendly demeanor.
- Assist patrons with basic questions and directions to the best of your ability.
- Provide direction to the Information Desk for more specialized assistance.
- Assist staff with special projects (mailings, letter writing, brochure folding, etc.).
- May provide guided tours of the library, highlighting its history, architecture, collections, and special exhibits.
- Notify library staff if any concerns or issues arise during your shift.
Qualifications:
- Ability to work independently.
- Friendly and approachable.
- Effective communicator.
Training and Support: Orientation and training on library procedure provided. Ongoing guidance and support from the Volunteer Coordinator and library staff.
Time Commitment: Flexible shifts that are typically 2-4 hour sessions weekly during library hours.
Library Program Assistant
Position Description: Assist with setup, support during programs, and help with cleanup after library events.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare the space before the program begins, including the chair and supply set-up.
- Welcome and interact with the public/patrons.
- Help with the activities if requested by the program leader.
- Help clean up the event space, including putting away materials, organizing supplies, and ensuring the area is tidy for the next event.
- Assist with any tasks requested by the program leader.
Qualifications:
- Enthusiasm for library programs.
- Ability to follow instructions and work effectively.
- Strong communication skills.
Training and Support: Training from the library program lead and the Volunteer Coordinator. Supervision and ongoing support from the library program lead and the Volunteer Coordinator.
Time Commitment: 1- 3 hours on select dates throughout the year.
On-Call Docent Volunteer
Description: Lead scheduled tours for individuals and groups, sharing information about the library’s history and services.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct engaging and informative tours.
- Highlight key areas such as Information Desk, meeting rooms, Johnson Terrace, special collections, special exhibits, ongoing used book sale, etc.
- Maintain a welcoming demeanor.
Qualifications:
- Prior volunteer experience at Stillwater Public Library is preferred.
- Friendly and passionate about promoting library resources.
- Comfortable speaking in front of groups.
Training and Support: Training provided with guidelines and key talking points. Ongoing support from Volunteer Coordinator and/or library staff.
Time Commitment: On call as needed for scheduled tours.
Foundation Event Volunteer
Description: Support special events hosted by the Stillwater Public Library Foundation to raise awareness and funds that enhance library services.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with event set up and take down including tables, chairs, signage, and decorations.
- Greet, direct guests with a welcoming manner.
- Help with check in.
- Assist with food and beverage service. Volunteers serving alcoholic beverages must complete alcohol server training or work with someone who has completed the training.
- Ensure the event area remains clean and organized throughout the event.
- Assist with any tasks in general requested by the Foundation staff.
Qualifications:
- Friendly and welcoming demeanor.
- Comfortable interacting with the public in a professional and courteous manner.
- Ability to follow instructions and work effectively.
Training and Support: Instruction provided prior to the event from the Foundation Staff. Previous volunteers typically volunteer at events and provide their mentorship.
Time Commitment: 2-5 hours at events held on select dates.
Behind-the-Scenes Support
Book List Puller
Description: Retrieve requested items from shelves or other locations in the library for holds.
Responsibilities:
- Pull the list items efficiently and timely.
- Communicate with staff if there is difficulty locating items.
Qualifications:
- Understanding of the Dewey Decimal System and alphabetizing.
- Ability to work independently.
Training and Support: Training from the Volunteer Coordinator and library staff.
Time Commitment: Approximately one shift 2-3 hrs in the morning on a weekly basis.
Clerical/Office Support Volunteer
Description: Assist with administrative tasks such as preparing meeting room schedules and creating welcome packets for new users.
Responsibilities:
- Create and post weekly library schedule.
- Data entry.
- Document digitization support.
- Mailing support.
- Write welcome notes to new residents.
- Assemble new user packets.
Qualifications:
- Basic computer skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently.
Training and Support: Orientation and training on library procedure provided. Ongoing guidance and support from the Volunteer Coordinator and library staff.
Time Commitment: Flexible, approximately 1-2 hours weekly.
Dusting Volunteer
Position Description: Help maintain a clean environment by dusting shelves, furniture, and surfaces throughout the library.
Responsibilities:
- Dust shelves, shelves, furniture and surfaces throughout the library.
- Report any issues such as damaged furniture, or cleaning supply shortages.
Qualifications:
- Ability to work independently or with the assistance of a job coach.
- Comfortable standing and bending.
- Attention to detail.
Training and Support: Orientation and training on library procedure and cleaning methods provided. Supervision and ongoing support from the Volunteer Coordinator and library staff.
Time Commitment: Flexible shifts that are typically 1 hour sessions during library hours.
Plant Care Volunteer
Position Description: Water and tend to the library’s indoor plants based on their individual needs.
Responsibilities:
- Water and dust leaves as needed.
- Remove dead leaves when needed.
- Report any concerns to the library staff.
Qualifications:
- Basic knowledge of plant care.
- Reliable.
- Works independently.
Training and Support: Training from library staff and/ or the Volunteer Coordinator.
Time Commitment: 30 minutes to 1 hour weekly or as needed.
Specialty Roles
St. Croix Collection Volunteer
Description: Support the St. Croix Collection, a local history resource focused on Stillwater, the St. Croix Valley, and Washington County.
Responsibility:
- Assist with organization and shelving of historic materials.
- Responds to information requests.
- Assists patrons
- Works on special projects. Special projects may include: digitization, newspaper clippings, inventory, index maintenance, handout updates, scan indexes, review donated material, record stats, research and write short social media and/or website posts featuring the library’s archives, and other projects as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Interest in local history.
- Self-starter.
- Detail oriented.
- Research skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Prior librarian experience and/or an archival background is a plus.
Training and Support: Orientation and training provided by veteran volunteers, and the reference staff. Ongoing support provided by the reference staff and the volunteer coordinator.
Time Commitment: 1-3 hours weekly. Annual group meeting to discuss and plan projects.
Doorstep Delivery Volunteer
Description: Deliver library materials to City of Stillwater residents who are unable to visit the library due to illness or physical limitations.
Responsibilities:
- Pick up from staff and deliver library materials to patrons’ home in a timely and courteous manner.
- Return library materials if needed.
- Communicate with library staff about concerns or feedback.
Qualifications:
- Dependable and able to commit to scheduled delivery times.
- Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and auto insurance.
- Ability to carry library materials.
- Familiar with the Stillwater area.
- Good communication skills.
Training and Support: Orientation and training provided by the library staff person in charge of Doorstep Delivery and the Volunteer Coordinator.
Time Commitment: On call basis when delivery needs arise.
Outreach Volunteer
Description: Represent the library at community events by staffing tables, sharing information about library services, and helping connect new users to resources.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with booth set up and take down including tent, tables, chairs, signage, and materials.
- Welcome and greet event attendees with a friendly demeanor.
- Assist attendees with basic questions about library and promote library services and resources.
- Assist with activities at table.
Qualifications:
- Friendly and welcoming demeanor.
- Comfortable interacting with the public in a professional and courteous manner.
- Ability to follow instructions and work effectively.
- An effective communicator.
Training and Support: Instructions typically provided at event by Volunteer Coordinator, library staff, or experienced volunteer who has previously worked event.
Time Commitment: 2-5 hours at events held on select dates.
Other Opportunities
Serve on the Board of Trustees
Make a difference in our community! Apply to be on the library’s Board of Trustees. Trustees are responsible for governance, policies, evaluating the library director, monitoring the budget, and advocating for the library. According to City ordinance, trustees must be residents of the City of Stillwater. View City of Stillwater Boards & Commissions and apply for vacancies online.
Serve as a Foundation Board Member
Are you passionate about promoting literacy and fostering community engagement? Do you want to make a lasting impact on the cultural fabric of Stillwater and our surrounding community? If so, we invite you to consider becoming a board member for the Stillwater Public Library Foundation!
Become a Friend
Join the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library and become a library advocate! Help with the two, multi-day used book sales per year or the ongoing used books sale area in the library year-round.