Opportunities for Volunteers

We have many great opportunities for volunteers at London Public Library. These are the volunteer positions for which we have the greatest need at this time.

Please note:

• Not all positions are available at every library location or at every time of the year.
• Many volunteers assist with more than one volunteer position.
• When submitting a volunteer application, you do not have to choose specific positions.
• Shelving and organizing books is not a volunteer position at the Library. It is a paid staff position. You can ask at your local library branch for more information about this staff position.

Computer Coach

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. Computer Coaches offer friendly assistance with basic computer tasks to people using our public computers.

WHO:

• Our volunteers are very friendly, confident, patient and good at explaining simple tasks to adults.
• Many of our Computer Coaches speak a second language in addition to English.
• Computer coaches do not need to be experts, but should be very comfortable using a computer, email and working online.
• Retirees, highschool students, young adults, adults and volunteers of all ages make great Computer Coaches.

WHERE:

• Many library locations

WHEN:

• Two hour weekly shift
• Daytime, evenings or Saturdays.
• We have a great need for weekday, daytime volunteers
• We hope that volunteers can commit to a 3 month schedule

One-on-One English Conversation Mentor (June - Aug 2011 AND/OR Sept - Dec 2011)

It takes a lot of practice to feel confident speaking a new language. Our English Conversation Mentors provide support and encouragement to an adult who wants to practice their new English skills in a casual, social situation. The emphasis is on social conversation, not on teaching so our pairs talk about their families, food, London and whatever else they may have in common. Our volunteers find this program hugely rewarding and many new friendships have been made by the participants in this program.

WHO:

• Our volunteers are interested in and accepting of new cultures, are warm and friendly, and have good communication skills.
• Many of our English Conversation Mentors speak English as a second language themselves.
• No teaching experience is necessary.

WHERE:

• We have a need for volunteers at almost every library location.

WHEN:

• One hour weekly according to your schedule.
• You choose the hour, day and library location
• 3 month commitment, starting in September, January or June

E.S.L. Bookclub Facilitator

Our ESL Bookclubs are a place for adults to practice reading and speaking in English in a group setting. Participants share in the reading of a good book (free books are provided to participants) over several weeks and Bookclub leaders answer questions and lead discussions about language, culture and the pleasures of the written word.

WHO:

• Our volunteers are welcoming, patient, accepting of new cultures and comfortable leading a group discussion in English.
• No teaching experience is necessary.

WHERE:

• Several library locations

WHEN:

• Two hours weekly, or every second week.
• Many Bookclubs run on Saturday mornings but weekday daytime and evening opportunities may also be available.

Children’s Activity Volunteer

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, take tickets, set up and clean up and prepare materials in advance, depending on the program.

WHO:

• Our volunteers enjoy children, are enthusiastic, friendly, patient, good at explaining tasks, organized, and like a fun and busy environment
• Many of our Children’s Activity Volunteers speak a second language in addition to English

WHERE:

• Most library locations

WHEN:

• Most activities take place on Saturdays and school holidays
• Some activities take place on weekday evenings
• Most activities require a one or two hour commitment
• Depending on the location, weekly opportunities may be available (usually on Saturdays)

Ushers at Central Library, Wolf Hall Auditorium

Wolf Hall Auditorium at the Central Library regularly hosts films, concerts, lectures and community events. Volunteer Ushers get to enjoy these presentations while also helping people to and from their seats, ensuring safety guidelines are followed, greeting visitors, handing out programs and remaining in the Hall during a performance. Training is provided.

WHO:

• Our volunteers are friendly, organized and confident and are comfortable helping people up and down stairs and standing for periods of time.
• Many of our Volunteer Ushers speak a second language in addition to English
• Retirees, highschool students, young adults, adults and volunteers of all ages make great Volunteer Ushers.

WHERE:

• Central Library, downtown

WHEN:

• Most performances take place on weekday evenings from 6 to 9pm
• You may sign up for as many shifts as you would like, with several shifts available each week

Volunteer Exam Proctors at Central Library, Exam Room

Volunteer Proctors carefully read and review written instructions for up to 12 different exams, sign appropriate sections of exams and sit quietly in an exam room and monitor students. Proctors use computers to assist students taking online exams. This is a perfect opportunity for those who like to read, study, knit or do another quiet activity while volunteering. Training is provided.

WHO:

• Our volunteers are extremely organized, punctual, reliable, mature, friendly and enjoy helping people.
• This position requires a volunteer to read and communicate detailed written instructions in English.
• Must be more than 18 years of age. Please view the exam times below. Must be available at one of these times every second week.

WHERE:

• Central Library, downtown

WHEN:

• Three hours weekly or every second week
• Three shifts available: Wednesday 5:30 – 8:30pm; Friday 1:30 – 4:30pm; Saturday 10am – 1pm
• 3 month commitment is required

Gardeners (April - September 2011)

Many of our locations rely on volunteers to care for their gardens. Volunteers 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.

WHERE:

• Carson, Beacock, Masonville, East London and several other libraries.

R.E.A.D. Volunteer (September - April 2011)

R.E.A.D. 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 R.E.A.D. 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 in English, and are patient and caring.
• Many of our R.E.A.D. Volunteers speak a second language in addition to English.
• Retirees, highschool students, young adults, adults and volunteers of all ages make great R.E.A.D. volunteers!
• No teaching experience is necessary and training and resources are provided.

WHERE:

• Pond Mills, East London, Jalna and Crouch libraries have the greatest need for volunteers.
• Sherwood, Central and Beacock libraries have some opportunities available.

WHEN:

• One hour weekly from September - April, 2011)
• We can work around your planned time away
• Afterschool, early evening or Saturdays
• You choose the time and day that works best for you.