The Library Foundation of Los Angeles seeks interns for a variety of administrative tasks, ranging from helping with fund raisers and special events to providing clerical and research assistance. The organization has a small, committed staff and volunteer opportunities exist in both the cultural programs and development departments. Our office is located in the magnificent Central Library in downtown Los Angeles.

We ask that our interns commit to at least one semester (for non-students, four months) of work with the Library Foundation. Weekly time commitments will vary, but volunteers should be available for a minimum of 10 hours per week, with a maximum of 24 hours. Internships are unpaid, but may be transferrable with course credit or community service requirements.

During your internship you’ll learn about the Los Angeles Public Library and how the Foundation partners to support it. You’ll receive valuable experience at an established organization which has been part of the Los Angeles non-profit community for nearly 20 years. Interns will be responsible for participating in the following departments, as needed:

v ALOUD at Central Library

The Library Foundation's award-winning ALOUD at Central Library series has provided the people of Los Angeles and beyond with over 1,000 lectures, readings, performances, and conversations featuring key figures in the arts and humanities, business, politics, and science. These dynamic programs, generally provided free of charge, are designed to stimulate conversation and provide a space for civic dialogue. Intern responsibilities include:

• Program preparation

-Auditorium/Green room set up -Guest Hospitality: ticket taking, ushering

-Book signing Assistance -Q&A Assistance

-Occasional help with offsite programs

• Audience Outreach

-Brochure distribution; expand distribution database

-Input listings on web-based calendars

• Archive Project

-AUDIO: ALOUD has amassed an extensive collection of archive tapes and CDs. Interns are responsible for transferring tapes to CD; CD to MP3, Mini-disk to MP3, while keeping the archive and database carefully organized.

-WEB: Expand online ALOUD program archive by building program pages for past ALOUD programs using program database and existing web infrastructure

-IMAGES: Prepare and format images for various archival systems

Participation in this department would include exposure to the numerous award-winning authors and speakers featured in the ALOUD series!

v Membership/Grant Research

The Library Foundation relies on committed donors, foundations, and corporations for support in the form of membership and grants. Interns will learn how the Foundation attracts new members and retains its current enthusiastic supporters; how to research grant opportunities, and how to steward current grants. Duties include mailings, phone calls, and research. Additionally, interns will be asked to contribute their own ideas on ways in which to increase membership efforts.

v Young Literati/New Initiatives

Assist the Director of New Initiatives in managing the Foundation's young professionals donor group, the Young Literati, as well as assist in the research and development of new public programs and events designed to cater to audiences in their 20's - 40's.

v Special Events

In addition to producing ALOUD at Central Library, the Library Foundation hosts a number of other special events reserved for varying donor levels. Interns may be asked to assist during afternoon luncheons or evening receptions hosted by the Council of the Library Foundation, or at the Gregory Peck Reading Series evening programs.

v Office Assistance

Interns will be asked to help with a variety of in-office projects such as filing, answering general phone calls, mailings, and more.

• Administrative Skills