Connect People with Books: Volunteer with Words on Wheels

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Are you an avid library user that gets excited about connecting people to books and reading? Do you have an affinity for working with older adults and people with disabilities?

Volunteers will help connect library services to community members that are unable to visit their local library. The program matches volunteers with library patrons. Volunteers will deliver and pick up library materials at the patron’s residence. They will also take requests for new materials, manage the patron’s library card and maintain a "reading record." The volunteer’s role also entails periodic visits to the library to pick up and drop off the patron’s materials.

Special Skills and Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Willingness to abide by library policies including vulnerable populations, intellectual freedom, mandatory reporting, code of conduct, etc.

• Reliable transportation; volunteers with a willingness to travel to mid or East County will likely be matched up with someone sooner

• Familiarity with the library catalog: Ability to search, place and suspend holds, renew items, etc.

Ability to:

• Work with the elderly and disabled

• Work in a variety of environments, including those that may include smokers and pets

• Work as part of Library Outreach Services team

• Collaborate with reference staff to meet patron’s reading needs

• Lift and carry a couple of book bags

• Work with individuals from diverse cultural, educational and income backgrounds

• Cope with death

• Pass a driver’s license and criminal record check (this is required)

Time Commitment

Volunteers will make a one year commitment with about 2-4 hours per month that includes weekly visits to the library and at least one monthly visit to a patron.

Training

• Library Outreach Services orientation and in-person training required. Note: Training is set for Sat., May 7 from 9 am - 12 pm.

• Online training on intellectual freedom, elder abuse, Gatekeepers, etc.