Be A Library Volunteer. The Opportunities Are Endless.

By Marilyn Machlowitz

If you haven’t been inside a public library since getting a Kindle, you may be in for a big surprise.

In addition to lending books (including e-books), some libraries now loan museum passes, laptops, kitchen equipment, garden tools, musical instruments, jigsaw puzzles, and board games.

Many libraries now emphasize programs (not just materials) that build community, narrow the digital divide, increase early literacy, provide adult education, and serve recent immigrants.

Accordingly, opportunities to volunteer have expanded as well. While you can still shelve books or read to children, there are additional ways to make a difference.

For instance,

• Indianapolis (IN) Public Library provides volunteers the chance to greet guests at the life-changing naturalization ceremonies it hosts.

• Austin (TX) Public Library needs volunteers to staff its gift shop.

• Los Angeles (CA) Public Library offers the chance to facilitate a book group.

• Queens (NY) Public Library seeks those who can teach chess and lead a chess club.

• New York Public Library seeks knitting and crochet instructors for its branches. (Samples of your needlework may be requested.)

• Brooklyn (NY) Public Library needs homework helpers.

• Madison (WI) needs people to help run its 4-day book festival.

• Arlington (VA) Public Library welcomes those who will wear a mascot costume (to my eye, the costume resembles a bookworm) and who possess both a pageant-like wave and excellent dance moves.

• Fairfax County (VA) Public Library seeks a Read to the Dog Facilitator to help a child gain reading confidence by reading aloud to a therapy dog. (This is for those who own a therapy dog who is good with children.)

Cherie Asante, Volunteer Coordinator, for the Evanston (IL) Public Library notes that many retirees relocate to Evanston and volunteer at the library to get to know their own new community and neighbors. Evanston volunteers may work side by side with high school and college volunteers from nearby Northwestern University to lead programs or guide arts and crafts projects. Some volunteers leave Chicago each winter and are welcome to volunteer when in town.

Most libraries require an online application, an interview, and a background check. There are opportunities to volunteer at both a central library as well as its branches. Depending upon the activity, volunteers may be asked to commit to 2-3 hours per week for three months or 2-3 hours per month. The best way to learn about these opportunities is to check the websites of any public libraries in your vicinity.

Marilyn Machlowitz lives, works, writes and volunteers in NYC.

Lustre note on a related topic: We have been approached by Learn To Be, a non-profit that’s been bringing free online tutoring to underserved youth since 2008. LTB is actively looking for retired people to be tutors. You may tutor in a subject you know best: math, reading, science and more. You may schedule based on your availability. LTB provides all the tech support you need. Apply to be a tutor at learntobe.org/apply. Any questions, email hello@learntobe.org.