A Great Story Needs Great Characters:

Volunteer at your public library and discover your power to make a difference

The Library owes a debt of gratitude to the many volunteers who have come forth in recent years to help us provide a steady level of service. We have seen clearly how volunteer support is essential to sustain operational effectiveness and the impact of this very committed force of library stakeholders.

Last year we engaged more than 1029 trained and dedicated volunteers who supported us by donating 59,290 hours of time and talents! The caring power of our volunteers improves lives by making our libraries better. Volunteers contribute by shelving books, processing holds, leading computer classes, taking books to home bound individuals, assisting students with homework, preparing Spanish story telling sessions – all of which ultimately builds our capacity to create a more educated and literate community.

We invite you to make a difference by sharing your skills and experiences. We would like to direct you toward our most common needs which are the volunteer opportunities you see posted below. However, if you have unique skill sets please complete the General Online Application. We will try to find a match for you.

If you need more information or haven’t heard from staff within five days of submitting your application, please call the Library’s Volunteer Coordinator at (704) 416-0711 or email at cwall@cmlibrary.org.

Branch needs vary so volunteer opportunities at specific branches may fluctuate depending on seasonal factors affecting recruitment; if you do not see your desired location listed as an option for a 1st or 2nd choice, please select another location and/or check back at a later date. Free parking is available at Main Library.

If you are applying online, please print your application before you submit it. In some cases firewalls prevent some applications from coming through. You may drop off a hard copy at your library of choice.

For more information please call the Library’s Volunteer Coordinator at (704) 416-0711 or email.

Volunteer Handbook

*Free Reader Required

Current Volunteer Opportunities
Reference Helper @ Main	View Details to Apply
Hours: 8:30 to 10:00 AM Tuesday - Friday Responsibilities: Assist in the pulling and checking in of morning holds report on Tuesdays-Friday. This will require the ability to read and identify specific Dewey Decimal numbers, exact titles of materials and matching item bar codes. Volunteers will pull materials from the shelves and check in those materials through the library’s online catalog, HORIZON, generating a label identifying a patron name and location. These materials will then be transferred to the appropriate patron pick up location either within the Main Library or on the Main Library dock for delivery to branches. Qualifications: Minimum of two years high school Knowledge: Basic understanding of the Dewey Decimal System Ability to understand and follow directions Accuracy, patience, and a tolerance for meticulous work Physical stamina relating to standing and bending to reach and re-position books on shelves Pleasant personality, ability to communicate in a tactful, courteous, and pleasant manner with Library staff. Neat appearance Training: Trained by staff on site As Volunteers: acquire new skills and gain recognized work experience. Expand your social horizons. Serve in your own community, keep up with the latest books. Be appreciated for contributing to the success of your public library Apply_Now
Information Services Computer Helper @ Main	View Details to Apply
Hours: Tues-Thurs10:00-7:00; Fri-Sat 10:00-5:00 ; Sun 1:00-6:00; Most critical need on Tues and Fri. Responsibilities: Assist patrons in the Information Services Department. This will require a working knowledge of the library’s Internet PC Reservation and Print Management systems, Envisionware. Identifying and helping with basic patron Internet access and usage such as logging on and off computers, creating and accessing e-mail accounts, attaching files to email accounts, using search engines, creating and printing Word documents, and scanning. Help patrons with other computer programs such as MS Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint usage and other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Volunteers must be at least 21 years old. All selected candidates must complete a background check and make a minimum commitment of 2 hours weekly or bi-weekly for 3 months. Strong oral communication skills and some teaching experience preferred. Applicants should also be dependable, cooperative and flexible. This opportunity is available at Main Library, Information Services 2nd floor. Knowledge: High level of comfort with technology in needed. Computer Helpers should have strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Training: This position requires a 1 hour training that will cover course materials as well as equipment. As Volunteers: As volunteers you will acquire new skills and gain recognized work experience while helping the Library achieve its goals. Apply_Now
Technology Trainer	View Details to Apply
Hours: To Be Determined by Each Branch Responsibilities: Classes are for adult patrons and will range from 45 minutes to 2 hours in length. Classes will instruct patrons in basic computer use, introduction to Microsoft Office products such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc., as well as internet basics, email and possibly other subjects. While the majority of classes taught will be at the basic level there is a demand for more advanced topics as well. Classes will be offered on days and times that libraries are open. The libraries will manage registration. Qualifications: Volunteers must be at least 21 years old. All selected candidates must complete a background check and a minimum commitment of 3 months.Strong oral communication skills and some teaching experience preferred. Applicants should also be dependable, cooperative and flexible. This opportunity is available at the following locations: Independence, Morrison, Mountain Island, South County, Steele Creek and West Boulevard. Knowledge: There should be a high level of comfort with technology. Trainers should have strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Training: This position requires a 1 hour training that will cover course materials as well as equipment. As Volunteers: As volunteers you will acquire new skills and gain recognized work experience while helping the Library achieve its goals. Apply_Now
Computer Lab Assistant @ Beatties Ford Road Library	View Details to Apply
Hours: To be determined but a 6 month commitment is preferred Responsibilities: Assist in signing up patrons for computer usage. Assist with general questions and usage. Assist staff with computer classes. Clean and wipe down keyboards. Perform other duties as needed Qualifications: Minimum of two years of high school or as determined by supervisor Knowledge: Ability to understand and follow directions. Accuracy, patience, and a tolerance a plus. Work quietly and independently. Ability to communicate in a tactful, courteous, and pleasant manner with library staff and patrons. Neat appearance Training: Training: On the job training provided As Volunteers: Acquire new skills and gain recognized work experience. Expand your social horizons. Help your library build a computer literate and educated community. Contribute to the success of your public library Apply_Now
Homework Zone Monitor	View Details to Apply
Hours: Monday- Thursday 5-7:30 PM Responsibilities: Support the Homework Zone by managing homework supplies, offering assistance and helping staff and security to maintain a quiet area Qualifications: An ideal candidate would be someone interested in education, comfortable working with students grades 6-12 and a willingness to provide basic homework help. Knowledge: Training: On going, informal training from Branch Manager, teen librarian and teen services specialist As Volunteers: you will recieve our undying gratitude and free chocolate! Apply_Now
Computer Lab Volunteer @ Hickory Grove	View Details to Apply
Hours: To be determined- most days 10AM-7PM Responsibilities: Assist patrons with loggin in, printing, email, job applications and resumes. Qualifications: Expererience with Microsoft Office and Interent Knowledge: Computer and Microsoft knowledge is a plus Training: Yes, to be scheduled As Volunteers: You will help us create a more computer literate and educated community. Apply_Now
Circulation Helper at Cornelius on Saturdays	View Details to Apply
Hours: 2 hours per week for 6 months. Responsibilities: •Retrieve library materials, maintain library book displays, sort and shelve books and other library materials and participate in special projects. Qualifications: Volunteers must be at least 14 years old or a minimum of two years of high school education. All selected candidates must complete a background check. Knowledge: Basic understanding of the Dewey Decimal System-must possess excellent alpha-numeric skills Ability to understand and follow directions Accuracy, patience, and a tolerance for meticulous work Good vision Ability to get along well with others and communicate pleasantly and effectively with patrons and library staff Neat appearance Ability to exert 20 pounds of force occasionally and 10 pounds of force frequently. Job requires lifting, pushing and pulling loaded bins, as well as stooping and standing for long periods of time. Training: As Volunteers: You will acquire new skills and gain recognized work experience while helping the Library achieve its goals. Apply_Now
Actioneer-Books By Mail	View Details to Apply
Hours: To Be Determined 6 Month Committment Responsibilities: To be assigned to an individual who is unable to visit the library, who has registered for the Books By Mail program. Gain understanding of patrons’ reading interests profile by consulting with patron or staff and arrange a delivery and pick-up schedule. Perform various other duties if needed Qualifications: Minimum of two years of high school Knowledge: Be 21 years or older and possess a valid NC Drivers License, have automobile insurance and the use of a personal vehicle. Fuel and mileage costs are not reimbursable but may qualify as a tax deduction. Pass a criminal background check Be patience, dependable, flexible and responsible Ability to get along well with others and communicate pleasantly and effectively with patrons and library staff. Be sensitive to the needs of, and be able to communicate with, older adults and individuals with disabilities Be willing to commit to an ongoing delivery schedule of at least one visit every 4-6 weeks, for a minimum of six months Be able to give adequate notice if unable to provide service for agreed upon schedule Training: Orientation to the library and all policies Instruction in the use of the libraries online catalog As Volunteers: acquire new skills and gain recognized work experience expand your social horizons keep up with the latest books help those access information in a variety of formats to those who would not otherwise be able Apply_Now
Technical Assistant	View Details to Apply
Hours: To Be Determined 6 Month Committment Responsibilities: Assist in signing up patrons for computer usage Assist with general questions and usage Assist staff with computer classes Clean and wipe down keyboards Perform other duties as needed Qualifications: Minimum of two years of high school or as determined by supervisor Knowledge: Ability to understand and follow directions accuracy, patience, and a tolerance Work quietly and independently Ability to communicate in a tactful, courteous, and pleasant manner with Library staff Neat appearance Training: On the job training provided As Volunteers: • acquire new skills and gain recognized work experience • expand your social horizons • serve in your own community • keep up with the latest books • help, and be appreciated for it • contribute to the success of your public library Apply_Now
Materials Processing Helper @ Main Library Only	View Details to Apply
Hours: To Be Determined 6month committment Responsibilities: Assist in preparation and processing of new library materials prior to placement in library collection Place RFID tags, labels in new books and audio visual materials Assist with database management of materials records Perform other duties as needed Qualifications: Minimum of two years of high school Knowledge: Basic understanding of the Dewey Decimal System Ability to understand and follow directions Accuracy, patience, and a tolerance for meticulous work Physical stamina relating to standing and bending to reach and reposition books on shelves Pleasant personality Ability to communicate in a tactful, courteous, and pleasant manner with Library staff Neat appearance Training: Trained by the Dept on site As Volunteers: acquire new skills and gain recognized work experience expand your social horizons serve in your own community keep up with the latest books help, and be appreciated for it contribute to the success of your public library Apply_Now
Special Event Volunteer	View Details to Apply
Hours: To Be Determined Responsibilities: • To assist staff throughout the year in various special programs and events such as: Novello, Dear Day, Wordplay Saturday, branch festivals, receptions and book sales • Perform various duties as needed Qualifications: Good attitude and reliable transportation Flexible Great with people and crowds Knowledge: • Must be organized and very dependable • Ability to understand and follow directions • Able to communicate courteously • Ability to get along well with patrons, guests, other volunteers and library staff • Neat appearance, good attitude and a smile ? Training: As Volunteers: • acquire new skills and gain recognized work experience • expand your social horizons • serve in your own community • keep up with the latest books • help, and be appreciated for it • contribute to the success of your public library Apply_Now
Circulation Helper	View Details to Apply
Hours: To Be Determined 6 Month Committment Responsibilities: Qualifications: Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. A minimum of two years of high school is preferred. All selected candidates must complete a background check. Knowledge: • Basic understanding of the Dewey Decimal System-must possess excellent alpha-numeric skills • Ability to understand and follow directions • Accuracy, patience, and a tolerance for meticulous work • Good vision • Ability to get along well with others and communicate pleasantly and effectively with patrons and library staff • Neat appearance • Ability to exert 20 pounds of force occasionally and 10 pounds of force frequently. Job requires lifting, pushing and pulling loaded bins, as well as stooping and standing for long periods of time. Training: •New volunteers will be expected to attend a mandatory orientation session. Dates and times will be provided for you. As Volunteers: You will acquire new skills and gain recognized work experience while helping the Library achieve its goals. Apply_Now
Spanish/Bilingual Connections that Count Teacher	View Details to Apply
Hours: To Be Determined 6 Month Committment Responsibilities: This position requires a basic program orientation and a minimum 6 month volunteer commitment. Attend and successfully complete a specialized training session Prepare for storytelling session with age appropriate books and activities Give children joy of reading by reading aloud to small groups Maintain and send monthly statistics to program coordinator Maintain an attendance log of families assisting parents Qualifications: 18 years and over Ability to work with children primarily aged Birth -5 Strong oral communication skills and read aloud skills Be dependable, cooperative and flexible Speak Spanish Knowledge: Enjoy reading aloud to young children (Birth -5) Communicate clearly and effectively Strong customer service skills Ability to understand and follow directions Comfort reading before small groups Be able to have fun Speak Spanish Training: Attend a specialized volunteer training session As Volunteers: acquire new skills and gain recognized work experience expand your social horizons serve in your own community keep up with the latest children’s books Help CML build a literate and educated community contribute to the success of your public library Apply_Now
Technology Tutor	View Details to Apply
Hours: To Be Determined Responsibilities: This position requires a 1 hour training and minimum 3 month volunteer commitment. CML seeks volunteers for technology based programs. Volunteer will work one-on-one with adult patrons. One-on-one time with patron will last 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the type of tutorial session. Tutorial sessions will instruct patron in basic computer use, such as introduction to Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc), internet basics (how to sign up for an email account) or how to create and post a resume online. Tutorial subjects will be determined by the patron during sign up and the volunteer will know ahead of time what subject to prepare for. Volunteers would be required to dedicate two hour time blocks. The Public Library will provide space and equipment, and will handle program sign ups. A staff member will be on hand to assist with program. Volunteer will be required to attend an orientation about equipment. First program begins in June 2009. Qualifications: This opportunity is available for Freedom, Morrison, Matthews and Main Library 18 years and over Strong oral communication skills and technology comfort level Be dependable, cooperative and flexible Knowledge: High level of comfort with technology, such as internet use, Microsoft Office, and teaching basic computer skills Communicate clearly and effectively Strong customer service skills Training: Attend 1 Hour training session at designated branch As Volunteers: acquire new skills and gain recognized work experience Help CML build a computer literate and educated community Contribute to the success of your public library Apply_Now
Spanish Language Tutor	View Details to Apply
Hours: Flexible - room availability& patron needs will determine hours Responsibilities: CML seeks volunteer for Spanish language programs. Volunteer will work with 1-5 adult patrons, with sessions lasting 1 hour. Volunteer will train English speakers in conversational Spanish. Lessons will be based upon volunteer expertise, but will also depend upon the needs of the students. Subjects can encompass Spanish vocabulary for use in the workplace and commonly used terms for both professional and personal use. Volunteers will be required to dedicate a 90 minute to two hour time block for set up and clean up of class materials, and for the class time itself. The Public Library will provide space and will handle program sign ups. Volunteer will be required to attend an orientation. First program begins July 2009 Qualifications: This opportunity is available at Morrison, Matthews and Main Library. Ability to teach and speak Spanish to small groups Ability to work well independently Knowledge: Proficiency in Spanish and English and most importantly, the volunteer must feel comfortable with teaching these skills to patrons. Give sufficient notice (at least one week) if unable to complete a program. Ability to get along well with others and communicate pleasantly and effectively with patrons and library staff. Training: Attend 1 hour volunteer training session at designated branch As Volunteers: • free parking • a chance to teach patrons valuble language skills • gain recognized work experience • expand your social horizons • serve in your own community • help, and be appreciated for it • contribute to the success of your public library Apply_Now