"Even if it's a little thing, do something for those in need of help, something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it." Albert Schweitzer

The Library Needs Volunteers

The South Pasadena Public Library has a number of volunteer opportunities so that it may better attend to its many important activities and projects. As you may already be aware, the Library is very well used by all segments of the community. The benefits of volunteering for the Library include the satisfaction of helping others, being a bigger part of the educational and cultural life of the community, the sense of making the Library a better place,  the ability to utilizing your talents and skills to stay active and involved for a good cause.

The Library already constantly benefits from the help of its many wonderful volunteers, many of whom are members of our all-volunteer support group, the Friends of the South Pasadena Library, Inc. Presently, the Library needs teen volunteers and adults who are interested in helping with children's storytimes, although volunteers who work with children must pass a
background security clearance.

Many of our current volunteer jobs are suited for those who like being around and working with others in a vibrant atmosphere. Other volunteer jobs are ideal for those who enjoy working quietly behind the scenes, such as to mend or re-shelve items. Perhaps more than any other volunteer job, the Library has an ongoing need for people to help re-shelve recently returned materials to their proper places in the collection.

Those interested in becoming volunteers need to fill out an application that is available at the Library. All Library volunteers receive training and are eligible to be recognized at an annual volunteer recognition event sponsored by the Library Board of Trustees. For more information please call Library Administration at 626-403-7330.

Library Archive Aide --assists with organizing, straightening, maintaining, and filing of local history archival materials such as photographs, pamphlets, magazines, and clippings.

International Collections Aide --uses foreign language skills to improve accessibility and ease of use of foreign language materials in Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. May also help with signage and display signage.

Computer Data Input Aide --employs keyboarding techniques to input data for forms, databases, indexes, charts, reports, and statistical tracking.

Shelf Reader --visually scans shelves of books and other materials, such as CDs and DVDs to ensure that they are in order. Fiction books, for example, are filed in alphabetical order by authors' last names and nonfiction books are kept in Dewey Decimal order.

Library Materials Processor --affixes barcodes, book pockets, theft detection strips, and protective jackets to newly added library materials. Also adds date and property stamps to these materials.

Library Materials Shelver --returns recently-returned materials to their proper spots on the shelves in various areas of the collection. Requires the physical ability to reach and stoop, as well as the capacity to lift 5 lbs. or less with each hand. Also must be able to push a cart of books around the Library that weighs about the same as a full grocery cart.

Children's Program Aide --assists with such duties as reading aloud with children, record keeping, and monitoring children's programs for various ages. These include the Summer Reading Program, Grandparents and Books Read-Alouds, various crafts activities, and special displays and reading lists.

Graphics Artist and/or Photographer --develops artwork in the form of drawings, digital photos, sketches, caricatures, computer-generated designs, etc. for flyers, displays, signage, bookmarks, etc.