VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

About the Library Volunteer Program

The Paso Robles City Library Volunteer Program was instituted in 1995 to help the library staff make full use of its new and considerably larger building. Starting with only a handful of volunteers, the program has grown to be one of California’s most innovative models of volunteerism. Today, over 120 volunteers contribute annually over 16,000 hours of their time and talent to providing excellence in library service.

Volunteer Opportunities for Adults

The library offers two volunteer programs for adults. Library Express! is a six-week, two-hours per week, opportunity to assist staff in shelving materials, cleaning shelves, and completing various tasks. The Ongoing Program is a two-to-four hours-per-week, one-year commitment that provides for a broader learning experience in many areas of library service, from “up front and personal” to “behind the scenes.” All positions require a positive attitude and a desire to have fun!

Library volunteers come from wide range of backgrounds and their contributions to the library community are immeasurable—assisting in checking materials in and out, answering reference questions and finding information for patrons, monitoring the public computers, performing a variety of tasks in the children’s library, sorting and processing incoming materials, shelving items and keeping the shelves orderly, and mending worn and well-used books, magazines, and audio discs.

Volunteers staff the Friends of the Library Gift Shop - a delightful boutique filled with unique merchandise and educational gifts - and sort and sell book and magazine donations - the proceeds of all going toward purchasing materials and enhancing current programs. Volunteers also assist the Paso Robles Library Foundation in raising additional monies for the library. And the five volunteers appointed by the city council to serve on the Library Board of Trustees are entrusted to recommend goals and policies to address the information and entertainment needs of the community.

As a library volunteer, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you are providing a much-needed, much-valued service to the community. Through your participation, the library will continue to be a place where both you and the people around you are enriched by your efforts.

View a sample of library volunteer opportunities

Customer Service Oriented

Children's Library
Assist young patrons with their information needs at Children’s desk, shelve children’s materials, share library experience through shared books and activities
Circulation Desk
Assist patrons checking out and/or returning materials, paying fines, and picking up requested items
Reference/Computer Desk
Assist patrons with their information needs
Friends of the Library
Sell books, magazines and merchandise in Gift Shop (off lobby)
Study Center
Assist staff in satellite facility for north-side children after school

Behind the Scenes

Mending
Repair books and audio-visual materials
Processing
Prepare new materials for patron use
Delivery
Process materials received through Black Gold delivery
Donations Sorting
Assist in sorting donations, assist with periodic book sales
Friends of the Library
Assist in sorting and storing donated materials

Independent Work in Public Areas

Shelving/Shelf Reading
Maintain shelves
Materials Requests
Fulfill patrons’ materials requests
Special Projects
A variety of tasks, such as displays, collections maintenance, etc.

Volunteer Opportunities for Teens

Teens ages 13-18 may apply to work as a Children’s Summer Reading Program Desk Assistant. Activities include helping at the Children’s Desk during the summer reading program, distributing prizes, making crafts, and helping with programs.

How Do I Apply?

To apply for either of the Adult Volunteer Programs, simply fill out and submit the online application.

To apply for the Teen Volunteer Program, fill out the Teen Application, print a copy, and then bring it to the Library.