Volunteering @ APL

The library welcomes volunteer help! We have a wide variety of opportunities available. Many offer flexible hours and tasks to suit specific interests. Volunteers may help with children’s programs, take materials to patrons unable to get to the library, harvest information from obituaries for the local history project, and get returned books and media back on the shelves. These are just a few of the things volunteers do for us. Check out the listings below to see what may be a good fit for you!

The first step to volunteering is to submit an online application (see PDF with instructions for applying, below). We will contact you to meet with the volunteer coordinator, set up a training time, and you will be ready to begin.

The library does a huge volume of business and we are able to maintain a high level of service because of the 4000+ hours of time our volunteers give annually. Join this dedicated group of people at the Appleton Public Library today!

For more information, you can call our volunteer coordinator at 920-832-6346.

How to Apply to be a Volunteer at APL

Adopt-a-Shelf

Shelf read and maintain a particular section of the collection.

Ages: 
Completed grade 10 and up
Nature of Work: 

Maintain proper order of library materials on shelves.

Supervisor: 
Kris Kipping
Essential Job Functions: 
  • Work with library staff to select an area of the collection that you will be responsible for.
  • Review materials on the designated shelves for accurate filing and placement.
  • Move materials that are out of order to their proper place.
  • Bring materials back to circulation area for check-in if they were not near the right place.
  • Straighten and neaten area.
Requirements of Work: 
  • At least 2 years of high school.
  • Ability to read fine print, to reach high and low shelves, and to push a loaded cart over carpeting.
  • Ability to understand and use the dewey decimal system and/or alphabetical shelving and filing systems accurately according to library rules.
  • Library staff would prefer that a volunteer choose an area that they could fully examine at least once a month, but this could be done in weekly or daily increments.
  • Flexible hours.  

Children's Program Assistance

Children’s Services Program Assistant Volunteer

Ages: 
14 and up (depending on section)
Nature of Work: 

Assisting Children’s staff with programming.

Supervisor: 
Tanya Misselt
Essential Job Functions: 
  • Assist with the set-up and take-down of the room for the event.
  • Assist with set-up of the program and putting away items at the conclusion.
  • Help maintain the inventory of essential supplies used for the programs.
  • Assist children with crafts during the programs.
  • Operate simple equipment for programs (compact disc players, projectors, etc.)
  • Set out refreshments at programs.
  • Assist with drawings.
  • Greet and direct patrons to programs.
  • Help with name tags.
  • Collect statistics as directed by staff.
  •  Other tasks as assigned by staff.
Requirements of Work: 
  • Ages: Have completed 6th grade or equivalent.
  • Ability to lift up to 5 pounds.
  • Operation of audio visual equipment.

Children’s Summer Library Program

Work with young children checking reading logs and distributing prizes. Sort carts as time permits.

Ages: 
Completed grade 6 and up
Nature of Work: 

Assisting staff in administering the Summer Library Program.

Supervisor: 
Tanya Misselt
Essential Job Functions: 
  • Greet children and their caregivers as they enter the children’s room.
  • Distribute weekly prizes to children registered in the Summer Library Program.
  • Answer directional questions from patrons.
  • Refer reference questions to library staff members.
  • Record all patron interactions on a tally sheet.
  • Accurately record your volunteer hours by filling out the APL volunteer form each time you volunteer.
  • Assist with sorting and shelving book carts.
  • Notify volunteer supervisor in advance if you are unable to make your scheduled shift.
  • Be on time for each of your shifts.
Additional Duties: 
  • Discuss any questions and concerns about the Summer Library Program or volunteer duties with the volunteer supervisor or with library staff members.
  • Promote the Summer Library Program as a desirable summer activity.
  • Alert library staff when the prize inventory is low.
  • Assist with shelf reading.
  • Assist in straightening and picking up the children’s services department.
  • Assist with other tasks requested by library staff.  (This may include sharpening pencils, cutting scratch paper, cutting/preparing craft activities or counting materials.)
Requirements of Work: 
  • Have completed 6th grade or the equivalent of.
  • Have participated in an orientation for the responsibility of being a volunteer.
  • Commit to working at least 8 shifts during the length of the Summer Library Program.
  • Show respect for library patrons of all ages.
  • Present a neat, clean and appropriate appearance.

Holds Area Assistance

Shelve holds and assist patrons in locating holds.

Ages: 
Completed grade 10 and up
Nature of Work: 

Assist in maintaining the holds area of the library.

Supervisor: 
Kris Kipping
Essential Job Functions: 
  • Shelve holds. 
  • Help patrons determine their hold pickup code and find their holds.
  • Show patrons how to use the self checkout machines if time allows.
Requirements of Work: 
  • Completed grade 10 and up.
  • Ability to understand and put in order the alpha-numeric hold codes
  • Ability to use the self check machines
  • Effective communication with patrons. 
  • Available on a weekly basis from 9-11 am.

Obituary Project Data Entry Volunteer

Microsoft Access database entry

Ages: 
18 and up
Nature of Work: 

Activity is part of the Reference and Information Services section of the library and concerns the on-going local history project.

Supervisor: 
Karen P. and Brian Kopetsky
Essential Job Functions: 
  • Accurately copying selected obituary information from the print copies of the Post Crescent on to a form.
  • Typing the selected information into a database and maintaining the currency of the online obituary index.
Additional Duties: 
  • Copying selected other indexed materials from the Post Crescent for binders and the library scrapbook.
Requirements of Work: 
  • Ages: 18 and up.
  • Good eyesight and handwriting.
  • Familiarity with using Windows; a basic understanding of MS Office and the ability to learn microcomputer procedures quickly.
  • Familiarity with photocopiers.
  • Ability to alphabetize.
  • Ability to work independently with creativity.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with all library staff.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Hours are flexible during daily open library hours.

Obituary Project Microfilm Look-up Volunteer

Microfilm research and documentation.

Ages: 
18 and up
Nature of Work: 

Activity is part of the Reference and Information Services section of the library and concerns the on-going local history project.

Supervisor: 
Karen P. and Brian Kopetsky
Essential Job Functions: 
  • Locating and making copies from microfilm of requested obituaries or other articles.
  • Accurately copying selected obituary information from the Post Crescent on to a form.
Additional Duties: 

Making copies from Wisconsin Collection materials.

Requirements of Work: 
  • Ages: 18 and up.
  • Good eyesight and handwriting.
  • Responsible and reliable.
  • Ability to alphabetize.
  • Ability to work independently with creativity.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with all library staff.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Hours are flexible during daily open library hours.

Shelving

Shelve library materials.

Ages: 
Completed grade 10 and up
Nature of Work: 

Shelve library materials.

Supervisor: 
Kris Kipping
Essential Job Functions: 
  • Review carts waiting to be shelved and take the oldest date first.
  • Sign that cart out on the page worksheet and shelve the materials in the proper place.
  • While shelving, materials that are found out of order should be moved to their proper place or returned to be re-checked in.
  • Shelves that become too full should be shifted.
Requirements of Work: 
  • Completed grade 10 and up
  • Ability to read fine print, to reach high and low shelves, and to push a loaded cart over carpeting.
  • Ability to understand and use the dewey decimal system and/or alphabetical shelving and filing systems accurately according to library rules.
  • Flexible hours.

Straightening Shelves

Maintain a neat and orderly environment for library users.

Ages: 
Completed grade 7 and up
Nature of Work: 

Maintain a neat and orderly environment for library users.

Supervisor: 
Kris Kipping
Essential Job Functions: 
  • Work with library staff to select an area of the collection that you will be responsible for straightening.
  • Maintain proper order of library materials on shelves.
  • Bring materials back to circulation area for check-in if they were not near the right place.
  • Pick up and dispose of litter.
  • Push in chairs and keep area neat.
  • Collect current magazines and re-shelve in proper place.
  • Put newspapers in order.
  • Other tasks as assigned.
Requirements of Work: 
  • 7th grade and up.
  • Ability to move about the building and perform tasks as outlined above.

Teen Library Council

Advise the library on teen trends/interests and assist with teen summer library programs and other duties.

Ages: 
grades 7-12
Nature of Work: 

Assist with various activities associated with the teen summer reading program.

Supervisor: 
Brian L.
Essential Job Functions: 
  • Register participants.
  • Check review materials and file.
  • Award prize drawing slips.
  • Refer reference questions to library staff.
  • Sort fiction carts, shelve media, and work on special projects as assigned.
  • Notify supervisor (Brian) if unable to make your scheduled shift.
  • Accurately record volunteer hours.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Requirements of Work: 
  • Ages: 7th – 12th grade.
  • Working knowledge of alphabet.
  • Be willing to work several shifts, as available.
  • Show respect for library patrons of all ages.
  • Present a neat and clean appearance.  

Used Book Sale

Sort materials and assist with set-up, administration, sales, and dismantling of sale. May and November only.

Ages: 
Completed grade 6 and up
Nature of Work: 

Assist with various activities associated with the biannual used book sales.

Supervisor: 
Jan Quinlan and committee chairperson
Essential Job Functions: 
  • Sort materials periodically throughout the year.
  • Set up the day preceding the sales.
  • Work during the sale hours.
  • Dismantle and store materials at conclusion of sale.
Requirements of Work: 
  • May involve some lifting, bending, and pushing carts.
  • Ability to maintain an orderly environment.

Walking Books

Pick up, deliver and return library materials for homebound patrons unable to access the library.

Ages: 
16 and up unless teamed with a parent or guardian

Send a Question or Comment to Appleton Public Library.

AddThis