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Arlington Public Library

Help Wanted

FILLED – Teen Volunteer Opportunity: Saturday Family Movie Assistant

Fall 2014 – Winter 2015

Saturday Family Movie sliderAt the Shirlington Branch Library

Description: Help needed clearing tables/chairs, setting them back up, preparing and distributing snack, one Saturday a month from 2:30-5:00 p.m.

Schedule:

  • Saturday, Dec. 20 – “Arthur Christmas”
  • Saturday, Jan. 31 – “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh”
  • Saturday, Feb. 21  – “The Emperor’s New Groove”

 

Interested in this volunteer position? Fill out an online application.

 

Minimal Requirements:

  • Teen volunteers must be middle or high school students.
  • Applicants must complete an online application.
  • Some volunteer positions may include further requirements.

 Learn more about Volunteer Opportunities for Teens at the Library.

 

What Volunteers Do: Get "Real World" Experience

Arlington Library and Schools Partner for Senior Experience

Emma and Kyle in front of Emma’s Summer Reading Program artwork

Emma and Kyle in front of Emma’s Summer Reading Program artwork

Washington-Lee High School seniors Kyle Chipman and Emma Troy spent the last three weeks of their high school career supporting a critical Library outreach activity – helping Central Library’s Youth Services librarians prepare for Summer Reading.

Washington-Lee’s Senior Experience program encourages graduating teens to spend at least 75 hours in volunteer, employment, internship, or special project activities at the end of the school year, as a way to explore the “real-world” work environment. Seniors work under a contract, established with a mentor who has agreed to share his or her wisdom, experience, and talents. For Kyle and Emma, this mentor was “Ms. Mariela” Aguilar, Youth Services Librarian at Central.

Mariela noted that Senior Experience participants are considered full members of the Library team.

As with any other employee or volunteer, they are expected to meet their work obligations by: arriving on time for their scheduled shifts, checking in with Library staff, completing their assignments accurately and efficiently, logging their hours, and in the case of an emergency that precludes coming to work, notifying their mentor in a timely manner. If they do not complete their end of the signed “contract,” their Senior Experience is terminated and they are sent back to school for the remainder of the term.

The Library’s Summer Reading program, which helps kids of all ages maintain reading proficiency over the summer break, is a complex undertaking. A theme is chosen, supporting materials are developed, printed, and organized for all age groups, special guests are identified and scheduled, and prizes are obtained. Then the Summer Reading communications blitz begins, with librarians giving talks at each school to introduce the program to all Arlington County schoolchildren, and decorations going up in each of the Library’s locations. Finally in early June, babies, kids and teens sign up for Summer Reading – and then the fun really begins!

Without our Summer Experience volunteers, Mariela says that Central Library would have had a much harder time getting ready for Summer Reading. 

“We turned Emma and Kyle loose to set up Summer Reading at Central, and they did a wonderful job.” Mariela also noted that Emma, who will be studying art at Virginia Commonwealth University, developed beautiful posters and window decorations reflecting this year’s theme of “STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).” And Kyle, demonstrating the logical mind of the math major he will be at Vanderbilt, did a great job organizing the materials needed by kids of all ages, at all library locations. In fact, Kyle and Emma were so efficient that Youth Services loaned them to the Materials Management department, to support some of their special  projects.

Kyle and Emma welcomed being in a professional work environment, “but in a comfortable setting,” and seeing firsthand the behaviors required for professional success.

They also appreciated being given responsibility to get the job done, with a minimum of direction. And they learned “how much behind-the-scenes work goes into making a good library experience”…something they saw first-hand while supporting Summer Reading. Emma and Kyle highly recommend the Arlington Public Library System as a Senior Experience placement opportunity.

 

Both Washington-Lee and Yorktown High Schools offer Senior Experience programs, and both Central Library and the Westover Branch Library have hosted participants. If you are a graduating senior and are interested in participating in the program, please contact your school’s Senior Experience Coordinator for more information. If you are interested in volunteering in the Arlington Public Library System for your Senior Experience, please contact a librarian in early April; the Library would love to have you.

 

Reporting by Mariela Aguilar, Youth Services Librarian, and Laura West, Library volunteer

 

What Volunteers Do: American Girl Doll Maintenance

Keeping Dolls Healthy and Beautiful

In March 2013, Library started an innovative program to make the library (and reading) more fun and accessible to young readers.

The American Girl Lending Program has made American Girl doll kits available for 1-week checkout; each kit contains an American Girl historical doll, the associated “Meet [the doll]” book, an Arlington County historical fact sheet, a journal, and a carrying case. Young readers play with the doll while reading her book, learn about life in Arlington County during the time period covered in the book, and share the doll’s adventures by writing in her journal.

American Girl Doll Maintenance at Central Library

American Girl Doll cases

Dolls on hold, waiting to be picked up

 

Function: Take care of American Girl dolls
Current number of volunteers: 2
Hours: 1 hour/week
Special Skills: Must love dolls

 

 

The American Girl doll program has been very successful.

The number of kits has grown from 30 to 60 in less than a year, and readership of the American Girl doll books has grown in tandem; in fact, even with 60 kits, the books routinely are on hold for other readers. The program is expanding to include other activities, such as LEGO® kits and books. In addition, eight other library systems from across the country have contacted the Arlington County Library System for help in starting American Girl doll programs.

According to Anne Womack, Collection Development Librarian at Central, American Girl doll volunteers are critical to the success of this program.

The volunteers maintain the doll kits, so that each reader can receive a like-new doll. When a kit is returned, volunteers use special “American Girl doll” brushes and picks to brush out and re-style the doll’s hair. They also clean the doll’s face and hands, and inventory the kit to make sure nothing is missing or broken. Finally, they photocopy the journal entries, so that these accounts eventually can be posted to the Library’s blog. Once this work is completed, the kit is ready for its next recipient and the fun continues. Anne noted that readers and volunteers have taken such good care of the dolls, that no doll has been broken. But if one ever is, she can be admitted to the American Girl Doll Hospital for care!

Currently, there are two American Girl doll volunteers: a mother-daughter team who work one hour each week, after school. However, Anne noted that one or two more parent-child volunteer teams would be welcome! No special skills are needed, just a love of dolls!

– by volunteer Laura West and librarian Anne Womack

 

Interested in becoming a Library volunteer? Check out the Current Openings on our Volunteer Page.

 

 

What Volunteers Do: Film Presenters at Shirlington

Interact with and Entertain Library Patrons

Film Presenters screen movies at the different branches in the Arlington Library system.

Mary Prisbrey, Shirlington librarian, described how this function is performed at her branch.

Film Presenter at the Shirlington Branch Library

Function: Selects and show movies
Current number of volunteers: 2
Hours: Early evening, 2-3 hours
Special Skills: Comfort with technology, love of movies

Shirlington has two dedicated Film Presenter volunteers: one who selects the movies to be shown and the other who shows them. Of course, the process is a little more complex than that.

About a month before a film will be presented, volunteer Barbara Goldstein swings into action. Using her understanding of the types of films that might interest library clientele and her knowledge of what films are available, Barbara selects a movie. She then checks to see if the library has the rights to show the movie, and orders it.

When movie day arrives, Shirlington’s second Film Presenter volunteer takes over.

Shirlington screens movies twice a month, at 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM. The volunteer arrives about 20 minutes before screen time, picks up the film from a staff member, arranges the room, and then uses the high-tech projection system (see picture) to run the movie. The Film Presenter stays in the room during the screening to provide special equipment to hearing-impaired patrons, if requested, and to ensure all the equipment continues to function. (Given the high-tech equipment in use, it’s useful if the Film Presenter is comfortable with troubleshooting technology!) After the movie completes, the Film Presenter turns off the equipment, straightens the room, and returns the movie to a staff member.

Mary says that movie night is a critical outreach function for the Shirlington branch. Some of the branch’s patrons may not have television or the resources to buy movie tickets, and this service provides a fun night out. Other patrons enjoy the lure of the big screen and interaction with other viewers…a cinema experience for free, rather than spending a night alone at home!

– by volunteer Laura West and Shirlington Branch librarian Mary Prisbrey

 

Interested in becoming a Library volunteer? Check out the Current Openings on our Volunteer Page.

 

 

What Volunteers Do: Central Library Welcome Desk

Here to Help

Central Library is the largest, the busiest, and with a plethora of special services, the most complex location in the Arlington Library system.

Newcomers entering the building often need assistance to get them oriented and to enjoy the Library’s services.

Volunteer Position: Welcome Desk at Central Library

Gil Leigh volunteer welcome desk central

Gil Leigh, Central library Welcome Desk Volunteer

 

Function: Greet patrons and answer questions
Number of current volunteers: 17
Hours: 2+ hours/week
Special Skills: Mental agility, kindness, computer skills

 

 

 

The Welcome Desk, centrally located on the Library’s first floor, is there to help. Welcome Desk volunteers greet new arrivals, introduce them to the Library, and answer their questions. And because they are the first person a patron may see, these volunteers play a critical role in setting and maintaining positive first impressions.

A key priority for the Library system is to provide good customer service. Welcome Desk volunteers help Central achieve this goal by relieving paid staff of some routine activities resulting in shorter wait lines and quicker responses to patron needs.

Barbara Dean, Volunteer Coordinator for Central’s Welcome Desk, took some time to discuss this important volunteer opportunity. Barbara noted that Central Library is the only Arlington Library with volunteers dedicated to assisting people as they come in to the building. (The Columbia Pike Branch Library, the second largest location in the library system, has a Library Service Desk on the second floor, but its function is somewhat different.) The Welcome Desk is staffed all the hours Central Library is open, with the exception of 5:00-9:00 PM on Sundays, when fewer patrons arrive. Shifts are a minimum of two hours, although many volunteers work longer.

Barbara told us that successful Welcome Desk volunteers love working with the public and making that one-on-one connection with the community. They believe in the value of libraries, as a community resource and as a personal one. Many of the Welcome Desk volunteers are retired, so this position is a great way to keep active and engaged with others.

Although this position does not require many physical skills (just the ability to move around the main floor of Central Library), it does require mental agility and troubleshooting skills. Welcome Desk volunteers must have an in-depth knowledge of what goes on in Central Library, so they can answer myriad questions and direct patrons in the right direction

Welcome Desk volunteers also perform important orientation services, such as signing up patrons for library cards, showing them how to use the on-line system to find books and access their account, and scheduling patrons for the ADA-compliant computer. Finally, Welcome Desk volunteers troubleshoot the Library’s copiers…a very welcome service to harried customers.

If this position sounds intriguing but you think it might be too tough, don’t worry. New Welcome Desk volunteers receive training from a long-time Welcome Desk volunteer who provides them with the knowledge and skills needed.

If you are interested in learning more about Central Library’s Welcome Desk volunteer opportunities, please email Barbara Dean Volunteer Coordinator for Central’s Welcome Desk volunteers, and Volunteer Program Manager for all volunteer positions in the Library system, at volunteercoordinator@arlingtonva.us.

-by Laura West, Arlington Public Library Volunteer

 

Lisa, Computer Help Desk Volunteer

Lisa H volunteerAn Awesome Person, and a Kindred Spirit

Lisa has been a volunteer at the Central Library Computer Help Desk since 2010, where she enjoys spending time assisting patrons and empowering them with the knowledge to use library resources to their benefit.

She says, “It makes my day when someone is genuinely thrilled by or thankful for my help.”

What’s your favorite thing about the library?

The books, of course! I chose to volunteer because I wanted to give just even the smallest amount back to a place that has provided me with so much.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

I work at a consulting firm, which takes up the majority of my time (surprise!). Reading is a great love of mine. In terms of sports, I recently picked-up bouldering—I feel accomplished and happy every time I am able to reach the top of the wall through my own efforts! Other hobbies include baking, setting-up and attending happy hours, and telling corny jokes.

Are you a Metro DC native, or a transplant?

Born and raised in the great state of Ohio! I moved to the Metro DC Area in the summer of 2008.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Awesome. Slightly kidding. I’m not sure yet, but whatever I choose to do, I hope I’m awesome at it.

What is the best book you’ve read recently?

“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. It’s the type of book that you must read more than once to fully comprehend, as its narrative style was unlike anything I’ve ever come across before. And the characters, their voices, and their stories stay with you long after you’ve finished the last page.

What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?

Can I change this question to best movie ever? It’s a movie I’ve watched frequently, ever since I discovered it as a child: “Anne of Green Gables.” How can you not love this movie (and the series) when it’s filled with so much hope and goodness? “Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”

 

Interested in becoming a Library volunteer? Check out the Current Openings on our Volunteer Page.

 

Melanie Bartlett, Volunteer at Central and Westover

Melanie at Westover Library 12-12-2011

A Lover of Books Who Loves to Volunteer

Melanie Bartlett has been volunteering at the Library since 2001.

She currently spends her time with us at the Westover Branch Library and Central Library, and says that Library staff are so nice that it’s easy to want to come back each week.

What’s your favorite thing about the library?

I’ve practically grown up at Central Library as I’ve always loved to read!

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

I’m usually off on Travel somewhere with my mom.

Are you a Metro DC native, or a transplant?

Yes I am a native.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I’m happy with what I am now, a library volunteer.

What is the best book you’ve read recently?

Books by Debbie MaComber.

What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?

Perfect Pitch on DVD.

 

Interested in becoming a Library volunteer? Check out the Current Openings on our Volunteer Page.

 

Shalma Akther, Youth Services and Computer Volunteer at Central

Enthusiastic Teen Who Loves to Help Her Community

Shalma will celebrate her first anniversary as a Library volunteer this winter – she’s been volunteering in Central Library’s Youth Services department since last March, 2012, and as a Cyber Center Help Desk assistant since last October.

We asked Shalma a few questions about herself:

What makes you continue to volunteer?

I just love being able to help anyone, especially when it comes to helping out when I act as the computer desk assistant. I want to give back to my community by contributing the time I have for a good cause and am pleased that I am making a difference no matter how small it is.

What’s your favorite thing about the library?

I love every part about it from the workers, to the books and to those who come regularly and are so excited to find what they are looking for; so I can never narrow it down to one thing.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

I also tutor HILT students after school at Washington-Lee High School and do various other community service with each of my extra-curricular activities such as for Key club, Red Cross, Latin American Student Association, Direct Relief International and Teen Network Board, along with mentoring freshmen as part of a new program I was selected for, called Connect. I also recently started to work at a frozen yogurt store and ado debate for fun. Also watching foreign films and learning new languages are part of what interests me.

Are you a Metro DC native, or a transplant?

I am a resident of Arlington and take the Art Bus to get to central to volunteer every Saturday morning.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Right now I am not exactly certain of what I want to be, but I’ve always been interested in the medical field and also am interested in English along with wanting to do the Peace Corps.

What is the best book you’ve read recently?

I read a lot, but recently have not had time to read my chosen books, so it is hard for me to decide, but I would say a good read is Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky which I had to read for my English class this year. The author’s style captures the reader throughout each page and through the picture he paints of each scene, I as the reader am able to see vividly each scene.

What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?

I would say an Indian film called Don because through it I am able to practice my Hindi.


We feel very lucky to have Shalma volunteer with us!

 

Interested in becoming a Library volunteer? Check out the Current Openings on our Volunteer Page.

 

[Filled] People from All Over the World Call Arlington Home…

And some need your help to improve their English language skills!

 

Volunteer Opportunity: English Language Conversation Group Leader

Volunteer at the Central Library as a conversation partner for a non-native English speaker, during regularly scheduled English Conversation group meetings. Volunteers should have an interest in meeting people from other cultures, and the ability to engage people in a pleasant, welcoming and encouraging manner.

  • When: The group meets on Saturday mornings, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Required Qualifications: The ability to speak English clearly and correctly. Commitment to a regular schedule. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Second language is a plus.

No prior experience necessary – training will be provided.

Visit the Library’s volunteer page to learn more, or fill out an online application.

 

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