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Volunteer


Volunteer @ PGCMLS

In February 1972, the Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) received a federal grant from the Library Services and Construction Act, Title I funds, to initiate a volunteer program for one year. As stated in the original proposal, the objectives of the project were to extend library services beyond the capabilities of the library staff and develop better public relations and support in the community.

Photo of young man

In July 1973, the Library took over the responsibility for funding and maintaining the volunteer project within its own budget. Valuable contributions are made by volunteers to the Library's mission of promoting and making available resources that fill the lifelong learning needs of the citizens and residents of Prince George's County.

PGCMLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry or national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, disability or perceived disability, occupation, political opinion, personal appearance, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other prohibited basis in employment or the provision of services.

Volunteer Assignments

The following are examples of volunteer assignments. No volunteer, either regular or temporary, may be assigned to the Circulation or Information Desks at any time. The library is now accepting volunteers. Please check with your local library for more information Volunteers must be vaccinated.

Library Aide - Volunteers assist library staff with general library or office work around the library.

Computer Aide - Assists novice users in performing basic commands; performs basic troubleshooting. Aides with extensive computer experience may offer one-on-one tutoring or conduct workshops for small groups on computer basics, word processing, spreadsheets and other software available on Library computers. Volunteers may be subject to a basics test

Facilitators for the Language Conversation Club - The role of the facilitator is to plan and lead activities that promote English conversational skills for adult English language learners, or for Spanish Conversation Clubs, for those adults interested in promoting their Spanish conversation skills, all in a welcoming, fun and respectful environment. There are multiple locations available and schedules to select from.

Contact us if you are interested in volunteering for the Language Conversation Club

Facility Aide - Assists with various facility duties such as straightening up areas after use; dusting; picking up and disposing of debris inside or outside the facility.

Kids Achieve Club Mentor - The role of the mentor is to promote the education of students through reading to children in grades 1st-6th and provide homework assistance.  Mentors are not required to be bilingual, however there’s a high need for the following languages: Spanish, Farsi, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Amharic, French and ASL. Teens over the age of 15 are welcomed to apply and can earn credit towards community service hours. There are multiple locations available and schedules to select from.

Contact us if you are interested in volunteering for the Kids Achieve Club

Program Aide - Assists with story times, puppet theaters and other programs.

Age Requirement

The minimum age requirement for volunteers at PGCMLS is 14.

Categories of Volunteers

There are two categories of volunteers at PGCMLS - temporary and regular. Temporary volunteers are those who have an assignment on a limited or intermittent basis. Regular volunteers are enrolled for a specific, continuing schedule for a period of at least six months.

Schedules

The number of hours volunteers contribute depends upon their assignments but most regular volunteers average 2-6 hours per week, with a maximum of 10 hours per week allowed. Regular volunteers are scheduled a minimum of three hours per month.

Temporary volunteers may exceed more than 10 hours per week, although only for a short period of time.

Adjustments in schedules and assignments may be made to provide the best possible public service.

Policies

Each volunteer is assigned to a Volunteer Advisor who provides training and support and serves as a link between the volunteer and the rest of the staff. Volunteers are expected to be familiar with and follow the policies and procedures of the Library to ensure a positive experience.

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities

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Want to suggest a volunteering opportunity? Contact PR@pgcmls.info!


 

Find out more

To find out more about the availability of any volunteer opportunities, contact the branch at which you would like to volunteer. Applications for temporary and regular volunteer service are available at the branches.