The library is currently rebuilding our volunteer program and has paused accepting new volunteers. We will resume in 2024.
Volunteers are the heart of the Library! We could not do all the work that we do without the help of volunteers like you. If you would like to volunteer, positions are available at all locations and include assisting with youth programs, clerical work, book sales, special events, and other projects. We are listing a few sample job duties under each job type. We use volunteers in varying capacities at different locations, but these will give you an idea of the types of duties we have.
We ask that most volunteers:
- Are friendly, polite and energetic
- Be able to commit to a standard schedule (except for program assistants and periodic volunteers – see below)
- Be willing to work initially with staff for training
- Be able to work during open hours of their chosen location/department
Youth can start volunteering when they enter the 9th grade. 9th-12th graders are encouraged to join our volunTEEN program, active at all five library locations!
Send an email to request more information about volunteering at Anchorage Public Library.
Program Assistants
Work with staff and program leaders to ensure that each program goes smoothly. Sample activities include:
- Prepare materials to be used in the program
- Set up and tear down-including technology
- Track the number of participants and administer surveys and evaluations
- Remain during the program to assist the program leader.
- Special Assignment: Book Club Facillitator – lead a monthly book club!
- Special Assignment: Looking for skilled crafters to help lead programs!
SKILLS NEEDED: Patience, flexible, enjoys working with the public
TIME REQUIREMENT: Hours are as needed, usually 2-4 hours/shift
DEPARTMENTS AVAILABLE: Loussac Youth & Adult Services, Branch Libraries
Technology Coaches
Assist patrons with their personal computing needs. Sample activities include:
- Help patrons set up e-mail and other online accounts.
- Assist with basic word processing
- Provide support for first time/infrequent internet users.
SKILLS NEEDED: Comfortable with computers: basic email, word processing, and internet skills. Patience, flexibility and enjoys working with the public.
TIME REQUIREMENT: Hours are as needed, prefer an ongoing schedule, usually 2-4 hours/shift
DEPARTMENTS AVAILABLE: Loussac Adult Services, Branch Libraries
Library Ambassador
Do you love the library? Help share the love of that library. Sample activities include:
- Help staff library tables at community events & talk about library resources
- Work as a greeter inside the library to help people find programs & resources
- Special Assignment: Be the library liaison for your community council!
SKILLS NEEDED: Patience, flexible, outgoing, enjoys working with the public
TIME REQUIREMENT: Hours are as needed, usually 2-4 hours/shift, hours vary
DEPARTMENTS AVAILABLE: Loussac Youth & Adult Services, Branch Libraries
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining library areas to keep them presentable and safe for library patrons. Sample activities include:
- Wiping down tables and other surfaces
- Dusting book shelves
SKILLS NEEDED: Follow directions, able to push, pull, stretch, kneel, and stand for long periods of time.
TIME REQUIREMENT: Hours are as needed, usually 2-4 hours/shift
DEPARTMENTS AVAILABLE: Loussac Youth & Adult Services, Branch Libraries
Job Lab Peer Counselor
Assist patrons with personal development opportunities to help them navigate an ever-changing job market. Sample activities include:
- Peer-to-peer counseling
- Computer assistance (typing, creating email accounts, etc.)
- Resume writing and editing
- Job search assistance
- Conducting mock interviews
SKILLS NEEDED: Familiarity with using internet search engines and word document editing software.
TIME REQUIREMENT: Establish an on-going schedule, preferably 2-4 hours/shift, 2-4 shifts/month
DEPARTMENTS AVAILABLE: Loussac Adult Services, Mountain View Library
Circulation
This volunteer position is at the heart of the Library as we get books back into the hands of our patrons! Sample activities include:
- Put carts in order
- Help shift books
- Shelf read books to confirm they are still in order.
SKILLS NEEDED: Volunteer should be a self-starter, follow directions, work diligently with attention to detail, work independently, be able to push, pull, stretch, kneel and stand for long periods of time, able to read small type, must gain knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System.
TIME REQUIREMENT: Establish an on-going schedule, preferably 2-4 hours/shift, 2-4 shifts/month
DEPARTMENTS AVAILABLE: Loussac Patron Services, Branch Libraries
Administrative Assistants
This volunteer assignment helps with administrative support of the library. Sample activities include:
- Calculating volunteer hours
- Entering patron evaluation and survey data
- Support administration staff as requested
SKILLS NEEDED: Volunteer should be a self-starter, follow directions, work diligently with attention to detail, work independently, have knowledge of basic office equipment, computer, and telephone skills.
TIME REQUIREMENT: 3-hour shift once or twice a month, minimum
DEPARTMENTS AVAILABLE: Loussac Administration, Branch Libraries
Periodic Events
If you want to support the library, but can’t do it on a regular schedule, sign-up to help with periodic events such as Reading Rendezvous, the Emergency Preparedness Fair, book sales, special anniversaries and celebrations. If you sign-up, you will be contacted by email when volunteer opportunities are coming up, so you can see which events fit in with your schedule.
SKILLS NEEDED: Varies
TIME REQUIREMENT: Varies
DEPARTMENTS AVAILABLE: Loussac Youth & Adult Services, Branch Libraries
Book Sale Volunteers
These volunteers work all year long for our twice yearly book sales. Sample activities include:
- Evaluate and sort books and other materials; organize and shelve.
- Process library discards.
- Help set-up book sale events and assist the public by answering questions.
SKILLS NEEDED: Volunteers should be familiar with book genres, follow directions, think creatively, be able to lift (at least 20lbs), bend and carry books, and work independently as well as being a supportive team member. Helpful skills are being able to sell items on eBay and a working knowledge of old and rare fiction and non-fiction Alaska materials (Alaskana)
TIME REQUIREMENT: 2-4 hours weekly, help with book sale TBA
DEPARTMENTS AVAILABLE: Loussac Library
Friends of the Library (FOL) book Sale Committee
Help organize Friends of the Library book sales. Volunteers should have organizational and leadership skills, the ability to work well with others, experience directing personnel/volunteers, event planning experience or retail experience. They will also meet regularly with committee members and take an active role in book sale and volunteer organization for the sale. The committee participates in the planning process for the use of book sale inventory, other sales, retention and organization, and works with POL board and APL staff
TIME REQUIREMENT: Varies
DEPARTMENTS AVAILABLE: Loussac Library