Volunteer opportunities abound in library system

By KAREN STEUER, Information specialist for the Hernando County Public Library System
Published January 1, 2008

The Hernando County Public Library depends on its volunteers for all kinds of assistance. We often say we could not open the doors without their help.

There are 77 volunteers who donate their time to the library system. Last year, they were able to give us more than 5,866 hours of aid. We place our volunteers where their personal interests are reflected. We realize our volunteers lead full and hectic lives so we work with each individual's schedule to give them the most convenient times to work.

Our volunteers have the opportunity to assist with different types of jobs. The shelving of items is just one of the tasks that most of our volunteers are involved in. They process paperbacks for distribution and put fliers and new card packets together. Some of our volunteers call patrons to inform them that the items they've reserved are ready for pickup.

The interlibrary loan department at the main library utilizes volunteers for filing. If working more closely with the public is your style, you might want to work at the circulation desk. Do you have computer experience? Perhaps you would like to work in one of our three labs helping patrons with their many questions. It is an endless job keeping all our items in order; perhaps you would like to give shelf reading a try. Does book repair and DVD cleaning utilize your expertise better?

The Spring Hill Branch and the East Hernando Branch show movies every month. Volunteers can assist with this, as well as getting to see a great movie and have hot fresh popcorn at the same time.

Our volunteers come to us through several avenues. Most come to us by just walking in and inquiring about volunteering and filling out a simple application.

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP, also places volunteers with us. This is a national volunteer organization composed of seniors age 55 and older who want to help their community using their job skills and special experiences. The RSVP organization covers its volunteers with a supplemental accident and liability insurance policy during their volunteer hours. They receive a quarterly newsletter and are honored with a yearly recognition banquet. The Hernando County chapter is sponsored by Mid-Florida Community Services at 820 Kennedy Blvd. in Brooksville. For information, you can contact the organization at 796-8117.

We have a couple of volunteers who come to us through the Experience Works program. This is a national, charitable, community-based organization that helps seniors get the training they need to be able to re-enter the job market in their local communities. They are paid through this program, using funding by grants, foundations and contributions from companies and individuals. Their office is at Career Central, 7361 Forest Oaks Blvd. in Spring Hill. They also have an informative Web site: www.experienceworks.org.

Not only does the library have openings for adults, there are spaces for teens, too. Our programming department, at the West Hernando Branch, primarily uses teens for special programs such as the Teddy Bear Picnic and Santa @ your library.

During the summer, with the Florida Library Youth Program, we have a great need for young people to help with the huge crowds. The programming department also needs volunteers to help set up crafts for their Storytime and Toddler Time programs. For information about volunteering for the programming department, call 540-6391.

Volunteering is a win-win situation for everyone. If you ask any staff member at the library, he will tell you that we receive a lot more from our volunteers than we could ever give back.

Karen Steuer is an information specialist for the Hernando County Public Library System.

FAST FACTS:

How you can help

For information about volunteering at your local library branch in Hernando County, call the Spring Hill Branch at 540-6374, the Main Library at 754-4043, the West Hernando Branch at 540-6391 or the East Hernando Branch at 754-4443. Or you can stop in and pick up an application or go online at www.hcpl.lib.fl.us.

To volunteer in the library system's programming department, call 540-6391.

To volunteer through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, call 796-8117.

[Last modified December 31, 2007, 20:28:43]