Volunteers are a vital part of the library team. Generally,
volunteers do not work directly with the public. There are many critical
operations which volunteers perform that release the staff to assist
library users.
The best way to become a library volunteer is to
call the library where
you wish to work to determine if there are volunteer
positions available.
Prior to placing you in a volunteer position, you
will be scheduled for an interview with the Volunteer
Coordinator at that library. You will fill out an
application and be interviewed. This will help us
learn about your skills, interests, experience, service
preferences, and availability. This information will
be compared to a file of staff requests for volunteers.
We will place you as soon as possible in a position
which will best match your needs and our needs. There
are short-term or long-term assignments available.
Volunteer hours per week vary greatly according to
the needs of the library and your available time.
Other Volunteer Groups
In addition to giving your time as an individual
to your local branch, you can contribute your time
to an advisory group:
County Library Board
The thirteen-member unpaid County Library Board inquires into all matters affecting
the County public library system and makes recommendations to the County
Executive either directly or through the Director. Twelve of the members
are appointed by the County Executive and approved by the Council. The thirteenth
is appointed by the Board of Education. Each Library Board member is assigned
two or three libraries and attends the meetings of those local advisory committees.
The Director of the Montgomery County Public Libraries serves as Secretary
to the Library Board and provides clerical support with staff from the Director's
administrative office.
Library Advisory Committees
Each branch library has a Library Advisory Committee of three to sixteen members
designated by the County Library Board to represent constituents from that
branch library's service area. These committees advise the local library
manager, the Library Board and the County Executive concerning the library
needs in the area which they represent; suggest overall improvements to the
County library system; and make recommendations concerning membership on
the Board.
Library Advisory Committee (LAC) membership forms
and applications for a given library can be obtained
by asking at the information
desk of that library. LAC members serve up to two, three-year terms, and
membership must be approved by the Library Board.
LAC
Handbook (Adobe PDF file)
Friends of the
Library, Montgomery County, Maryland, Inc.
The Friends enhance the public library system by funding programs, services,
and publications. We distribute free and discounted books to deserving communities,
encourage reading among children and adult life-long learning, promote librarianship
as a career, support local writers by sponsoring author programs, and educate
non-traditional library users about the public library system. Membership is
open to individuals, families, and corporations. Dues vary from $25 to $1,000
for sponsoring corporate members.
Cooperative Volunteer Arrangements
We place many volunteers in co-operation with other
agencies and organizations.
SSLP Volunteers
Student Service Learning Program. Young people and high school students who
are working to fulfill community service requirements (SSLP) for high school
graduation give valuable assistance to their local libraries.
Interns or Practicum Students
Students working towards their undergraduate degrees in journalism and graduate
degrees in library and information sciences give valuable service and get
valuable experience through structured library volunteer activities credited
toward their degree.
Cooperative Recruitment Programs
Montgomery County Public Libraries cooperates with various volunteer agencies
which serve as recruitment and placement centers, such as the Montgomery
County Volunteer Center, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and the
Alternative Community Services program.
Questions about Volunteering?
For questions about volunteering with a branch of the Montgomery County Public
Libraries, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at that branch.
