Work for a Cause, not for Applause….Live Life to Express, not to Impress!!! – Anonymous

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library! You can check our Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities to see what types of service we currently need and follow the Steps to Volunteer to apply for entry into our Volunteer Program! Our volunteers help the library be the best place it can be, and we are so grateful for the time and talents they share with us.  

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities: 

1. Shelf Reading | Our Shelf Readers “read the shelves” in Adult Media and Fiction to make sure all library materials are in the correct alphabetical order! A vital organizational aspect of the library that makes sure things are exactly where they belong. 
2. Help Desk | Help Desk Assistants act as the face of the library in Adult Media and Fiction. They answer questions, conduct research, and provide basic computer help to our patrons, all at an accessible location to our most popular collections! 
3. Library of Experiences | Members of the Library of Experiences will be part of a collection, not of books, but of lived experiences that can be shared with other people. The goal of this collection is to allow patrons to check out different experiences in a personal setting, both to find support and to learn new perspectives. For this opportunity, volunteers will need to fill out a special application for the Library of Experiences that can be found here. Please note that circulating as a member of the Library of Experiences is a monthly commitment.
4. Friends of the Library Book Nook | The Book Nook is a year-round bargain book sale operated by our Friends of the Library Association (FOLA) and volunteers! FOLA needs help sorting and placing the hundreds of donated items that they receive for the Nook, so they are always on the lookout for dedicated volunteers.

Occasionally, we have long-term volunteer opportunities that require a specialized skill set. These opportunities can only be filled by 1-2 people and may not be around for long.

Collectible Books Silent Auction | We are in need of a volunteer to take over the Collectible Books Silent Auction in the main lobby of the library. Will be responsible for care and organization of books, researching starting prices, management of the silent auction display, and contacting the winning bidders. Auction schedule can be discussed with the Volunteer Coordinator but must reflect a steady commitment.  

Steps to Volunteer:

1. Application & Screening Process | Pick up application at the Circulation Desk or click here. Please note that the application for the Library of Experiences is different and can be found here. Must fill out front and back for the Volunteer Coordinator to complete the screening process. 
2. Interview | Get to know you & placement session! 
3. Orientation & Training | All opportunities require one initial orientation and training. Volunteers will be notified of further orientations and training sessions as needed.
4. Schedule | Some opportunities require long-term commitments or specific days and times; others can be done anytime the library is open.

To learn more about the Friends of the Library Association (FOLA) and their services to the library, click here or find them on Facebook.

For more information on volunteering, please call the Volunteer Coordinator at 423-472-2163, ext. 141 or email her at volunteers@clevelandlibrary.org. 

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has! – Margaret Mead