Volunteer!

What exactly IS a library volunteer?

A library volunteer is a person who performs tasks for the library without wages, benefits, or compensation of any kind (including travel expenses).  Examples of volunteers include members of the general public interested in promoting libraries and library service, or members of Boards, such as the Library Board of Trustees, Musser Public Library Foundation Board and the Friends of Musser Public Library Board.

Be a part of Musser Public Library's Volunteer Team!

Volunteers are an important part of the library's workforce.  The staff of librarians and technicians who daily serve the public often need assistance to keep up with the work they are expected to do "off the floor".  Because our library has become busier, our staff workloads have largely increased to thepoint where there is more work than time permits. This is where our volunteers come to the rescue!  We appreciate the time and effort given by our Volunteer Team, and we want to make it pleasurable and rewarding as well.

Why does the library need volunteers?

Volunteers bring the library enthusiasm, energy, added talents, and a fresh perspective.  They enhance, rather than replace adequate staffing.  They enrich the library's offerings, rather than provide basic service.  Volunteer service aids the library in making the best use of its fiscal resources and contributes to sound working relationships with other city departments and recognized agencies, as well as with community groups and organizations.  Volunteers are liaisons to the community and by their contribution are advocates for quality library service.

How do I begin?

Volunteers are assigned to activities according to their interests, skills and availability, with training provided as needed.  Contact the Volunteer Coordinator.  She will explain the Volunteer Policy and ask you to fill out and sign the Volunteer Application.  You will then be assigned to a staff member who will oversee your training and schedule you for various tasks.  For example, you may work with one staff member in the Children's Area and a different staff member when helping with Shelving.

The Volunteer Coordinator can be reached during regular office hours by calling the library at: 563-263-3065, ext. 101, or you may email:  tanderson@muscatineiowa.gov

Volunteer Opportunities

Children's Programs: 

You can assist the children's librarian during Storytime and special programs held throughout the year.  Share art and craft skills, create displays, help with the Summer Reading Program productions, statistics, displays and book lists.

Home Delivery: 

Select, check out and deliver books to elderly and shut-ins, keeping records of what they've read. (Requires a car and is usually a long-term volunteer commitment.)

Annual Surveys: 

Assist with annual surveys and statistics required by the State of Iowa and needed for library service information.

Local History & Genealogy: 

Assist with clipping of newspapers, indexing and filing, alphabetizing, use of microfilm readers.

Shelving: 

Put book carts in order, return items to shelves, shelf-read, straighten. (Requires knowledge of Dewey Decimal System and alphabetizing.)

Technical Services: 

Unpack and process new books, search OCLC books on shelves, process withdrawn books, mend damaged books.

Volunteers of Note:

The newest recipient of the Harriet Bauerbach Memorial Volunteer Award is Pauline Curry, a faithful volunteer who has shelved and worked for Home Delivery for over 20 years.  Pauline was presented this top award at a reception for library volunteers held in October, 2005.  Pauline was chosen by the Library Staff to receive this prestigious award.

The two former Bauerbach award recipients, Evelyn Hetzler (2003) and Brenda Fikes (2001), were both present at this last event. All three are shining examples of enthusiasm and energy directed toward improving library services to the public.

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