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Summer Youth Volunteer Program

Thank you for your interest in the Austin Public Library's 2008 Summer Youth Volunteer Program.

To apply, complete the linked application and mail it to the address listed at the end of the application. Answer all questions and have a parent or legal guardian sign the back. Parents should not complete the applications for children. Feel free to include any information that you think will be helpful.

Important dates to remember:

• April 7, 2008 - Applications are being accepted.
• May 5 - Application deadline.
• May 19 - Placement letters mailed.
• Thursday, May 29 & Friday, June 6 - Training sessions (mandatory to attend one, location to be announced).
• Program begins Monday, June 9, 2008 @ 8:00 a.m.
• August 1 - Last day of program. Ready for a party?

Program guidelines:

The dates of the Summer Youth Volunteer program are Monday, June 9 through Friday, August 1, 2008. Volunteers may miss up to two weeks of the program for camps or vacations. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old, on or before June 9, 2008, and have completed 7th grade.No exceptions!

Most volunteers work six to eight hours a week, and every effort is made to place you at a location you requested. Please list all locations where you could volunteer in order of preference.

Applications must be postmarked by May 5, 2008. Late applications will be considered for unfilled positions after initial placements are made. Please keep in mind that the Library usually has about four times as many applications as positions, so late placements are rare.

Notification of placements will be mailed on or about May 19, 2008. Preference is given to returning volunteers and older youth. New volunteers may be asked to have an interview with the Volunteer Coordinator. Please do not call the Volunteer Coordinator's office before May 22 to check on your placement.

Training is mandatory for all volunteers. Please indicate on the application which session suits you best.

• Wednesday, May 29, 2008, 6 p.m., (location to be announced), or;
• Friday, June 6, 2008, 4-5 p.m., (location to be announced

Volunteers will receive letters of participation. We will also ask volunteers to complete a survey that will help the Library plan for future programs.

Summer Youth Volunteer positions

ADMINISTRATIVE CLERICAL SUPPORT VOLUNTEER - Assist with general office and clerical duties. Dependent on area assigned may provide assistance with answering telephones taking of messages; Xeroxing, preparing materials for mail outs, data entry and labeling of books. Must have general knowledge of office equipment and software. Must be well organized and have a willingness to perform basic tasks. (Volunteer opportunity Mon -Fri) This opportunity is limited.

CIRCULATION SUPORT VOLUNTEER - Volunteer will work with the circulation division filing, preparing envelopes for mailings, and shredding of materials. Volunteer must be willing to perform tedious and repetitious work with minimum supervision. Must have great organization skills and provide excellent attention to details. (Volunteer opportunities Mon afternoon - Tue mornings)

PAGE VOLUNTEER - Provide assistance to all branches and central library with re-shelving and sorting of returned books, magazines, videotapes and music. Using Dewey decimal, "read" and alphanumeric sequence as means to re-shelf, ensures books are in the correct location. Ability to bend, stoop, reach and squat to shelf or retrieve books. Ability to push/pull book carts that could weight 50-200 lbs. Ability to perform routine task with office equipment: photocopier, computer, typewriter, etc. Empty book bags and book drops. Ability to communicate verbally with customers and other duties as required. (Volunteer opportunities Mon - Sun)

SUMMER READING PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS - Assist youth services librarians with storytime preparation. Volunteer must have understanding and knowledge of children 0-14 years. Must enjoy working in a flexible environment along with interacting with the public and being around children. Must be organized and reliable. Have a creative nature for producing artistic arts and craft activities and materials. Assist youth services librarian in the creation and production of materials used in storytime presentations, such as puppets, props and flannel boards. Knowledge of additional world languages valuable. Provides preparation for activities with room management and arrangement. Provide assistance during summer with signing up children for library summer reading programs. Perform other duties as required. (Volunteer opportunities Mon - Fri)

YOUTH SERVICES VOLUNTEER - Assist Youth Services Librarians prepare materials and activities to be distributed to local branches and the general public. Ability to organize and separate materials. Willingness to perform basic and repetitive tasks. Ability to manage time effectively. Must have basic clerical skills (i.e.: typing copying, filing etc) and working knowledge of computers. Volunteers may have contact with public and children 0-18 years of age. May be required to lift boxes of 40 lbs. (volunteer opportunities Mon - Sat)

Thank you for following these guidelines. If you still have questions, call Sharon Edwards at (512) 974-7443, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., or you may e-mail me at sharon.edwards@ci.austin.tx.us. Please do not fax or e-mail applications. Original signatures are required.

I look forward to a great summer at the Library

Sharon Edwards
Volunteer Services Coordinator
Austin Public Library
Post Office Box 2287
Austin, TX 78768-2287