Volunteers
| Volunteer at the Library |
|
Work assignments are available during most operational hours, including weekdays, evenings, and weekends. Please see below for examples of the kind of volunteer opportunities generally available. How to volunteerIf you are a member of the Library (or are planning to become one) and are interested in volunteering, please download and fill out one of our volunteer application forms:
Email your completed form to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail it to: Naida Kendrick Culshaw
The American Library in Paris 10, rue du Général Camou 75007 Paris FRANCE You can also drop by the Library to fill out the application form, and leave it with the Circulation Desk. We look forward to adding you to the Library team! Upon receipt of your completed application, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to schedule an interview. At that point we will discuss your interests, talents and availability, as well as what opportunities are available at the time. Once an appropriate placement is found, the Volunteer Coordinator will call you to arrange a work schedule for you. Job-specific training will be provided on-site.
Volunteer OpportunitiesThe following list provides examples of the kind of volunteer opportunities generally available at The American Libary in Paris: Weekend Volunteers
On Saturday and Sunday, days when many families and working individuals come to the Library, that's when volunteers are most needed. These are twoof the busiest days of the Library's week and with the influx of users come more books to be shelved, more people to welcome, added support for children's programs and more. If you can spare two Saturdays (1/2-day shifts) or two Sundays (1/2-day shifts) a month please let us know. Welcome Desk VolunteerWelcome Desk volunteers introduce potential members and visitors to the Library's services, events and facilities. Provide newcomers with a helping hand in filling out the membership form. Desired qualifications include customer service experience, active listening skills, a sense of humor, flexibility and an ability to interact with people from all walks of life. You must be at least 18 years old and willing to be scheduled for two to four hours per week for a minimum of six months. Bilingual French/English skills a plus. Training is provided. Shelvers and Shelf ReadersIf you’ve ever looked for a book that the Library says is in but that you can’t find, then you know how important correctly shelved materials are to a user-friendly library. Qualities needed for this position include good eyesight, the ability to stand for long periods and to follow directions, to use alphabetical and numerical filing systems, to reach above your head, use a footstool and push carts of books. This is a great opportunity for teenage volunteers (age 16 or older). If you like to organize things, this is the job for you! Special Events AssistantsWe need volunteers to help with special programs on an as-needed basis. Typical tasks would include managing a registration or beverage table, assisting with program set-up or break-down. Most of our events take place at the Library on weekday evenings, sometimes at the weekend. This is a great opportunity for a volunteer team or a family. Circulation Desk VolunteerAssist staff in sorting, shelving, checking in and out books, CDs, magazines and newspapers. Help answer customer calls and transfer calls to staff. Bilingual French/English skills are a big plus for this role. Volunteers should have customer service experience, enjoy working with the public and with books and have the ability to operate a cash register. Physical ability to bend, kneel, and stoop required. Training is provided. Children’s Services VolunteersThere are several positions in the Children’s Library that may appeal to you. All require patience and a good sense of humor! General duties include answering questions, shelving books, and keeping statistics. Storytime volunteers assist in presenting storytime programs. Schedules vary. Training is provided. Collection SupportSpecial book searches, category verification, and cataloging are just a few of the tasks that collection support volunteers may be called on to perform. Volunteers must have an eye for detail, must be able to work without close supervision and must be available to volunteer during regular business hours. Interns from Library schools are encouraged to apply. Book ProcessorsAnother behind-the-scenes job, preparing material for circulation is a good way to see what’s new in the Library's collection before anyone else! Duties include covering books and affixing labels. Training is provided. A minimum commitment of 4-months (at least once a week) is requested. Book Group VolunteersVolunteers are required to help coordinate book groups at the Library. Volunteers helps select books, research authors, develop discussion questions and lead a book discussion each month. You must be comfortable leading a group of 5 to 15 people. Read more about the book groups now in progress. Special ProjectsOccasionally, the library needs assistance with special projects. The scope of duties may cover a broad range of activities, from clerical work to jobs involving more physical stamina including, but not limited to, filing, data entry, sorting books, stapling, assembling papers or other items, using copying machine, mailings, or doing data entry, 2-3 hours per week desired. |
Volunteers are the heart of The American Library in Paris. More than twenty volunteers currently donate their time and talents to provide valuable assistance to our staff and patrons of the Library. Our volunteers range in age from teens to seniors. Some do short-term projects, and some stay for decades. We welcome your gift of time, whatever it may be.
Youth Volunteer Form (Word format) (
Youth Volunteer Form (PDF format) (