Youth Volunteering at Morrill Memorial Library:

The Morrill Memorial Library is a great place for teens to volunteer! Norwood Middle and High School students are encouraged to read our Volunteer Job description below to learn how they may contribute to the Children's Room. If you are interested in volunteering, please read the Volunteer Requirements below, and see the application instructions to submit an application.

Position Purpose:

The purpose of this position is to support the staff and collections in the Children’s Department at the Morrill Memorial Library. Student volunteers will complete creative project-based work and routine tasks to help staff provide library services to children and families in Norwood; all other related work as required. Volunteers receive valuable work experience; many former volunteers have gone on to work as Library Pages, and are eligible to apply for the Sastavickas Scholarship.

Supervision & Training:

Supervision Received: Works under the direct supervision of Children’s Librarians to complete assigned tasks. All volunteer communication and scheduling will be through Assistant Youth Services Librarian, Dina Delic.
Training Provided: Orientation to volunteering at the Morrill Memorial Library includes a tour of the library, training in shelf reading and basic computer tasks, as well as how to use the various crafting equipment in the Youth Services department.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a public area of the library or in a staff workspace. The work environment can be noisy with many patrons during high-use times of the Children’s Room.
Operates telephones, computers, and all other standard office equipment.
Once adequate training and direction are provided, volunteers are expected to work independently to complete the assigned tasks and seek out guidance from staff as needed.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

• Student volunteers must be at least 12 years of age to volunteer in the library
• Ability to be self-directed and organize work responsibly
• Ability to keep use of personal tech to a minimum
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and follow checklists for routine tasks
• Knowledge of spoken and written English
• Ability to organize items in alphabetical order
• Self-motivated and positive attitude

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to push book carts or bins loaded with library materials
• Ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm motions for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to bend, stoop, lift, push, and twist
• Ability to use fine motor skills for cutting and other hand use tasks

Volunteer Commitment Expectations:

• Volunteers are expected to come in on a consistent basis, so please check your extracurricular schedule before applying (if you already have multiple after-school activities, volunteering at the library may not be a good fit for you)
• Schedule: One (1) two-hour shift per week. Shifts will be scheduled after school hours and during the evenings. Weekend hours are not available
• Preferred Volunteer Commitment: Four (4) months; completing (20) shifts
• CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) Required: Must pass a criminal background check (applies to minors as well)
• Volunteers must sign a Code of Conduct contract before volunteering
• Volunteers must have their own email address (a parent's or guardian's email address will not be accepted)

How to Apply

Send an email to ddelic@minlib.net containing the following information:

• Full name and age
• grade and school
• Shift availability (note: we do not take volunteers on weekends or Fridays during the school year)
• Tell us why you are seeking volunteer hours (school needs, National Honor Society, work experience, etc.)
• Describe any special skills you have that you think might contribute to your volunteer position
• Current after school schedule (sports, clubs, theater, band, etc.)