Friends of the James V. Brown Library
If you enjoy organizing and categorizing, Friends need you! Our book sorters bring order to the thousands of books donated throughout the year for our store, Friends Favorites Gently Used Books and for our semi-annual book sales.
Work days and times are flexible and the time commitment generally is three to four hours a week. Physical demands in this work include being able to push a cart of books and lift or move boxes of books.
If you're more of a people person and enjoy interacting and helping others directly, a Friends Favorites Gently Used Books store position may be just the volunteering opportunity you're looking for. You'll work in our bright, cheery used bookstore on the third floor of the new Welch Children's Wing. The time commitment is three hours weekly or biweekly. You'll greet customers and assist them with locating books and handle sales transactions using a cash register (easy to learn, in case you're wondering).
A complete outline of duties and requirements for these volunteer opportunities is available at Friends Favorites. For both sorters and sellers, familiarity with books, specialty categories and authors is a plus. If you're a novice, however, don't worry, we provide training and support for all the duties you'll perform.
Other volunteer opportunities with the Friends include helping with special events such as our book sales and book review luncheons and serving on our mailing crew. As always, we appreciate the support the community has provided through Friends membership and active participation in the work of the Friends. For more information, please leave your name, phone number and specific area of volunteer interest with library staff at the circulation desk or by leaving a message at 326-0536, ext. 147. A member of Friends will then contact you.
SeniorNet
Susquehanna SeniorNet caters to the vital, intellectually curious group of seniors. SeniorNet's mission is to provide adults, age 50 and older, education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom.
Courses offered are Computer Fundamentals, Introduction to Computers; Applications, Internet, Graphics, Genealogy, E-mail, Computer Maintenance and Digital Photography.
Qualifications for volunteers: Age 50 and older, ability to learn and assist others, and knowledge of basic computer skills.
Volunteer positions are:
Coach - This position assists the instructor and individual students during class. It is two hours per week for six weeks, initial training and two hours of weekly instruction, plus preparation. The coach assists the instructor by observing students and guiding them as needed during class.
Instructor - This position includes teaching computer classes with easy-to-use, step-by-step, instructional manuals. Use instructor manual for small group instruction. Seniors teaching seniors computer skills. It is two hours per week for six weeks, initial training and two hours of weekly instruction, plus preparation.
Office Aide - This position performs clerical tasks to help in the functioning of the SeniorNet classes and works one to four hours per month. Hours are flexible and are on an as needed basis. This position includes copying, assembling manuals and preparing newsletters for mailing. Qualifications are age 50 and older and possess clerical and organizational skills.
To apply for SeniorNet volunteer opportunities call the James V. Brown Library at 326-0536 and ask to be put on the SeniorNet call-back list.
The Learning Center
The Learning Center is in the James V. Brown Library and provides basic literacy and other instruction in reading, writing and mathematics through one-on-one tutoring or in a classroom setting.
The Learning Center always is looking for that special volunteer who wants to donate their special skills to help an adult learner. We rely on dedicated volunteers who believe in making a difference in the lives of our students.
Our volunteer tutors are from all walks of life and bring a variety of life experiences to share with their students. They tell us that their tutoring experience brings them personal satisfaction while enhancing an adult learners life skills.
Prospective tutors attend a tutor-development workshop and participate in motivating, challenging conversations and fun activities.
Once you complete the workshop, you will be matched with a student. You design your tutoring sessions to meet the needs, goals and interests of your student with support of The Learning Center. A monthly record of tutoring hours and a brief summary of your student's progress is required.
Prospective tutor's motivations vary for volunteering. Please call The Learning Center at 326-0536, ext. 159, and let us give you the opportunity to empower an adult learner to make changes in their life. We recognize our volunteers are priceless and we must never underestimate their worth.
The library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends.
For more information, visit www.jvbrown.edu.
