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Volunteer at the Lexington Public Library

The Lexington Public Library welcomes your time and talents! There are a number of volunteer opportunities available, and we will accommodate your preferences for location and hours as much as possible.

To get started volunteering, check out the descriptions and links to apply below. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator if you have questions or need help completing your application.

Already an approved Lexington Public Library Volunteer?

Access your MyImpactPage.com profile and sign up for volunteering opportunities here. 

How Can I Volunteer?

LPL After School

LPL After School is a FREE drop-in program for kids aged 5-12 that takes place after regular school hours on Mondays through Fridays. Volunteers are needed during this time to assist program participants with reading, homework, and STEAM and other enrichment activities! Snacks will continue to be provided to youth age 18 and younger courtesy of God's Pantry. Volunteer shifts are offered 3:00-5:00 PM Monday-Friday at Village and Northside Branches.

Next Chapter Book Club Co-Facilitator

Next Chapter Book Club Co-Facilitator is an opportunity for committed and consistent volunteers to assist with a bi-monthly book club. The Next Chapter Book Club is committed to providing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to read, learn and make friends in a relaxed, community setting. Two volunteers will serve as co-facilitators, under the direction of a library staff member, and will gather with the participants of the book club for one-hour to read aloud and discuss a book. The schedule and library location is pending. Volunteers should have experience working with adults with developmental disabilities or comparable experience. Long-term, consistent commitment is important to this role, so volunteers should be able to commit to regularly attending. In addition to the traditional onboarding for volunteers, there is an online training to be completed through the Next Chapter Book Club organization.  Anyone can participate, whatever their reading or ability level. NCBC members range from those who read proficiently to those who cannot read at all. We believe everyone has the ability to connect to a story and a right to share theirs.

Makerspace @ Eastside

Makerspace Volunteers: Interested in assisting folks making, doing, and crafting? Volunteers are needed on a regular basis in our Makerspace at Eastside Branch! No specific experience is required, but experience with computers is preferred. Makerspace volunteers are expected to commit at least 3 months to a regular schedule, be 18 years or older, and have an interest in creating and helping others. Volunteers can expect to assist customers of all ability and skill levels, ranging from teens to adults. No two days will be the same, so volunteers should be comfortable assisting customers with a wide range of projects. Current volunteer shifts are available every Wednesday from 3-6 PM the 1st and 3rd Saturdays and Sundays of the month from 1:30 pm- 4:30 PM.

ESOL- Beginners English Classes and/or English Conversation Groups

ESOL- Beginners English Classes and/or English Conversation Groups are current and upcoming programs taking place at several of our library locations. These classes or groups are for individuals learning English to improve English language reading, writing, listening, or speaking skills. Required skills and experience for volunteers include: consistent attendance on a weekly basis, being comfortable communicating with limited English speaking population; having an understanding and acceptance of diverse populations; having experience leading groups and serving as moderator of up to 20 people; and being an encouraging presence with a positive attitude. Volunteers will have resources and trainings available to prepare them for ESOL instruction and tutoring. Volunteers are needed to assist with ESOL programs at a few of our library locations on a variety of weekly schedules, so if interested, please apply.

Library Helpers: Tasks to Support your Library

Library Helpers: Tasks to Support your Library is intended for volunteers who are interested in assisting with some of the daily functions of our library locations. Many of these tasks require little to no training and have a very flexible schedule. Tasks may include shelf reading and straightening, cleaning and organizing children’s department areas, sanitizing surfaces, cutting paper and preparing craft materials, and more. Task availability will vary by the library location, day of the week, time of day, and season. Time commitments can vary, but volunteers should expect to volunteer from at least 30 minutes to 2 hours at a time.

 

Community Transcription Project

Community Transcription Project Volunteer (Remote): The Library has many handwritten documents in the Digital Archives that are not currently searchable. Transcription of these documents will make them more usable for people researching Kentucky history and ancestors. We are seeking volunteers to assist with transcribing documents online for current and future projects! Requirements to volunteer with this opportunity are: able to read cursive, able to use a computer and access the internet, and able to transcribe 2-4 pages at a time. This volunteer opportunity is flexible in schedule, as you get to determine when, where, and how long you transcribe!

The current transcription project is Baptismal Ledgers from St. Paul Catholic Church in Lexington, KY. These ledgers contain baptism records dating back to 1854 and include genealogical information such as birthdates and parents’ names, information not widely available in Kentucky until 1911. More projects will be added as they become available.

Internships

Our internship opportunities are currently focused on public services at our library locations. We invite you to apply if you are seeking an internship placement for course credit or are enrolled in a library science program, and are interested in gaining experience working in a public library. Internship placements are limited and dependent on location capacity, student schedule, and more. The internship onboarding process includes a completed online application, submission of proof of enrollment and resume, a call/interview with library branch management, a completed background check, and an orientation. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator for a detailed internship description. 

General Volunteer Information

What to Consider Before Applying:

  •     How much time do you want to commit to a volunteer role?
  •     What experience do you have that would prepare you for your volunteer job?
  •     What are you looking for in your volunteer experience?

What You Should Have:

  •     A commitment to your volunteer role
  •     A positive attitude
  •     A desire to support and extend library services

Volunteer FAQs

What is the minimum age to volunteer?

The minimum age to volunteer is 14 years old. Parent/guardian permission is required for any volunteers aged 14-17. Certain roles for volunteers aged 14-17 may require an adult chaperone to volunteer with them.​

What is the volunteer application process?

In order to begin volunteering with the Lexington Public Library, you will need to:

  •     Complete a volunteer application (A parent/guardian must electronically sign the application if the volunteer is under the age of 18.)
  •     Complete and pass a criminal background check (if 18 or older)
  •     Complete a screening either in person or on the phone with the Volunteer Coordinator
  •     Complete a volunteer orientation
  •     Be placed in a volunteer role
  •     Complete ‘on the job’ or in advance training, depending on the volunteer role

What will I get from this volunteer experience?

  • Opportunities to share your talents and develop new skills
  • Chances to socialize, make new friends, and develop networking contacts
  • Experience you can put on your college, job, or scholarship application
  • The opportunity to actively participate in and contribute to your community
  • Satisfaction and pride in your work, knowing that the library is able to expand support for daily tasks and special projects while enhancing customer experiences because of you

Do you provide volunteering opportunities for court-ordered community service?

The Lexington Public Library does not offer volunteer opportunities for court-ordered community service.

What is my time commitment to volunteering with the library?

Volunteer roles have varying time commitments. Many roles require a longer term commitment, for several months or even a year. Other roles, especially for teens, may require less of a time commitment. Volunteers are expected to fulfill their time commitment to Lexington Public Library as it is agreed upon at the time of acceptance and scheduling.

How Else Can I Volunteer?

Friends

The Friends of the Library operate a bookstore – Friends Book Cellar – in the lower level of the Central Library. Money raised by selling books and gifts supports new and ongoing Library programs and services. Help is needed with sorting, shelving, and selling books. Call 859-231-5505 for more information. Click here to apply.