The Aurora Public Library provides a wide variety of volunteer opportunities from sorting and shelving books to reading to young children in childcare facilities or delivering books to the homebound. Our emphasis is on providing quality service to the citizens of Aurora, and volunteers work with staff to achieve this goal.
Young adults are an important part of our volunteer community. We provide opportunities not only for community service but also for those with an interest in donating their time. The minimum age for volunteering with the library is 13 years old.
Volunteer placement throughout the library system is based on job availability and individual qualifications for specific jobs.
Volunteer(s) of the Quarter
Michael Berlin is the library's Volunteer of the Third Quarter. Michael has only been with Aurora Public Library since April 2009 but in these past few months he has proven to be a consistent and dedicated volunteer. He goes the extra mile to make sure all the carts are done, which sometimes means shelving for five hours straight. We all appreciate his effort and time and want to honor him.
Special Recognition
The library recently recognized the accomplishment of Dianne Borsi, who gave her time and talent to finishing the North Region community quilt. Dianne took 72 hand painted squares designed by local children and library staff and turned a community art project into a beautiful piece of work. She created this masterpiece while working full time as a math teacher at Columbia Middle School. The library is pleased and honored to recognize this unique and special contribution to the Hoffman Heights Library.
Volunteer Opportunites
- Soar with Books - Reading to preschool children in childcare facilities or at the library. This opportunity is part of the library's early literacy initiative. Volunteers are trained according to the concepts found in the Public Library Association's Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library.
- The Spellbinders - An international non-profit organization whose goal is to "nurture character and community through volunteer storytelling." Individuals are instructed in the basics of telling personal stories, fairytales, fables, and in the art of puppetry. Skills are then applied to storytime at the library and special programs throughout the year. Spellbinders meet monthly on the second Thursday from September through June.
- Homebound Delivery of Books - Volunteers deliver library materials to individuals who are unable to visit the library. Outreach service is to senior retirement facilities and individuals living in their own homes.
- Sorting/Shelving returned library materials - Library books, CD's, DVD's, and other materials are the heart of the library. Once returned, they must be sorted and promptly put back on the shelf for others to use. Volunteer shelvers are essential to this process.
- Senior Programming - Individuals interested in leading a current events group or book groups for seniors living in retirement or assisted living facilities.
- Wagging Tales - The Wagging Tales program encourages children to practice reading by reading to specially trained dogs. Minimum time commitment is four hours per month. Contact Janie Clark at 303-739-6731 for more information.
- Book Outlet - Do you love books and enjoy working with people? The Friends of the Aurora Public Library Book Outlet is the place for you. Minimum time commitment is three hours per month. For more information contact Jean Dickinson at 720-747-7977.
- Short Term Projects - These will be posted as needed.
Young Adult Opportunities
- Children's Programming - Assisting the Youth Services staff with children's programs throughout the year. Summer opportunities include helping with "Whopper Wednesdays" and special programs and events.