Volunteer

Volunteer

Volunteers 2


Is it time to get involved with your community? To give back? To share your skills? To push yourself to try something new?   

We have volunteers from all walks and stages of life. They volunteer for all kinds of reasons, but they all choose the library because they love what we stand for: free access to information, a chance to connect with the community, and a place to learn and create. If you want to become a part of this mission and part of the Tompkins County Public Library team, read on.

 

What Can Volunteers Do?

Below is a sample of volunteer jobs. Many volunteer jobs are seasonal and/or temporary. Once you complete a volunteer application, you will meet with the volunteer coordinator who will describe the various jobs that are available. Together, you will create a plan that works best for you and the library.

Volunteer 1

 

How Do I Apply?

The volunteer program is currently on pause (October 2024).

Apply online. This is the fastest way to get started. The Volunteer Coordinator will email you to set up an appointment with you for an interview and to discuss the best volunteer opportunity for you and your schedule. 

Note: Applicants must be at least 14 years old to volunteer. 

 

FAQS

Can I just walk in and start volunteering?
Unfortunately, no. All volunteers must complete an application and be interviewed by the volunteer coordinator before they are accepted as a volunteer. Please count on at least a week or two between the time you submit an application and when you start your service. We have a high volume of requests, so your patience is appreciated!

How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Applicants must be at least 14 years old to volunteer. 

The court is requiring me to do community service. Do you accept this type of volunteer?
If your crime is a nonviolent crime, you may volunteer here. You will be required to let the volunteer coordinator know the nature of your crime/offense so that they can let you know if you are eligible.

Please note that any volunteer who needs a signature validating court-mandated service can volunteer only during the times the Volunteer Coordinator is present in the building.

Do I get paid?
No, the library does not pay volunteers for their service. That said, we work with a number of organizations that do pay the person and support that person as they learn job skills. If you are interested in this, we can discuss this during your interview and the Volunteer Coordinator can inform you of these organizations.

Can I be turned down or terminated?
Yes, the library reserves the right to not accept a volunteer request. There are a variety of reasons why this may be the case:

  • The applicant may not possess the skills we need for the service we need.
  • The applicant may have committed a recent violent crime that we feel may put library patrons or staff at risk.
  • The applicant is a persona non grata.
  • The applicant/volunteer has not adhered to our library's code of conduct.
  • The volunteer has been a no call/no show for several weeks.

 

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Families" group.
This event is in the "Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers" group.

Family Storytime

11:00am - 11:30am
Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Babies, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Program Type: Storytimes
About this event::

Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to celebrate reading and build their early literacy skills at Family Storytime. We meet each Saturday for stories, songs and hands-on fun.

This event is in the "Families" group.
This event is in the "Kids" group.

Calvin's Comic Adventures

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Families, Kids
Open
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Kids
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Other
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 15
About this event::

"Calvin’s Comic Adventures” is a comic-filled program where young minds can bring the popular comics of Calvin and Hobbes to life through engaging activities.

This event is in the "Kids" group.

Sit! Stay! Read!

2:45pm - 4:00pm
Kids
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: BorgWarner Full
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Other
About this event::

Children are invited to practice their reading skills by sharing a story with a truly non-judgmental listener -- a dog! Reading sessions will be held Mondays from 3-4 p.m. Children who attend 6 sessions will earn a FREE book of their choice!

This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Makerspace One-on-One

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Adults, Teens
Full
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Makerspace, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
About this event::

What do you want to make?

This event is in the "Teens" group.

Maker Mondays

4:00pm - 6:00pm
Teens
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Makerspace
About this event::

Let's Make Something! 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Cricut, etc...

Teens are invited to the Makerspace for two hours of open-making time. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and use the Makerspace.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Queer Craft Club

6:30pm - 8:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Classes and Workshops, Community Groups, Makerspace
About this event::

Join other LGBTQIAP+ adults to do arts and crafts, hang out, and have fun. We will provide a simple craft each month for participants to get creative with but feel free to bring whatever project you're working on!