Volunteer at WRL!
Our volunteers do their very best to help the Youth Services Department with various projects.  These dedicated people contribute hundreds of hours each year to assist in maintaining quality programming, reference, and readers' advisory that is offered to Youth Services patrons.  The staff is continuously grateful for each and every hour that is donated by our many volunteers.

There is an on going need for volunteers throughout
the year to do general collection maintenance as
well as "one-time" jobs that might be just right 
for you!  In the summer, more volunteers are needed to help encourage kids to read and to assist with our annual Summer Reading Program.  Read on!

What jobs are available?  
Snazzing Up The Shelves Shelf reading and shifting (putting materials in order and/or moving them to  make them more accessible).  This is a job that can be done weekly or bimonthly for one or two hours.
Cuttin' 
and Pastin'		 Preparing materials for arts and crafts classes or for the Summer Reading Program.  This can involve counting, sorting, cutting, pasting, coloring, etc. These jobs tend to be "seasonal" and are excellent for the volunteer who wants to be called once in a while to help out.
Assistin' 
the Librarian		 Assisting Librarians with various programs scheduled throughout the year.  These jobs occur once in awhile and involves direct contact with children and young adults.
Costume 
Craziness		 Volunteers dress up as a literary character.  Once or twice a year, Youth Services Librarians visit area schools for storytimes.  The staff is always happy to have a volunteer who is willing to climb into a costume to act out a story.  This can be done as little as an hour a year (you are more than welcome to do more, of course).  Past "characters" include, Babar, Madeline, Spot, The Stinky Cheeseman and Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Lend us an ear or a hand The Summer Reading Program runs from the end of June to the beginning of August.  Volunteers listen to children summarize their summer reading books, record their visits and incentives received.  Volunteers may come and give as little as one hour a week or up to many hours a week.

Find out about jobs in other departments here.

Who can volunteer?

Someone who is ...
  • at least 16 years old.
  • willing to make a commitment of up to six months minimum on a regular  basis (unless otherwise noted).
  • able to lift 25-30 pounds and push carts of book and materials
  • willing to attend training sessions.
  • courteous to all staff and patrons at all times.
  • willing to abide by all library rules and regulations and follow all applicable policies.

Why should I volunteer?

As a volunteer you have the chance to: 
  • have fun and interesting experiences!!!
  • help your community!
  • PARTY!! (At our annual Volunteer Party)
  • be a kid again...well sometimes!

Where do I volunteer?

As a volunteer, you have to option of volunteering at either branch or both!  The Williamsburg Regional Library is made up of two libraries.  One library is located on Scotland St. near the College of William and Mary.  The James City County Branch is located off of Route 60 on Croaker Rd. Locations and hours.

How do I become volunteer?

Ready for some fun?  Have a few questions?  Please contact Sandy Towers, the Youth Services Volunteer Coordinator at 259-4055 (voice mail, 259-7726).

You can also submit an application on-line, or pick one up at any public service desk at the library.

We look forward to hearing from you and working with you!