Volunteer Opportunities

The role of the library volunteer helps Live Oak Public Libraries (LOPL) expand support for routine tasks and special events and projects, enhance customer service, and provide additional community expertise.  Volunteers must be at least 15 years old.   

There are four types of volunteers for Live Oak Public Libraries:

1. Program Volunteers

   • Individuals who provide leadership, instruction and/or support to a program (ex. yoga instructor, computer coding instructors, etc.).  Individuals volunteer on a regular basis, typically not less than once per month.

2. Administrative Volunteers

   • Individuals who volunteer in an office and assist with specific projects.  Ideal for retired professionals, corporate volunteer programs, or college students.  Opportunities are based on individual’s area of specialty (i.e. computer skills, finance, administrative, etc.) and may include:
     • Helping with opening and sorting mail and faxes;
     • Organizing office spaces and files;
     • Greeting and assisting office visitors and volunteers;
     • Organizing materials and assembling packets; or
     • Folding and sorting various materials.

3. Special Event / Special Project Volunteers

   • Individuals who volunteer for various events held throughout the community libraries (i.e. Summer & Winter Reading kick off parties, Summer Feeding, special theme events, etc.). Groups & corporations are encouraged for special events.  Special event volunteers assist on the event day with set-up, during the event with guest assistance and registration, or after the event with clean up.

4. General Volunteers

   • Individuals who are looking for short-term volunteer opportunities such as cleaning and dusting materials, simple mending of library materials, moving books and other assignments as needed.  This is ideal for high school students and short-term volunteers, and may include the following:
     • Dusting or cleaning of materials;
     • Simple mending of library materials;
     • Assisting in the preparation of displays;
     • Performing simple clerical tasks; or
     • Moving books and other materials.

Volunteers receive no payment or discounted fees for their service. Hours will be kept on record for tracking purposes. 

Volunteer Code of Conduct

Live Oak Public Libraries’ Volunteer Code of Conduct is to provide direction, guidance, structure and outline expectations for volunteers at Live Oak Public Libraries.  

Volunteers will:

• Comply with the rules and regulations of Live Oak Public Libraries;
• Comply with the dress code of Live Oak Public Libraries;
• Perform volunteer duties to the best of their ability;
• Conduct themselves in a professional and positive manner;
• Disclose in advance any medical or physical limitations related to the volunteer opportunity;
• Work with library staff to help accomplish the duties, projects or tasks set by the library;
• Ask the supervisor for answers and clarification if there are questions;
• Sign in and out for every time they volunteer;
• Report on time as scheduled for the assigned volunteer opportunity;
• Notify the appropriate person if not on time or unable to work the assigned time; and
• Maintain the confidentiality of all library and patron information and records.

Volunteers understand that they will not be compensated, and that they may be terminated if they fail to meet volunteer attendance commitments or if they otherwise violate any of the rules and regulations of Live Oak Public Libraries.

Will you join us?

There are variety of volunteer opportunities to suit your interests and schedule. Please fill out the volunteer application form below.

Questions? Contact 912-652-3613 or volunteer@liveoakpl.org.

FAQs

Who can volunteer?

Anyone! Volunteers must be at least 15 years old. High school students can earn credit for volunteer hours. Organizations and civic groups are also welcome to participate.

When are volunteer opportunities available?

We offer flexible hours on weekdays and weekends. Whether you give one hour or one day, your time makes a difference!

What kind of tasks will I do?

You can choose how you'd like to help. Opportunities may be indoors or outdoors, and casual clothing is fine. Duties may include preparing supplies for programs, assisting with events, or helping in the Circulation Department.

Where can I volunteer?

Serve at your local library or choose from any of our 16 branch locations across Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties.

Why volunteer?

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. The estimated value of volunteer time is $28.54 per hour. Thank you for making a difference!

Ready to get started?

Fill out the Volunteer Application Form, call 912-652-3613, or email volunteer@liveoakpl.org.