Volunteer

The library utilizes volunteers in a number of ways to fulfill our mission to connect the community to ideas, information, and inspiration. From helping to keep materials neat and shelved to assisting patrons with technology to mentoring youth, there is a variety of options for volunteering and gaining experience at the library. Volunteers do not replace staff; they increase our capacity to serve the community. 

Volunteer roles require a minimum commitment of 3 months with typical shifts of 1-2 hours per week. If you are looking for one-time service opportunities throughout the year, check out our Teen Service Programs Calendar  or The Friends of Anoka County Library. 

If you are looking to volunteer as part of a court-ordered community service requirement, it is recommended that you contact Erin Straszewski, Community Engagement Manager, at erin.straszewski@co.anoka.mn.us or at 763-324-1531, before submitting an application.

Application Process
  1. When a branch has openings for volunteers, an opening will be posted on the Anoka County recruitment website.
  2. Potential volunteers should fill out the application for the branch location they want to serve at.
  3. If the volunteer coordinator agrees the applicant may be a good match for the position, an interview will be scheduled.
  4. After the interview and agreeing on a schedule, volunteers will receive a background check authorization via email. All volunteers must pass a background check before starting their role.
  5. Volunteers will complete training for their role and orientation with library staff at their branch location.
Volunteer Opportunities Include:

Materials Assistants

Materials assistants help keep the library neat and orderly with tasks such as:

  • Putting carts of items in proper order so they can be returned to shelves
  • Stamping, sorting, counting, or cleaning
  • Preparing items for the book sale
  • Pulling items from shelves to fill hold requests

Reading Mentors

Reading Mentors are volunteers who are paired with a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grader for weekly reading sessions. Mentors are required to commit to volunteering on a weekly basis for the same day and time for a minimum of 8-12 weeks. For more information about volunteering as a Reading Mentor, visit our Volunteer Reading Mentors page.

Technology Assistants

Technology Assisnts help patrons use computers and other technology at the library including:

  • Help patrons log on to public computers
  • Assist with printing, scanning, and photocopying
  • Help Internet users fill out web forms, apply for an email account, navigate the internet, etc.
  • Assist library users with digital library services such as doenloading our eBooks app and using online databases