Volunteer Opportunities From: United Way of the Greater Capital Region

Programs and activities are a huge part of the Albany Public Library and our service to the community. It takes a lot of tools, materials, and planning for the librarians to share a variety of programs focused on science, art, history, literature, personal development, entertainment, and so much more. Each neighborhood library branch does its best to provide engaging and meaningful experiences to its patrons. 

All of the tools and resources that librarians use to share programs are stored in supply closets at the libraries. These storage areas can become quite full of wacky toys, multi-use craft materials, art supplies, science experiments, and who knows what else. The Albany Public Library is looking for an interested volunteer to help us organize these closets and generate a list of the stocked items. The volunteer(s) would work alongside the Volunteer Coordinator to develop an inventory and organize the items. 

A successful volunteer will be someone who enjoys organizing, recording items in a spreadsheet, and working with others. If you or someone you know is interested in helping out, respond to this volunteer opportunity and a library staff member will be in contact with you about the next steps. 

Albany Public Library is looking for interested individuals who can help bring technological guidance to our patrons. The Library values access to technology; many patrons use computers, borrow hotspots, or connect to our Wi-Fi via their personal devices. Sometimes technology can be complicated or confusing for people to navigate, and they need extra guidance or support.

The Library is looking for individuals interested in volunteering for 2 months (about 35-50 hours) or for 4 months (about 60-150 hours).

Volunteering as a Digital Navigator Assistant is a great way to help people by answering questions about computers, mobile devices, e-mail accounts, websites or word documents, resume formatting or cover letter printing, and many other things. A successful volunteer will be someone who is patient and comfortable working with technological confusion. APL is asking for volunteers to help guide library patrons towards being informed digital citizens. While the Library can connect users to the infinity of the Internet, we need community members to help connect users with authentic and relevant information about technology and the Internet. 

Often, college students volunteer as Digital Navigator Assistants to earn experiential learning credit or community service hours. The Albany Public Library is happy to work with universities to provide this opportunity to students. APL offers short term and long term volunteer positions depending on the amount of credit hours required for one's associated college course. 

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Digital Navigator Assistant at the Albany Public Library, please respond to this position and a Library staff member will contact you.

The Albany Public Library is looking for interested individuals to help out during our programs and events. The Library has a wide variety of programs, and sometimes we need some extra help setting up, interacting with patrons, and cleaning the space up when we're done. 

Qualifications:

The specifics of each volunteer opportunity will depend on the specific program or event at which you are offering help. However, responsibilities may include opening the door for patrons; helping set up chairs or helping a patron find a seat; assisting a young patron working through a craft step; act as an extra set of helping hands & eyes during larger programs; putting away tables, chairs, and materials at the end of an event; and many more! Helping the Library during our programs and events is a wonderful way to get connected with other community members. 

If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, please respond and a Library staff will contact you with next steps. Then, when a program is on the horizon, and the Albany Public Library needs help, we will reach out and confirm your availability and interest to volunteer for that specific event. 

If you have any questions about this opportunity or the Library's volunteer program, please direct them to Volunteer@AlbanyPublicLibrary.org

The Albany Public Library is looking for interested individuals to help bring Bleecker the Owl to life. During special programs and events, Bleecker makes an appearance. However, Bleecker needs a talented actor to bring them to life! This volunteer would wear the Bleecker mascot suit and attend special programs like Growing Readers events, certain story times, and more. These events may be outside or inside the Library, though there will always be support to help keep the actor cool, calm, and collected.

Qualifications:

Safety Note: Bleecker's mascot suit does come with cooling vests, which can be worn if the performer needs additional heating regulation. There will also be a staff member present to keep an eye on Bleecker's actor so they remain safe while performing.

If you or someone you know is interested in embodying Bleecker, please respond to this volunteer opportunity and a library staff member will contact you about next steps.