Volunteer at the Lexington Public Library
The Lexington Public Library welcomes your time and talents! There are a number of volunteer opportunities available, and we will accommodate your preferences for location and hours as much as possible.
To get started volunteering, check out the descriptions and links to apply below. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator if you have questions or need help completing your application.
Already an approved Lexington Public Library Volunteer?
Access your MyImpactPage.com profile and sign up for volunteering opportunities here.
LPL After School is a FREE drop-in program for kids aged 5-12 that takes place after regular school hours on Mondays through Fridays. Volunteers are needed during this time to assist program participants with reading, homework, and STEAM and other enrichment activities! Snacks will continue to be provided to youth age 18 and younger courtesy of God's Pantry. Volunteer shifts are offered 3:00-5:00 PM Monday-Friday at Village and Northside Branches.
Next Chapter Book Club Co-Facilitator is an opportunity for committed and consistent volunteers to assist with a bi-monthly book club at the Central Library. The Next Chapter Book Club is committed to providing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to read, learn and make friends in a relaxed, community setting. Two volunteers will serve as co-facilitators, under the direction of a library staff member, and will gather with the participants of the book club for one-hour to read aloud and discuss a book. The start date is pending, with a planned schedule of every other Tuesday afternoon from 4 PM to 5 PM. Volunteers should have experience working with adults with developmental disabilities or comparable experience. Long-term, consistent commitment is important to this role, so volunteers should be able to commit to regularly attending. In addition to the traditional onboarding for volunteers, there is an online training to be completed through the Next Chapter Book Club organization.
Volunteering As-Needed for One-Time Events: Opportunities for volunteers may include helping with large-scale library events by directing foot traffic, giving instructions to patrons of a program, and helping library staff to set up/clean up before or after a program; helping to prepare materials for programs ahead of time like filling folders or making craft materials; and other one-time opportunities where we just need a little help!
Internships
Our internship opportunities are currently focused on public services at our library locations. We invite you to apply if you are seeking an internship placement for course credit or are enrolled in a library science program, and are interested in gaining experience working in a public library. Internship placements are limited and dependent on location capacity, student schedule, and more. The internship onboarding process includes a completed online application, submission of proof of enrollment and resume, a call/interview with library branch management, a completed background check, and an orientation. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator for a detailed internship description.
General Volunteer Information
What to Consider Before Applying:
- How much time do you want to commit to a volunteer role?
- What experience do you have that would prepare you for your volunteer job?
- What are you looking for in your volunteer experience?
What You Should Have:
- A commitment to your volunteer role
- A positive attitude
- A desire to support and extend library services
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
The minimum age to volunteer is 14 years old. Parent/guardian permission is required for any volunteers aged 14-17. Certain roles for volunteers aged 14-17 may require an adult chaperone to volunteer with them.
What is the volunteer application process?
In order to begin volunteering with the Lexington Public Library, you will need to:
- Complete a volunteer application (A parent/guardian must electronically sign the application if the volunteer is under the age of 18.)
- Complete and pass a criminal background check (if 18 or older)
- Complete a screening either in person or on the phone with the Volunteer Coordinator
- Complete a volunteer orientation
- Be placed in a volunteer role
- Complete ‘on the job’ or in advance training, depending on the volunteer role
What will I get from this volunteer experience?
- Opportunities to share your talents and develop new skills
- Chances to socialize, make new friends, and develop networking contacts
- Experience you can put on your college, job, or scholarship application
- The opportunity to actively participate in and contribute to your community
- Satisfaction and pride in your work, knowing that the library is able to expand support for daily tasks and special projects while enhancing customer experiences because of you
Do you provide volunteering opportunities for court-ordered community service?
The Lexington Public Library does not offer volunteer opportunities for court-ordered community service.
What is my time commitment to volunteering with the library?
Volunteer roles have varying time commitments. Many roles require a longer term commitment, for several months or even a year. Other roles, especially for teens, may require less of a time commitment. Volunteers are expected to fulfill their time commitment to Lexington Public Library as it is agreed upon at the time of acceptance and scheduling.
The Friends of the Library operate a bookstore – Friends Book Cellar – in the lower level of the Central Library. Money raised by selling books and gifts supports new and ongoing Library programs and services. Help is needed with sorting, shelving, and selling books. Call 859-231-5505 for more information. Click here to apply.
