ADOPT A SHELF VOLUNTEERS 

Location: Mooresville Public Library 

Duration: Continuous   

Hours/Days: Minimum of once a week; an hour shift at a time.  Volunteers can choose to do multiple days and times if they choose. 

You will be put on a waitlist after the slots have been filled up, please join the waitlist and you will be contacted when there is an opening.

Summary 

Adopt a Shelf Helpers assist in shelving on the upper floor of MPL and will keep one designated area of the library in order.  Volunteers will be assigned to either an area in the fiction, young adult, or non-fiction sections to keep orderly, neat, and well-maintained. 

Volunteers must be comfortable shelving, arranging, and shifting books along with light housekeeping of an area. A volunteer commitment for at least six months is requested. 

Responsibilities  

1. Check with reference upon arrival to see if any shelving needs to be completed for an area on the upper floor of the library. 
2. Check the carts on the upper floor of the library to see if any materials need to be shelved prior to starting in designated area for shift. 
3. Have responsibility for one designated area of the non-fiction, fiction, or young adult areas of the library.  Shelf read designated section according to the Dewey Decimal system and keep designated area neat, tidy, clean and well maintained.  Shift books as appropriately directed by library staff. 
4. Refer patrons who request help with library services and finding materials to library staff.  Staff will help patrons with services and locate materials within the library.   
5. Communicate regularly with the library’s Volunteer Coordinator regarding questions, volunteer schedule, suggestions, and to request supplies. 
6. When you must cancel a scheduled Adopt a Shelf shift, notify the library’s Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible. 
7. Abide by the Mooresville Public Library’s confidentiality policy and support for intellectual freedom. 
8. Other duties as assigned by library staff. 

Qualifications & Skills  

Adopt a Shelf Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.  Volunteer applicants will be asked to interview with the Volunteer Coordinator and authorize a criminal background check.  Eligible Adopt a Shelf Volunteers will be required to sign waiver forms prior to volunteering for the program.  Desired qualifications and skills include: 

• Be respectful of diverse lifestyles, cultures, religions, and values. 
• Have a working knowledge of basic library functions and services. 
• Have a willingness to learn more about the Dewey Decimal system and the organization of materials in a library. 
• Be punctual on scheduled days and responsible for maintaining a designated area of the library. 
• Ability to work as part of a team with other Library staff. 
• Follow all directions given by Library staff. 

Physical Requirements 

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, walking, reaching, grasping, using fingers, talking, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. 

Application & Orientation Process 

Prospective volunteers who submit their application forms by the month of September 2021 will be given priority consideration for the Adopt a Shelf Program.  Additional Adopt a Shelf volunteers will be placed when volunteer openings occur during the year.   

The Library Volunteer Coordinator will read applications, interview individuals who meet the Adopt a Shelf qualifications and then a criminal background check will be conducted.  New volunteers will be required to attend a Adopt a Shelf volunteer orientation and will be given a welcome meeting and tour of the library. 

For More Information   

Please contact Kerrie Castle, Library Volunteer Services Coordinator at kcastle@mooresvillenc.gov or 704-663-1062 if you have any questions on this program or how to apply.  Thank you for your interest in this program.