As I walk in for my weekly afternoon shift, I’m greeted by the sounds of children recently released from school. Waving at a familiar librarian as I pass, I weave through the kid-sized shelves and stools and make my way to the staff room. Before I can start my work, I make sure to sign in on the computer and grab my bright yellow name tag, indicating that I’m a volunteer. I pop on something chill in my headphones and take a look at what I have in store for the day.
I’m Clay, a local high schooler, and I’ve been volunteering at the Newberg Public Library for almost a year now. This article is the first installment of a new series in which I volunteer at local spots and report back on my experience. Hopefully this can encourage you to volunteer yourself and discover it’s not as intimidating as it may seem.
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I was a bit nervous about applying to the library at first, but found that, with a little patience, it was easy and rewarding.
First, I filled out an application: name, age, availability, and a page of simple tests to make sure my letter and number skills were up to par. The library onboards volunteers in seasons, so I had to wait a few months to hear back. Additionally, they were packed with eager volunteers, so I was lucky to squeeze in. (They are currently not accepting new applicants, but may be in the future.)
After some back and forth over email, the final step was to arrange a meeting. I came to the library, met the coordinator, Audrey Smith, and got the rundown of what the job entails.
Speaking of, where were we? Oh yes, the staff room…
When I first began volunteering, I had an evening shift, and the children’s books were my duty. However, those are still sparse by this time of day.
Instead, I go straight to the circulation cart, which holds books from other libraries that patrons have requested. I wheel the thing awkwardly out to the elevator and wait. The lift is a bit unreliable, so when it arrives I wheel in the cart, press the second-floor button, and scamper up the stairs to meet my books back at the top.
The energy upstairs is much more soothing: teens and adults study, browse, or relax quietly, and the glass ceiling lets in a blanket of natural afternoon light.
At the “holds” shelf, I park my cart and start with my “A” books.
Unlike shelving in most other areas, where the books are sorted alphabetically by author, these are sorted by the patron’s last name, which is printed on a slip of paper held between the pages. Moving through each letter, I shelve the holds, sorting by title if there is a recurring name, organizing books if they get mixed up, and moving aside or answering questions if someone comes by.
I look forward to this hour of my week: I can largely zone out, enjoy my music, and support one of my favorite places at the same time.
By the end of my shift, I have shelved around 40 to 50 holds, and have to admit my back and feet are a bit sore. Cart empty, I repeat the same dance with the elevator and nestle the cart back in the corner of the staff room. I sign out on the computer, replace my name tag, and head home for the evening, eagerly awaiting my next visit to the Newberg Public Library.
When applications reopen, the library processes them four times a year, with deadlines of March 1, June 1, Sept. 1, and Dec. 1. Prospective volunteers must submit an application along with consent for a background check and a photocopy of a driver’s license, and placement isn’t considered until the background check is complete. Questions can be directed to Volunteer Supervisor Audrey Smith at 503-554-7746, by email at libraryvolunteers@newbergoregon.gov, or in person at the library, 503 E. Hancock St.
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