Volunteer

Volunteer

Volunteers 2


Is it time to get involved with your community? To give back? To share your skills? To push yourself to try something new?   

We have volunteers from all walks and stages of life. They volunteer for all kinds of reasons, but they all choose the library because they love what we stand for: free access to information, a chance to connect with the community, and a place to learn and create. If you want to become a part of this mission and part of the Tompkins County Public Library team, read on.

 

What Can Volunteers Do?

Below is a sample of volunteer jobs. Many volunteer jobs are seasonal and/or temporary. Once you complete a volunteer application, you will meet with the volunteer coordinator who will describe the various jobs that are available. Together, you will create a plan that works best for you and the library.

Volunteer 1

 

How Do I Apply?

Apply online. This is the fastest way to get started. The Volunteer Coordinator will email you to set up an appointment with you for an interview and to discuss the best volunteer opportunity for you and your schedule.

Note: Applicants must be at least 14 years old to volunteer. 

 

FAQS

Can I just walk in and start volunteering?
Unfortunately, no. All volunteers must complete an application and be interviewed by the volunteer coordinator before they are accepted as a volunteer. Please count on at least a week or two between the time you submit an application and when you start your service. We have a high volume of requests, so your patience is appreciated!

How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Applicants must be at least 14 years old to volunteer. 

The court is requiring me to do community service. Do you accept this type of volunteer?
If your crime is a nonviolent crime, you may volunteer here. You will be required to let the volunteer coordinator know the nature of your crime/offense so that they can let you know if you are eligible.

Please note that any volunteer who needs a signature validating court-mandated service can volunteer only during the times the Volunteer Coordinator is present in the building.

Do I get paid?
No, the library does not pay volunteers for their service. That said, we work with a number of organizations that do pay the person and support that person as they learn job skills. If you are interested in this, we can discuss this during your interview and the Volunteer Coordinator can inform you of these organizations.

Can I be turned down or terminated?
Yes, the library reserves the right to not accept a volunteer request. There are a variety of reasons why this may be the case:

  • The applicant may not possess the skills we need for the service we need.
  • The applicant may have committed a recent violent crime that we feel may put library patrons or staff at risk.
  • The applicant is a persona non grata.
  • The applicant/volunteer has not adhered to our library's code of conduct.
  • The volunteer has been a no call/no show for several weeks.

 

Current Volunteers

volunteer-login-image.jpg

Registered volunteers can log in to view schedules or check in and out during shifts.

 

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Adults" group.
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Digital Lab
About this event::
This year the Tompkins County Public Library's Digital Lab will host the Tompkins Area VITA - Free Tax Preparation Service.  This service is available to low-income residents of Tompkins and Cortland Counties, and is completely free as long as y...
This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Makerspace One-on-One

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Waitlist
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults, Teens
Program Type: Classes and Workshops, Makerspace, One-on-One Appointments
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
About this event::
What do you want to make? Register for a one-on-one session in the makerspace with Library Assistant Josh to use our laser cutter, 3-D printer, or Cricut.  Sessions are one hour and a maximum of two people are allowed in the makerspace a...
This event is in the "Families" group.
This event is in the "Kids" group.
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Thaler/Howell Programming Room
Age Group: Families, Kids
Program Type: STEAM, Other
About this event::
TCPL invites families to a weekly LEGO build night! Buckets of LEGO will be provided for participants to borrow for their builds. Participants will also have the opportunity to display their creations in the Youth Services section for one week. ...
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Teen Creative Writing Workshop

5:30pm - 6:30pm
Online
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Schwarz Jacobson Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Writing
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
About this event::
Love to write your own stories? Have ideas for your own characters and worlds, or an interest in writing fanfiction? Join Adrienne Raw for a Teen Creative Writing Workshop! Adrienne is a SUNY Cortland Assistant Professor of Professional Writing. She ...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Makerspace Open Hours

5:30pm - 7:30pm
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Makerspace
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Makerspace
About this event::
Drop-in open hours, no registration required. Come for a short tour, or stay and work on a project - we have lots of art supplies and ideas to get you making! Visit the Makerspace to use the laser cutter, 3-D printer, Cricut, or sewing/embroidery ...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Technology Help One-on-One

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Waitlist
Registration
Library Branch: Tompkins County Public Library
Room: Digital Lab
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Digital Lab, One-on-One Appointments, Technology Class
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
About this event::
Book a volunteer technology tutor for help with one of the following: - basic computer questions, such as using email, navigating the internet, or finding your files. - learning to navigate your ereader, phone or tablet. One topic on one dev...