Would you like to support your library?
Consider becoming a Friends of the Library volunteer. You will enjoy working with other volunteers and all kinds of books -- and get plenty of exercise.
You can either volunteer to work the book sales in April or October (each book sale lasts 5 days) or work year-round at the Friends of the Library Bookhouse.
Book Sale Volunteers
Help sort and price 500,000 items during each sale period with 150-200 other extra volunteers needed for each sale. Volunteers call prices, use adding machines, give change, restock books, and straighten tables. Volunteers work a three-hour shift once or twice a year. The sale volunteer coordinator contacts workers about a month before the sale to find out when they are available and what job they would like to do. No training is required before starting.
Year-Round Volunteers
Work at least one shift a week, either 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 12-3 p.m. on the same day and time each week. Volunteers attend a three-hour training workshop to learn to sort books into 65 categories. In addition to sorting, volunteers take books back to the various category tables. They also answer the phone and take in donations. Training workshops are scheduled as needed during the year.
The Bookhouse is open Mondays through Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and is located at 430-B N. Main Street in downtown Gainesville.
Please note that the Bookhouse does not have heat or air conditioning in the work area and the jobs are physical. An air-conditioned and heated office is available for breaks and snacks.
Call 352-375-1676 to leave a message for the Friends of the Library Volunteer Coordinator or email folacld@bellsouth.net.