Children's Summer Reading Program Advocate

Time Commitment

2-4 hours per week, as needed, during May and June

Purpose

To get the word out to children/teens about the Library's Summer Reading Program.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Chance to meet new people who share similar interests
• Assist the Library to expand its community's younger stakeholders
• Utilize or gain skills in public speaking
• Give something back to the community
• Utilize and/or develop new community contacts
• Feel needed and valued
• Enhance your resume
• Satisfaction from accomplishment

Duties & Responsibilities

• Attends a 2-4 hour orientation to the Library and
  training on Speaker's Bureau objectives, speaker
  outline and materials that describe the Summer Reading
  Program for children and teens.
• Responds to requests to speak based on your schedule when the Library Director or Speaker's Bureau Coordinator calls with a speaking engagement at area schools
• Reports data on number of attendees, particularly interests of the group and/or unanswered questions to Library Director/Speaker's Bureau Coordinator within three (3) days of the speaking engagement

Skills/Abilities/Qualifications Required

• Good rapport with children
• Commitment to the library's vision and mission
• Ability to speak and understand English, and to convey a positive, friendly attitude
• Ability to work congenially with staff, patrons, and other volunteers
• Ability to provide dependable transportation, so as to be punctual, and the ability to be contacted by telephone, scheduling changes and meetings
• General familiarity with libraries
• Successful public speaking
• Willingness to speak to groups on behalf of the library on an as needed basis
• Depending on the school system, this position may require a background check