Needs From: Engage UAlbany - Get Connected to Volunteer Opportunities

The Albany Public Library is looking for interested individuals to help bring Bleecker the Library Owl to life.

During special programs and events, Bleecker makes an appearance. However, Bleecker needs a talented actor to bring them to life! This volunteer would wear the Bleecker mascot suit and attend special programs like Growing Readers events, certain story times, and more. These events may be outside or inside a library branch, though there will always be support to help keep the actor cool, calm, and collected.

Qualifications:

Safety Note: Bleecker's mascot suit does come with cooling vests, which can be worn if the performer needs additional heating regulation. There will also be a staff member present to keep an eye on Bleecker's actor, so they remain safe while performing.

If you or someone you know is interested in embodying Bleecker, please respond to this volunteer opportunity and the Volunteer Coordinator will reach out to you. When a Bleecker event is on the horizon, and the Albany Public Library needs an actor, we will reach out and confirm your availability to volunteer for that specific event. 

The Albany Public Library is looking for interested college students to volunteer as tutors. Volunteers may receive payment or credit hour compensation from their university. NOTE: This volunteer opportunity is only available for individuals enrolled in a college or university.

Tutors help with all major subjects (math/science/reading/history/etc) except for foreign languages. Tutors work with students from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. Tutors supply homework support, SAT & general test preparation, and other help. Mastery of subjects is not required since tutors act as supplemental support for the student's education.

Tutoring occurs every week for a half an hour. Exact days & times will depend on the tutor's availability and will be scheduled for the whole semester. Scheduling is coordinated between the tutor and the Youth Librarian of Programs & Partnerships. The location of the tutoring is determined by the individual Library Branch's need for tutors. 

If you or a fellow student is interested, please respond to this opportunity and the Volunteer Coordinator will be in contact with you. 

Albany Public Library is looking for interested individuals who can help bring technological guidance to our patrons as Digital Navigator Assistants. We value access to technology; many patrons use computers, borrow hotspots, or connect to our Wi-Fi via their personal devices. Technology can be complicated or confusing for people to navigate, and they benefit from extra guidance or support.

This volunteer opportunity is for individuals interested in the following lengths of commitment:

Volunteering as a Digital Navigator Assistant is a great way to help people by answering questions about computers, mobile devices, e-mail accounts, websites or word documents, resume formatting or cover letter printing, and many other things. A successful volunteer will be someone who is patient and comfortable working with technological confusion. We ask that you help guide library patrons towards being informed digital citizens. While the Library can connect users to the infinity of the Internet, we need community members to help connect users with authentic and relevant information about technology. 

Digital Navigator positions are open at the Howe Branch (105 Schuyler St), Pine Hills Branch (517 Western Ave), and Washington Avenue Branch (161 Wash Ave).

Anyone can apply to be a Digital Navigator Assistant, with credit hour compensation for collegiate students.  College students volunteer as Digital Navigator Assistants to earn experiential learning credit or community service hours. The Albany Public Library is happy to work with universities to provide this opportunity to students. Short-term and long-termm volunteer positions are available depending on the amount of credit hours required for one's associated college course. 

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Digital Navigator Assistant at the Albany Public Library, please respond to this opportunity and the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you.

The Albany Public Library is looking for interested individuals to help out during our programs and events. The Library has a wide variety of programs, and sometimes we need some extra help setting up, interacting with patrons, and cleaning the space up when we're done. 

Qualifications:

The specifics of each volunteer opportunity will depend on the specific program or event at which you are offering help. However, responsibilities may include opening the door for patrons; helping set up chairs or helping a patron find a seat; assisting a young patron working through a craft step; acting as an extra set of hands & eyes during larger programs; putting away tables, chairs, and materials at the end of an event; and much more! Helping the Library during our programs and events is a wonderful way to get connected with other community members. 

If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, please respond and the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you. When a program is on the horizon, and the Albany Public Library needs help, we will reach out and confirm your availability to volunteer for that specific event.