Reports to:
Informal Learning Office Education Specialist
Role Summary:
Family Days Volunteers support the mission of the Library by working with the Informal Learning Office to raise awareness of the incredible breadth of Library collections, foster imagination and inspire diverse families to explore and use Library collections at home. Volunteer presence and interaction further these goals.
This role is conducted entirely on-site, at the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, located in Washington, D.C. Family Days occur on Saturdays, so Saturday availability is required.
Essential Responsibilities:
Family Days Volunteers will support event activities by:
Explaining Family Day activities and facilitating visitor participation
Providing information and answering questions about the Library and its collections
Collaborating with Library staff to ensure proper event area set-up and take-down, as needed
This role may be either seated or standing.
Necessary Skills:
Family Days Volunteers must be eager and willing to learn about the Thomas Jefferson Building, and its collections. Training is provided for those who do not already have this knowledge.
Volunteers must be flexible and adaptable, both before and the day of Family Day events. An outline of programming and activities is provided, and resources and reading lists are provided as training before each event. Volunteers are encouraged to ask Library staff if they have questions about information they review, and be willing to adapt as the event progresses.
Volunteers must be friendly, and have an open and helpful demeanor. Volunteers will also be proactive in approaching visitors and inviting them to participate.
Commitment:
Family Days occur monthly, on Saturdays. Volunteers sign up for either a morning (10:00am-1:00pm) or afternoon shift (12:45pm- 3:45pm) shift.
The initial commitment for this role is 3 months.
Requirements:
Volunteers in this role must be at least 18 years of age or older. A criminal background check, including fingerprinting, is required for this role.
Volunteers are required to successfully complete initial Information Desk volunteer training, as well as participate in all required trainings and enrichment sessions to remain an active volunteer.
Volunteers will also be provided with periodic surveys and evaluations. Survey participation is required and a satisfactory rating must be achieved when evaluated to remain in good standing with the Library's volunteer program. Evaluation will be based on compliance with volunteer conduct and performance guidelines, as outlined in the Volunteer Handbook and Voluntary Services Agreement.
On-time arrival to and successful completion of all scheduled shifts is expected (regular call outs, no-shows, or late arrivals may result in an inactive volunteer status).
Benefits:
Library of Congress volunteers receive opportunities for continuing education provided by Library of Congress staff and guest speakers.
In addition, volunteers receive exclusive early access to Library events and exhibitions, and join in an active community of thoughtful, professional, and dedicated volunteers and visitor engagement professionals.
Complimentary on-site parking is provided for Saturday shifts.
Volunteers also receive a 10 percent discount at the Library's gift shop.
To Apply:
If you are interested in committing to an on-site Family Days volunteer role at the Library of Congress, please complete the application form below.
Click Here to Apply to Volunteer with the Library of Congress
For questions, contact the Visitor Engagement Office, at volunteer@loc.gov.
*The Library of Congress is committed to diversity. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.*