It takes many people make the Friends of the Library successful in its mission of providing programs and funds to the Napa County Library.  If you are interested in volunteering, there are many ways you can help out.  Positions may require the ability to lift boxes of books while other only require you to re-arrange books on a shelf or staff the sale check out desk. Contact the Book Sale Manager for information.  If you find an opportunity that is right for you, you will receive the applicable training.  Currently, there are volunteering opportunities in the following areas:

• Book Sales: Before each sale we need people to stock the shelves and prepare the Community Room for the sale. During the sale we need volunteers to re-stock the shelves, straighten out books and move books from storage to the sale.  Also during the sales we need volunteers to check out patron’s purchases by accepting cash or credit cards.  Shifts are normally 2 -3 hours and usually you will be asked to only work 2 -3 shifts per sale.  There are usually at least two volunteers working at the same time.

• Sorting/Cleaning/Organizing Donations: Volunteers are also needed in our sorting room where book donations are processed.  Shifts are usually one day a week and are for 2 hours.  You are asked to make a commitment of one day each week for those two hours. For example, 3pm – 5pm every Tuesday.  There are normally 2 -3 volunteers per shift.

Our volunteer corps is a group of dedicated and hardworking individuals who are committed to our mission.  Here are some quotes from two of our experienced crew.

“I enjoy my volunteer work for FOL because I think libraries are very important to communities, and our work assists the Napa library in its efforts to enrich the community through access to books, programs, and education. But I found a significant and enjoyable bonus in my relationships with fellow volunteers that have resulted from regular interactions during shifts sorting books at the library.” — Elaine S.

“The first thing I did when I retired was join Friends of the Library. I have always felt the local library is such a very important support system to our community. But the best surprise by being a volunteer is the friendships of fellow book enthusiasts I work with. I always look forward to my shift at the sorting table with my fellow volunteers and buddies.” — Michelle J.

Volunteering with the Friends of the Library is a fun way to help the library meet its commitments to the Napa community.