Volunteer

We have been Volunteer run since the very beginning and need more volunteers
to grow as an organization!

Check out our volunteer opportunities below!

Librarians

Librarians help with shifts during our open hours. There are two roles depending on your availability and interest, but both are great if you like being in a “customer service” environment where you’ll work with other volunteers and help our members. As you learn your way around, we encourage people to talk to the Library Manager about what else might be accomplished during shifts.

Librarian Helper Role

Gather items for upcoming reservations, or put returned tools away after checkin
Understand our basic tool loan policies in order to answer member questions.
Add new Items to Inventory
Help with organizing inventory around the library or refilling gas containers
After Initial training, there is no set time commitment

Lead Librarian Role

Lead Librarians “graduate” from helper status at the approval of the Library Manager.
They are proficient at using myTurn to set up new members, check tools in and out, and put items in maintenance
Can troubleshoot some basic questions using myTurn
Will handle transactions like late fees and tool sales
Will open and close the library on their own and follow procedures to keep the library secure
Are comfortable managing helper librarians during shifts
An awesome opportunity if you like to take charge and problem solve, with a requested 3 month minimum time commitment

Maintenance

Our Maintenance Team is crucial to the success of the library! After getting oriented, you can work independently or during our monthly Maintenance Nights.

Maintenance Volunteer Role

Work with our Maintenance Leads and experienced maintenance volunteers understand procedures
Use Slack to discuss and MyTurn to track tool maintenance
Help assess and create procedures for tool safety and ongoing tool maintenance
Support our Librarians in helping members with proper tool use
We rely on each volunteer to understand their own abilities and only take on repairs they are confident in, and should be willing to work with other volunteers to assess and carry out tool repairs.

Working Groups

Working groups are how we manage bigger projects or longer term needs around the library, and things that happen outside of regular shifts. Depending on the group, they may also offer tasks that can be done remotely. These are our currently active working groups.

Fundraising
Social Media and Marketing
Education and Workshops
Tech Support
New Tool Sourcing
Community Building
Art Balcony/Maker Space
Greenhouse Expansion/Reuse Station

Working Group Volunteer Role

Use the working group’s Slack Channel to participate in discussions
Attend meetings to manage the group’s Program goals and activities
Sign up for tasks depending on the group, like writing sponsor letters, hosting workshops, or reaching out to new communities.
Time commitment and training dependent on the activities of the group and what tasks individual volunteers decide to take on.

Working Group Coordinator Role

Coordinators work with their group’s Board Rep to set goals and budgets.
Manage communication with volunteers and external contacts.
Set and run meetings and encourage volunteers to take on tasks.
Another great option if you have a “take the reins” attitude, with a requested 6 month commitment.

Board of Directors

Our Board is made up of volunteers that want to take on a longer commitment and work behind the scenes to manage the tool library’s finances, nonprofit reporting, and programs. The Board is responsible for the financial wellbeing of the organization and for maintaining its mission.

Board of Directors Role

Faithfully represent the interest of the Tool Library members and volunteers.
Attend meetings throughout the year and participate in discussions and voting about Tool Library policy.
Use Slack for regular communication.
Take on additional responsibilities including helping to manage Working Groups.
Seasoned Board Members (1+ years) will take on leadership roles and projects, as prioritized by the entire board. Those without previous volunteering experience at the library will typically spend their first 6 mos.-year volunteering as a librarian to better understand operations.
The Board Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer have additional roles helping to maintain our nonprofit status.
We request a minimum one year commitment to be on the Board.

Special Events

There’s always a need for support for one time events or random tasks. These are great if you have a less consistent schedule or just want to pop in to help!!!

Active Volunteer Perks

To qualify for active volunteer perks, you need to complete our training and maintain your Active Status by volunteering 15 hours quarterly.