A limited number of volunteer opportunities are available at the Library for Bedford residents. Prospective volunteers will be asked to fill out a Volunteer Pre-Screening Questionnaire. If the volunteer’s qualifications, interests, and schedule match an available volunteer position at the library, the volunteer will be interviewed.
Volunteer opportunities are available during daytime hours on weekdays. If you are interested in volunteering outside of those times, please contact the Friends of the Library to inquire about other opportunities.
Youth volunteers (ages 14-17) will be required to have signed parental permission, a Youth Employment Certificate and photocopy of proof of age (birth certificate or driver license) as well as a Volunteer Reference Form. At this time, the library is not accepting pre-screening questionnaires from potential youth volunteers.
Volunteers who are 18 years of age and over must agree to a background check performed by the State of New Hampshire, to be paid for by the volunteer.
Please review the Library’s Volunteer Policy to learn more about volunteering at the library.
Prospective volunteers may fill out a Pre-Screening Questionnaire to be considered for one of the following opportunities. Completed forms should be emailed to reference@bedfordnh.org or dropped off at the Library's Reference Desk.
Adopt a Shelf
Volunteers are assigned one section of shelving and are responsible for keeping the books in that section neat and orderly. Volunteers will be shelf-reading, or using the Dewey Decimal System to ensure books are on the shelves in the correct order. They will also straighten and tidy the shelves. Volunteers should be able to commit to a 3-month adoption period, at which time they may choose to renew for another 3 months and select a different section of shelving.
Time commitment: 1 hour every two weeks. Volunteers work unsupervised and may complete their hours at a time of their choosing, during weekday daytime hours. Volunteers should be able to commit to a 3-month adoption period, at which time they may choose to renew for another 3 months and select a different section of shelving.
Desired skills: Attention to detail, ability to bend and reach shelves at different levels. Volunteers will be trained by library staff but should have general knowledge of how to file items in alphabetical or numerical order.
Book Sale Room
Utilize several websites to determine value of donated books, sort and ship books, and restock and tidy the book sale room.
Time commitment: 2 hours per week
Desired skills: Previous bookselling experience is a plus, familiarity with Internet and computer functions, ability to lift 15 to 20 lbs, attention to detail.
Cleaning/Light Dusting
Assist with keeping the library neat and tidy. Tasks may include dusting bookshelves, washing tables, and cleaning computer stations.
Time commitment: 1 to 2 hours per week
Desired skills: Attention to detail, and ability to bend and reach shelves and tables/desks at different levels.
Gardening/Yardwork
Help to maintain the library’s raised bed gardens and other library plantings.
Time commitment: 1 to 2 hours per week. May-October.
Desired skills: Previous gardening experience, physical ability to garden (involving bending, using gardening tools, using the hose, etc.).
Technical Services
Assist with DVD and CD cleaning, light book repair and cleaning, magazine straightening, and other tasks as needed.
Time commitment: 1 to 2 hours per week
Desired skills: Attention to detail and ability to bend and reach shelves at different levels.