Depending on where you live, summer can be unbearably hot and all you want to do is cool off in the luxury of some air conditioning. That’s great because there is lots of fun summer work at your local library. Libraries are always looking for volunteers and usually do not require any prior training or work experience, as long as you know the basics of how libraries work. It’s also a bonus if you like to read because you’ll be surrounded by incredible books all summer long. Not to mention you’ll be out of the heat.
Library jobs are pretty laid back and fun because everyday is different. One day you’ll check out books, the next you’ll search for books, then you’ll return books to the proper locations, you might spend some time reading to kids during story time, you might work with the summer reading programs, make recommendations on good reads, make copies, track down late or lost books, help someone research a paper, organize shelves, or any number of things that library workers do.
To work at a library you’ll be required to dress nicely – that doesn’t mean a shirt and tie, but you also can’t wear your favorite ripped shorts and beer t-shirts. You’ll need to look presentable.
You’ll also need to have good customer service skills to help people that visit your library. And most importantly, you’ll need a good quiet voice, as libraries often require this.
Every library is different. You may live in a small town with a small library or live in a big city where the library takes up an entire building. Most libraries don’t have the budget to pay workers. If you’re lucky enough to land a paying position you should be pretty happy. You won’t be making much more than minimum wage, but it will go up from there. And you have to remember that the job is certainly hands-on and entertaining. Pay is often determined by the library’s budget and the number of library users. It all depends on where you work.
On the other hand, if you love libraries and want to lend a helping hand, they will never turn down volunteers. Either way, working at a library is a great way to build a resume, earn some valuable experience, and get some quality recommendations. Plus you won’t be doing manual labor and you’ll be at the top of the list when the new summer books arrive.
If you really love libraries, you can become a librarian as a career. Library science is a popular college degree. To be a full time librarian, a master’s degree is required. As a career you can be a well-paid head librarian or a very knowledgeable research librarian at some of the bigger libraries across the country. These high profile positions pull in $35,000 to $50,000 a year. Librarians are in high demand. And, as always, it’s best to follow your passion.