Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers help Cook Memorial Public Library District complete many special tasks and projects.

Youth

Youth volunteers aged 12 and older may enjoy volunteering in our Children's Department. Volunteers perform various duties such as assisting with programs, craft preparation, and light housekeeping activities. Youth volunteers must be age 12 and over, have a Cook Memorial Public Library District card, and be able to volunteer two hours per week for at least a three-month period.

Please contact Debbie Colodny in the Children's Department at 847-362-2330 for more information and an application.

Adult

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities for adults.

Adult Services Department

Veteran's History Project
Adult and/or high school age volunteers who have good typing skills may want to consider volunteering 1-2 hours per week working on the Veteran’s History Project. This entails listening to a taped interview and transcribing it into Microsoft Word. A familiarity with Microsoft Word and an appreciation for history definitely a plus.

Volunteers are also needed to interview veterans. This involves meeting with a vet, asking questions, listening and recording the veteran's stories using a tape recorder. The library will schedule the interview and provide you with training and necessary materials.

If interested, please contact Ellen Bassett in the Adult Services Department at 847-362-2330 x114

Independent Register Project
Adult volunteers wishing to donate a bit more of their time may enjoy helping out with a current project indexing the Independent Register newspaper. This entails reading microfilm and indexing the articles according to standardized subject headings. Familiarity with microfilm, indexing, and an appreciation for history a plus!

If you would like to volunteer for 2 or more hours each week, contact Sonia Schoenfield in the Adult Services department at 847-362-2330.

Additional Local History Projects
From time to time we have additional projects dealing with Local History. If you are interested in the history of Libertyville and Vernon Hills and would like to inquire about any available projects, please contact Sonia Schoenfield in the Adult Services department at (847) 362-2330.

Circulation

Express Checkout Assistant
If you are techno-savvy, we could use your help! The library will be installing Express Checkout machines, a system similar to grocery store self check-out machines. We are looking for volunteers willing to help library patrons use the system. If you are interested, contact Lauren Cerniglia, Circulation Manager, at (847) 362-2330.