Assist library staff with play literacy programs to promote the Six Skills for Early Literacyto families or child care groups to provide language rich early literacy experiences with books and toys.
Purpose of Assignment
To supplement the Ready to Read with Books2Go program, a program which focuses on developing early literacy skills for children birth to age five, volunteers assist library staff at the following programs or events:
Family Play Date programs (evenings and weekends)
Outreach opportunities scheduled as requested by community agencies
Child care group visits to library
Responsibilities May Include
Meet and greet families or child care groups
Assist the librarian in introducing the theme of the play unit
Model play activities with the librarian or other volunteer or participants when appropriate
Under the oversight of a librarian, direct parents/caregivers to appropriate toys or materials, based on their questions and age of their children
Discuss with parents and child care providers the importance of reading aloud to children, as well as information on services at the Milwaukee Public Library
Promote various library programs that would benefit children’s early literacy skills and refer families to specialists at the Library, when appropriate
Assist in the gathering of materials, set up and clean up of programs including picking up, and collecting books to be re-shelved, washing toys and cleaning up, as needed
Requirements
A strong commitment to providing experiences in the first five years of life that lay the foundations for future learning.
Experience working with children, from birth to five years, and their parents and caregivers, formally or informally.
Comfortable working with and speaking to parents and caregivers in a library setting.
A friendly, respectful, and approachable manner and the ability to get along with diverse groups of people.
A sense of fun and the ability to role play with children and adults.
Excellent communication skills.
Knowledge of a language other than English, a plus.
Additional Information
Volunteers are asked to make a minimum commitment of at least 2 hours twice a month for a period of at least 6 months.
Volunteers are required to attend one free 3 hour training workshop on the Six Skills for Early Literacy, observe a 1 hour play literacy session, and meet for an on-site orientation before working with the public.
The library will conduct an investigative background check on volunteers 18 and older, which may be used when considering a prospective volunteer's application.
Does require bending, squatting, and sitting on the floor.
Your completed application will be reviewed, and if there are any possible matches with currently available volunteer opportunities, we will contact you. You may also be asked to participate in an in-person interview.
