The Library depends on the assistance of its neighbors to provide services to the Community.

If you've been looking for a friendly place to volunteer with flexible hours, the Pennington Public Library is the place for you!  For over 130 years, the Pennington Public Library's circulation desk has been staffed by volunteers.  Come in and see how you can contribute to your Community and continue the tradition.

Volunteers can set whatever hours work best for them.  Some volunteers come in weekly for 2 to 2 1/2 hour shifts.  Other volunteers come in every-other week to work.

Examples of volunteer work available include:

• Checking books in and out for patrons
• Shelving books
• Covering books
• Computer data entry
• Providing assistance for Library programs

Additional volunteer needs needs occur at times and will be listed here.

The Library offers volunteer opportunities for teens as well.  Teens volunteer in the summer or after school.  Volunteering at the Library fulfills High School volunteer requirements.

Please complete the 'Volunteer Application' and return it to the Library.  If you would like to explore volunteering at the library, please contact Tara Russell at 609.737.0404 for more information.

To apply to be a volunteer, click here to get the application.

Who Are Our Volunteers?

Have you ever wondered about the volunteers who assist you at our circulation desk?  We have all kinds of volunteers:  seniors, teens, graduate students, stay-at-home parents, people who work full-time, Pennington newcomers and life-long residents.  Here is your chance to get to know a little something about these amazing people!

Lillian - Lillian has volunteered at the Pennington Public Library since 1999.  She has trained many of the current volunteers.  Ask her what that story is she has about the Library!

Martha - Martha moved to the Pennington area in 2007.  She first discovered our Library when she brought her youngest daughter to Story Time.  During the school year, Martha volunteers at the circulation desk and she takes a break in the summer to be home with her children.

Carol - Carol has been a volunteer since 2007.  She is a retired school librarian from the Hopewell Valley Central High School and Toll Gate Grammar School.

Marcia - Marcia recently moved here from Virginia where she was the Librarian at a small public library.  Marcia was looking for a similar library and that led her to the Pennington Public Library!  We are very fortunate she found us.

Michael - Although Mike has a full-time job, he donates his time every-other Saturday at the Library.  He has been volunteering since 2001.

Bambi - Bambi moved here a few years ago with her husband to live closer to a few of her grandchildren.  She quickly became a valuable volunteer and has developed a special talent for covering and repairing books.

Casey - Casey is a teen volunteer.  During the summer, she comes in weekly to help with the Summer Reading Program.  Casey has learned how to work at the Circulation Desk as well as how to process books.  During the school year, Casey volunteers once a week when she is not involved with her other afterschool activities.

Maeve - Maeve is currently enrolled in the Master of Library Science program at Rutgers University.  She lives in Pennington and volunteers at the Library once a week.  She is one of three volunteers at the Library who is studying to become a librarian.

• To 'read' shelves - to place items in correct Dewey Decimal order and check for out-of-order items
• Keeping shelves neat by aligning books with front edge of shelf whenever possible, shifting books when necessary to make them evenly distributed on designated shelves and tightening the book ends.

Qualifications

• Be able to stand and squat repeatedly, using a foot stool.
• Attention to detail
• Work well independently

Training

• A thorough explanation of duties with regard to shelf reading will be given by the library staff.

Contact the Librarian if you are interested in this position.