Become a Volunteer
“Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.” — Sam Ewing
Sometimes the best way to help Pequot is by “turning up your sleeves” and pitching in! Volunteers are essential to the running of Pequot Library, both in conjunction with events and programs and with the day-to-day workings of the Library. Help is needed in all areas, and whether you have a couple of hours a year or a couple of hours a week, we will happily accept the time you have to give! Explore how you can lend a hand at Pequot Library. Send us an email at information@pequotlibrary.org to inquire about opportunities.
Book Sales
The Library uses volunteers in many areas, but, by far, the most popular event for volunteers is our Book Sale. More than 60 volunteers come to the Library throughout the year to process the donated books. These “pricers” and “sorters” diligently examine each book, assigning it a price and a category so that visitors can easily find the kinds of books they are looking for at our book sales (Black Friday/Saturday, Mid-Winter, and Summer). They are joined by more than 150 additional volunteers in the days leading up to the Summer Book Sale itself. To join this invaluable team of volunteers, please contact us below.
Special Events
Enjoy a good party? Help out during one of our many special events or fundraisers such as the Art Show, Derby Day Party, Holiday Caroling Party and Open House, Fourth of July Parade, or Halloween Pet Parade.
Children’s Department
Do you enjoy working with children and families? Volunteers in the Children’s Department help with setting up and running programs, and in collection management tasks such as shelving books. Youth volunteers can participate in the operations of the Children’s Library as Secret Service Agents.
“Books! Art! Culture! History! Events! Special Collections! Community! Pequot is a happy place to be.”
Special Collections
Would you like to work with old and rare books? Special Collections volunteers provide vital support to Pequot Library and, by extension, to all library patrons. These volunteering tasks are an essential part of caring for Pequot’s Special Collections. Tasks may include shelving books, cataloging, creating materials to describe items in an exhibition, filing, and general organizing tasks.
Docent Program
Library-trained docents lead guided tours of Pequot Library and our Special Collections exhibitions of rare books, manuscripts, and archives for a diverse audience of children and adults. Docents experience firsthand the items in our Special Collections while giving back to the community.
Street Team
Four times a year: Distribute event brochures, exhibition postcards, and select flyers and bookmarks to 25 locations in Southport Village (almost all can be done by foot on Pequot Avenue) and to stores and locations in Fairfield Center. Optimally distribute to additional select locations on Black Rock Turnpike, in Westport, and in Bridgeport, and to libraries in neighboring towns.
Communications and Marketing Support
Communication and Marketing volunteers support the entire Communications department, including print publications, public relations, web, and digital communications by helping to provide a consistent and professional representation of Pequot Library in all its communication vehicles. Tasks may include writing press releases, posting to online calendars, creating flyers, compiling press books of published articles, and so much more!
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