Center for the Book Printing Press Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Special Collection's Library's Center for the Book!

Purpose: To teach children and adults about the history of the written word

Qualifications:

• Scheduling flexibility - time involved varies according to demand for field trips
• Patience
• Willingness to work closely with a small group
• Access to email for scheduling purposes
• Able to learn and communicate about different eras in the history of writing
• Able to assist adults and children with simple activities that reinforce their learning
• Able to follow oral and written instructions
• Good with children and groups
• Good presentation skills
• Printing press experience required

Physical Requirements:

• Good eyesight, hearing, and small motor skills
• Moderate lifting, pushing, pulling

Responsible to: Branch Volunteer Coordinator/Center for the Book Activity Coordinator

Key responsibilities:

Learn one or more areas of the docent curriculum well enough to teach the material to children and adults; help to run activity stations which include hieroglyphic stamps and letter illumination; perform rudimentary typesetting; and operate and clean a replica of a common printing press.

Note:  A background check will be required before you can be scheduled for a shift.