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Library Volunteer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

City of Marion

Food Pantry Volunteer

Marion, IA · On-site

Marion Public Library Bargaining Unit: Volunteer Reports to Position: Food Pantry Coordinator Pay Grade: N/A Location: Marion Public Library JOB SUMMARY The Food Pantry Volunteer position supports ...

City of Marion, Iowa

Food Pantry Volunteer

Marion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Marion Public Library Bargaining Unit:Volunteer Reports to Position:Food Pantry Coordinator Pay Grade:N/A Location:Marion Public Library JOB SUMMARY The Food Pantry Volunteer position supports the ...

ISG

Automation Specialist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Experience with FastAPI, REST API development, and data handling libraries strongly preferred ... Paid holidays and paid volunteer time * Paid parental leave * Bi-annual profit sharing * Employee ...

UnityPoint Health

Activities Specialist-Pathways

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Assists with training and indirect supervision of activities volunteers. Maintains a reference library of activity materials, entertainment, and community events. Participates in interdisciplinary ...

Presbyterian Homes & Services

Cook

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$17.76/hr

... library, club room, business office, guest suite, chapel and wellness center with aerobics studio ... Together, our team and volunteers offer their gifts and serve more than 26,000 older adults each ...

Presbyterian Homes & Services

Cook

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$17.76/hr

... library, club room, business office, guest suite, chapel and wellness center with aerobics studio ... Together, our team and volunteers offer their gifts and serve more than 26,000 older adults each ...

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Library Volunteer information

What is a library volunteer?

Library volunteers are individuals who donate their time and skills to support the daily operations and special programs of libraries. They assist with tasks such as shelving books, organizing materials, helping patrons find resources, preparing for events, and sometimes supporting literacy or outreach initiatives. Volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing library services and providing a welcoming environment for the community. Their efforts help libraries extend their programs and maintain high-quality services despite budget constraints.

What is the difference between Library Volunteer vs Library Assistant?

AspectLibrary VolunteerLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically none; volunteer basisHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require basic library training
Work EnvironmentPublic libraries, community centersPublic, academic, or special libraries
Employer & Industry UsageNon-profit, community service organizationsLibraries, educational institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles in librariesJob responsibilities, qualifications, and career path

Library volunteers assist with various tasks without formal employment, often focusing on community support. Library assistants are paid staff with defined responsibilities, requiring some credentials. Both roles work in similar environments but differ mainly in employment status and qualifications.

What are some common responsibilities and challenges faced by library volunteers?

Library volunteers often assist with shelving books, organizing materials, helping patrons locate resources, and supporting library events. A common challenge is learning the library's classification system, which requires attention to detail and accuracy. Volunteers may also need to adapt to varying tasks and busy periods, especially during special events or peak hours. Working closely with librarians and other volunteers provides valuable experience in teamwork and customer service, making this role a great stepping stone for those interested in library science or community service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a library volunteer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Volunteer, you need organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic literacy, typically supported by a willingness to learn library procedures. Familiarity with library catalog systems, shelving protocols, and basic computer use is often required. Strong communication, reliability, and a helpful attitude make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient library operations, positive patron experiences, and valuable support for library staff.
What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Library jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Volunteer jobs in Iowa? For Library Volunteer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Volunteer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Library Volunteer jobs in Iowa are:
Library Volunteer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Volunteer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Food Pantry Volunteer

City of Marion

Marion, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

JOB INFORMATION
Department: Marion Public Library
Bargaining Unit: Volunteer
Reports to Position: Food Pantry Coordinator
Pay Grade: N/A
Location: Marion Public Library
JOB SUMMARY
The Food Pantry Volunteer position supports the Marion Public Library's mission to provide a food pantry that offers dignified, efficient, and compassionate service to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. This volunteer position plays an essential role to help ensure community members have access to nutritious food in a respectful and organized environment by sorting and shelving food donations, assembling food boxes, picking food up from distribution partners, delivering food donations to the library, providing quality control by checking dates, maintaining the cleanliness of the pantry areas, and supporting staff with general organization.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED
  • Assist with receiving, sorting, and inspecting donated food items for quality and expiration dates.
  • Stock shelves, refrigerators, and freezers in an organized and safe manner.
  • Help prepare pre-packaged food boxes or bags for distribution.
  • Greet clients and assist with food selection in a courteous and respectful manner.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of pantry, storage areas, and workspaces.
  • Support inventory tracking and notify Food Pantry Coordinator of low stock items.
  • Assist with donation drives, special events, or outreach efforts as needed.
  • Follow all safety, sanitation, and confidentiality guidelines to keep all program attendees and all patrons, stakeholders, and donor information learned while volunteering confidential.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and diverse populations.
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Reliable, punctual, and able to follow directions.
  • Commitment to maintaining client dignity and confidentiality.

WHAT YOU WILL BE TRAINED ON
  • Initial orientation and overview of pantry operations including proper shelving, sorting, and rotation procedures.
  • Confidentiality and Client Privacy Practices.
  • Bias and Empathy Training.
  • Food safety and handling guidelines.
  • Emergency and safety protocols.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to stand, walk, and bend for extended periods.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, reach, stand, push, pull as required.
  • Ability to lift and carry 35 pounds (with or without accommodations) in order to sort and move food items, restock shelves, and assist with donation intake.
  • Ability to work in varying temperatures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Indoor pantry setting with occasional outdoor activities (e.g. donation intake).
  • May involve moderate noise levels and fast-paced distribution periods.

SCHEDULE
  • Flexible based on volunteer availability and pantry hours.
  • May include evenings or weekends depending on pantry operations.

Required Background Checks
  • Criminal Background Check
  • Sex Offender Registry Check
  • Physician sign off on essential duties and physical requirements.

Apply