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Volunteer Library Assistant 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 ... ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED * Assist with receiving, sorting, and inspecting donated food ...

City of Marion

Food Pantry Volunteer

Marion, IA · On-site

Marion Public Library Bargaining Unit: Volunteer Reports to Position: Food Pantry Coordinator Pay ... ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED * Assist with receiving, sorting, and inspecting donated food ...

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 ... ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED * Assist with receiving, sorting, and inspecting donated food ...

UnityPoint Health

Recreational Therapist

Iowa City, IA · On-site

... * Assist in maintaining a reference library of activity materials. * Assists in recruiting, scheduling, and training volunteers to assist with activities. * Responsible for program areas being ...

WesTech Engineering

Student Drafter

Ames, IA · On-site +1

$22 - $29.50/hr

Create 2D and 3D models using CAD software * Assist in the design and layout of water treatment ... Familiarity with CAD model management * CAD library management * Knowledge of the function and ...

UnityPoint Health

Abbe Health Activity Specialist

Marion, IA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

... volunteers. Maintains a reference library of activity materials, entertainment, and community events. Participates in interdisciplinary team meeting. Provides personal care and services to assist ...

UnityPoint Health

Abbe Health Activity Specialist

Marion, IA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

... volunteers. Maintains a reference library of activity materials, entertainment, and community events. Participates in interdisciplinary team meeting. Provides personal care and services to assist ...

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Volunteer Library Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do volunteer library assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer library assistant in Iowa is $18.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer library assistant?

Volunteer Library Assistants are individuals who offer their time and support to libraries without receiving financial compensation. They help with a variety of tasks, such as shelving books, assisting patrons in finding materials, organizing library events, and performing administrative duties. These volunteers play a crucial role in supporting library staff, enhancing library services, and helping maintain a welcoming environment for the community. Their work allows libraries to offer more programs and extend their reach to more patrons.

What is the difference between Volunteer Library Assistant vs Library Clerk?

AspectVolunteer Library AssistantLibrary Clerk
Required CredentialsNone typically required; some familiarity with library operations helpfulHigh school diploma or equivalent often required; some positions may need basic computer skills
Work EnvironmentPublic library, community centers, or school libraries; volunteer basisPublic or academic libraries; paid position
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, community libraries, schoolsPublic libraries, government agencies, educational institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles in librariesJob responsibilities and qualifications for library support staff

Volunteer Library Assistants typically support library operations on a volunteer basis without formal credentials, working in community or school libraries. Library Clerks are paid staff members with basic educational requirements, working in similar environments. Both roles assist with shelving, customer service, and administrative tasks, but the Volunteer Library Assistant role is unpaid and often more flexible.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer library assistant?

To thrive as a Volunteer Library Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic literacy, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library cataloging systems and common office software is beneficial for managing collections and assisting patrons. Excellent communication, reliability, and a helpful attitude are standout soft skills in this role. These qualities ensure efficient library operations and create a welcoming environment for visitors.

What are the typical responsibilities of a volunteer library assistant?

Volunteer Library Assistants often help with shelving books, organizing materials, assisting patrons in locating resources, and supporting library events or programs. Their work ensures that materials are accessible and the library remains a welcoming, organized space. Volunteers may also assist with checking in and out materials under supervision, helping with displays, or aiding staff during busy periods. This role is collaborative, often involving communication with both staff and patrons, and offers valuable experience in customer service and library operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Volunteer Library jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Volunteer Library jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Volunteer Library Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Volunteer Library Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer Library Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer Library Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Volunteer Library Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Volunteer Library Assistant job openings:
Volunteer Library Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Library Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,172 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Food Pantry Volunteer

City of Marion

Marion, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 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