Job Posting End Date: August 30, 2026 at 11:59pm CST
The library utilizes volunteers in a number of ways to fulfill our mission to connect the community to ideas, information, and inspiration. From helping to keep materials neat and shelved to assisting patrons with technology to mentoring youth, there is a variety of options for volunteering and gaining experience at the library.
Position Description
This is an unpaid volunteer position. Interviews will take place as applications are received for those selected to move forward in the screening process based on current library needs.
At this time, the Northtown Library is looking to fill the volunteer positions of Reading Bridge Mentors and Summer VolunTEENs.
Reading Bridge Mentors (open to volunteers ages 15+)
Summer VolunTEENs (open to volunteers ages 12-18)
All roles require a minimum commitment of 3 months with typical shifts of 1-2 hours per week.
If you are an adult looking to volunteer for one-time events throughout the year, please contact the Friends of the Anoka County Library. The Friends are an all-volunteer nonprofit group that raise funds and increase awareness of the library. They hold 3 book sales throughout the year (January, May, October) and assist library staff with programs and outreach events in the community on an as-needed basis.
If you are a teen looking for 5 hours or less to complete a school requirement or a one-time service event, please visit our Service Programs Calendar to sign up for individual service programs.
Work Location
Northtown Library branch located at 711 County Highway 10 NE Blaine, MN 55434
Job Duties and Responsibilities
These examples are not all-inclusive and are intended to be illustrative of the primary responsibilities of an Anoka County Library Volunteer.
Reading Bridge Mentor Duties:
Meet with your assigned student at the library each week at the same day and time during after-school hours for the Reading Bridge season (fall, winter, summer)
Lead a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grader in weekly 45-minute sessions including reading aloud to the student, having the student read aloud, playing games and doing activities designed to build literacy skills, choosing books to read together and checkout for reading at home, and setting goals for the week to come.
Reading Mentors must complete an online training and a short in-person orientation at the library before mentoring.
To learn more about the Reading Bridge program, visit our website here.
Summer VolunTEEN Duties:
Tell patrons about the summer reading program and assist them in downloading the Beanstack Tracker app
Assist library staff in preparations, set up, and clean up for programs and events
Research and implement ideas for crafts, escape rooms, STEM events, and other programs
Assist with keeping materials shelved, in order, and tidy, pull items to fill hold requests, etc.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed
Selection Process
It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions.
Pre-employment Requirements
Anoka County has determined that successfully passing a pre-employment criminal/driving background check, drug screen and DOT physical, and/or other qualifications checks may be necessary for certain positions. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the County to obtain to conduct such screenings and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.
About Anoka County
As the fourth largest county in Minnesota, Anoka County thrives because of the diversity, dedication, determination, and innovation of our employees. United by our mission- Commitment to Excellence: Through collaborative efforts, we seek to improve lives and serve with care, integrity, and professionalism- we offer a wide range of career opportunities for people with a variety of personalities, abilities, knowledge, and life experiences. Together, we work toward a single purpose of serving Anoka County’s 369,000 citizens in a respectful, innovative, and fiscally responsible manner. If your career aspirations resonate with our mission, we invite you to Find Your Path with Anoka County! Hear from other Anoka County employees here.
Commitment to Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employment
Anoka County is committed to the principles of our Affirmative Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity. It is the policy of Anoka County to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, physical ability, sexual orientation, or age except where such status is a bona fide occupational qualification. It is the policy of Anoka County to make employment decisions in a manner that will further our Affirmative Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity.
If you require accommodations or have any other questions regarding this job posting, please call the Anoka County Human Resources Department at 763-324-4300 and reference the posting title and number. If you have questions about the hiring process, please visit: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/4411/Application-Process
Anoka County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy: https://www.anokacounty.us/401/Diversity-EEO