Library - West Valley Branch

Do you have a passion for teaching and working with kids? If so, the West Valley Branch Library is looking for teen and adult volunteers who want to share their skills, enthusiasm, and interests with the community and help students in grades K through 3 prepare for academic success!

STEAM Club is a weekly program for children in grades K-3. It meets during the academic year on Fridays from 4:00-5:00 PM. Each week, attendees are introduced to simple science concepts and participate in a hands-on activity related to that session’s topic.

We are looking for volunteers who can cover at least one session per month. (Volunteers have the option to cover more than one session each month if interested.)

STEAM Club Instructors are responsible for selecting a session’s topic, creating slides and/or other instructional materials, and planning a hands-on activity (or activities) related to the topic. STEAM Club instructors are also responsible for identifying all materials that will be required at a session and communicating that information to their volunteer supervisor at least two weeks before the session meeting date. Each session requires approximately 2-3 hours of time at the library as well as time planning the session. Volunteers may create their own curriculum or use curricular materials provided by the library. Library staff will be available to provide support and guidance throughout the process of planning and leading STEAM Club sessions.

How You Will Make a Difference

• Support the mission of the library to provide educational opportunities and enrichment to the community residents

• Help children develop confidence as intellectually curious, lifelong learners

• Provide a fun, safe, educational, and engaging activity for children and families

Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for planning and leading at least one STEAM Club session per month for a minimum duration of six months

• Select session topics several weeks in advance of session dates

• Create slides and plan session activities OR familiarize yourself with curricular materials provided by the library

• Arrive at the library 60-30 minutes before your session to set up Community Room

• Lead a 60 minute STEAM Club session: introduce science concepts to participants and guide them through activities

• Help clean up the Community Room after the session (approximately 30 minutes)

• Provide guidance and leadership to co-volunteers who may be assisting you with a STEAM Club session

• Monitor participant behavior and when necessary set appropriate boundaries and limits to ensure participant safety

• Create a welcoming, safe, and supportive learning environment by interacting with children and adults with kindness, warmth, and respect

• Seek help from library staff as needed

• Respond to emails from your volunteer supervisor within 48 hours

Benefits

• Gain and/or develop communication, program management, and teaching skills appropriate for resumes, college applications, and/or employment

• Meet new people and feel more connected to your community

• Experience the satisfaction of knowing you are serving the community and making a difference in the lives of children

Minimum Commitment

• Leading one STEAM Club session per month for 6 months (approximately 3-4 hours of volunteer service per month)

Prospective Volunteers Should:

• Enjoy working with children and families

• Be confident public speakers

• Be dependable, punctual, and responsible

• If age 18+, complete a fingerprint background check (at no cost to you)

• Be able to commit to 4-5 hours of volunteer service per month for six months, with availability on at least one Friday per month from approximately 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM