Volunteer - Library Reading Garden

Library Reading Garden Volunteer Recruitment

This volunteer recruitment is intended solely for the initial planning phase of the Library Reading Garden project. Additional volunteer opportunities will be announced as the project progresses. Volunteers support the Library Reading Garden by helping plan, plant, and maintain the garden and greenhouse areas using sustainable practices. They assist with seed saving and organization, help run garden programs and workshops, and share basic gardening knowledge with patrons.

Volunteers also support community events and work closely with library staff, Master Gardeners, and other volunteers. An interest in gardening, reliability, and the ability to do light outdoor work are essential.

Garden Planning & Development

• Assist in developing seasonal planting plans based on climate conditions and available seeds
• Assist in designing and adapting garden beds for demonstration and community use
• Contribute ideas for garden growth, layout, and programming

Garden Maintenance & Stewardship

• Plant, weed, water, and harvest crops in raised garden beds
• Maintain and care for the greenhouse, including seed starting and transplanting
• Monitor plant health and apply sustainable gardening practices
• Support ongoing upkeep of garden spaces, including pathways and gathering areas

Seed Stewardship

• Assist with seed saving, labeling, and storage
• Help maintain and organize the seed storage area/seed library
• Promote biodiversity and sustainable seed practices

Education & Community Engagement

• Share gardening knowledge and best practices with library patrons and other volunteers
• Assist with or lead garden-related educational workshops and demonstrations (e.g., planting, harvesting, seed saving)
• Support family, youth, and literacy-based garden activities
• Participate in community demonstrations and events
• Coordinate with library staff on program planning and scheduling

Program & Event Support

• Help plan and implement garden-related programs and workshops
• Assist library staff with event setup, facilitation, and cleanup
• Support guest speakers, Master Gardener talks, and special events

Collaboration & Coordination

• Work collaboratively with library staff, Master Gardeners, and other volunteers
• Participate in volunteer meetings, trainings, and planning sessions
• Help establish and follow seasonal goals and schedules

Volunteers eighteen (18) years of age or older who are accepted for the assignment will be required to successfully complete a criminal background report.

Knowledge

• Understanding of seasonal planting and harvesting cycles
• Familiarity with vegetable gardening and/or demonstration gardening
• Knowledge of seed starting, seed saving, and basic greenhouse practices
• Awareness of sustainable gardening methods (composting, water conservation, biodiversity)

Skills

• Ability to plan and organize gardening tasks and projects
• Strong communication skills for interacting with the public and sharing knowledge
• Ability to teach, demonstrate, or present information (for program leaders)
• Basic record-keeping or organizational skills (especially for seed storage and planning)
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Physical Abilities

• Ability to perform light to moderate physical activity (bending, lifting, digging, standing for periods of time)
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions