Friends of St. Thomas Public Library

Friends’ Goals

• To foster an awareness and understanding of the importance of the public library’s role in the community.
• To enable the public library’s pursuit of its purposes though fund raising, promotion, and support of library programs and participation in library activities.
• To increase the community’s understanding of the benefits derived from the areas of cultural, recreational, and educational pursuits.
• To build a strong membership of enthusiastic Friends, dedicated to furthering the purposes of the public library.

Friends’ Board of Directors

If you need more information about the Friends of St. Thomas Public Library, please contact Heather Robinson by phone at (519) 631-6050, ext. 8027, or via email.

Benefits of Being a Friend

• Receive a Friends of St. Thomas Public Library membership card
• Meet new people and stay active
• Get involved and better the community
• Help the library raise funds for new books, equipment, and other improvements
• Support St. Thomas Public Library financially with a yearly membership fee

To become a card-carrying member of the Friends of St. Thomas Public Library, fill out the membership form and return it in person or by mail to St. Thomas Public Library at 153 Curtis Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3Z7.

Why should I volunteer for the Friends of the Library?
Did you know that helping others can help you too? Here are just a few of the great benefits of volunteering for the Friends of the Library!

• Meet and interact with library staff and other volunteers
• Develop teamwork, leadership, organization, interpersonal and communication skills
• Gain confidence
• Help make a difference in your community
• Volunteer involvement looks great on resumes and college/university applications!

Would you like to become a volunteer? Here’s how!

• Look through our volunteer position descriptions below and see which one interests you
• Pick up a volunteer application from the Friends of the Library Book Shop, or print one HERE
• Complete the form and return it in person to the Friends of the Library Shop (417 Wellington Street)

Below are descriptions of the volunteer positions we offer:

Friends’ Shop Manager
Under the direction of the Chairman and/or Vice Chairman of the Friends of St. Thomas Public Library, ensures the successful and profitable operation of the Library Friends’ Shop; aids customers with the selection and purchase of shop goods, collects payment, provides change and receipts, ensures counting and balancing of daily cash, sorts and shelves donations, collects and provides statistics, maintains a tidy shop, and arranges for publicity and advertising. The Manager shall work with the Friends’ Shop Volunteer Co-ordinator and greet volunteers and customers in a professional and friendly manner. The Manager shall liaise with library staff, other Friends, and the Library Board, and act as an ambassador for the library.
For a more detailed job description, click here!

Friends Shop Book Sorter
Under the direction of the Library Friends’ Shop Manager, the Book Sorter helps sort donations of books and other material into categories, shelves donations, keeps the shop and back area tidy, creates displays, and assists customers as needed.
For a more detailed job description, click here!

Friends Shop Clerk
Under the direction of the Library Friends’ Shop Store Manager, the Book Shop Clerk helps customers select and purchase shop goods, collects payment, provides change and receipts, greets customers in a professional and friendly manner, and helps to keep the shop looking neat and tidy.
For a more detailed job description, click here!

Please note:

• Volunteers may assist with more than one position
• It may take time for our Volunteer Coordinator to contact you to arrange an interview, as we interview for our highest-priority needs first
• Completing an application and/or an interview does not guarantee you a volunteer position