Opportunities From: United Way Volunteer Center

What happens after people donate their used books to the Iowa City Public Library?  Book-loving volunteers sort through the piles and boxes to determine how they'll be used.  If you are a good judge of a book, please consider joining us as a Sorter!

Job Summary
Under direction of Library Development Office Staff, this position manages year-round continuous sorting and storage of books designated and received by the Library for resale at The Book End. Works with Development Office staff and bookstore volunteers to provide inventory for ongoing sale of items at the store and for periodic sales.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Reviews all gift books and other items not accepted for the Library collection, and Library discards.

Sorts materials for shelving

Processes materials not suitable for sale to ship to third party book buyer

Stores and labels materials and plans for storage space with guidance from Development Office Staff

Minimum Education, Experience, and Certification
Education equivalent to a four year liberal arts degree desirable.  Good knowledge of books and ability to determine their subjects. Considerable skill in organizing workflow and procedures.  A criminal history record check is required for this position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to work independently. Ability to follow instructions. Available 8 am-10 am weekdays.  Knowledge of books, authors, and love of reading helpful.

Physical and Environmental Conditions
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds. Stooping or bending in order to lift and move boxes of books, and shelve books is also required. Must be able to move book cart containing items.

Time and Scheduling Requirements
Six (6) month commitment required. Minimum two-hour weekly shift required per week.

The BookEnd is a fundraiser for the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation, a non-profit which generates private resources to support the Iowa City Public Library. Volunteers at The BookEnd help achieve that mission by selling gently-used donated books, music, movies and more. BookEnd volunteers love to read, love the Iowa City Public Library, and love to help others!

BookEnd volunteers sell books and more to customers seeking treasures and bargains while shopping for a great cause. The BookEnd is on the second floor of the Iowa City Public Library. Sales proceeds support the Children's Summer Reading Program, Teen Summer Reading Program, Art-to-Go project, and other activities of the Iowa City Public Library.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Works under general supervision and direction of Book End Committee and Development Office Staff. Assists with organization of bookstore by alphabetizing, shelving, and helping with display of books as directed by Book Sorter or Book End Committee. Assists customers with book selection and provides excellent customer services. Rings up sales on cash register. Some shifts require opening or closing store and tallying daily receipts. Interacts with the public.

Physical and Environmental Conditions
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds. Stooping or bending in order to shelve books may also be required.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Certification
Must be at least sixteen (16) years of age or completed tenth grade.   A criminal history record check is required for this position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to work independently. Ability to follow instructions. Knowledge of books, authors, and love of reading helpful. Experience in retail setting beneficial.

Time and Scheduling Requirements
Six (6) month commitment required.