Building Community

Support the library’s mission to engage our community in literacy and learning.

Everyone knows that volunteering is important, but actions speak louder than words. I’ve volunteered at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Brookline for over six years. If anyone is keeping track, that’s since the fifth grade!

Since I walked elementary school hallways, I’ve always had one goal in mind: to help others. This can be attributed to my faith, my parents, and most importantly, my personal experiences and morals. I’ve never been afraid to ask for help, but to balance that, I’ve never been afraid to help others. That’s why I encourage everyone to find their volunteering niche.

Not only can volunteering help others, but it can also help you discover yourself. I used to be timid, shy, and quiet. I couldn’t even bring myself to ask at the library if they could use my help. Instead, I had my dad ask the librarian behind the desk that was taller than my head. After gaining volunteering experience, I’m a more well-rounded person. I can hold a conversation, I’m not afraid to approach unfamiliar people, and I’m definitely not shy anymore.

Through helping children find books, complete homework, and learn computer skills, volunteering at the library has led me onto a career path that I may not have considered otherwise: teaching. I’ve held a passion for teaching throughout high school, and I look forward to helping the children of Brookline with different tasks each week.

A barrier for many people in today’s fast paced world is time, but my advice is not to let the amount of free time that you have available dictate whether you help others. You don’t have to go through a lengthy application process to help someone out. Small things matter too, like cleaning up around your community. Many organizations are flexible with volunteer schedules and availabilities. I try to volunteer every Monday for two hours, and sometimes that schedule doesn’t work due to school activities, or having to work—and that is okay!

Libraries have a lot going on behind the scenes. Volunteer needs may change from time-to-time at different library locations, but there are always ways to get involved. If helping kids is not for you, there are many other opportunities. Teen volunteers help out with everything from planning library events, supporting a gender and sexuality alliance, shelving books, making displays, and more. High schoolers who aren’t interested in formally volunteering are also welcome to hang out at any CLP Teenspace, a creative neighborhood space where teens can explore their interests.

If you’re interested in supporting literacy and learning at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, visit their website to learn more. You can also connect with the Volunteer Coordinator via email at volunteers@carnegielibrary.org.