Hello,

The Santa Barbara Central Library seeks volunteers for Youth Services’ Homework Help program for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade.

Adults and teens interested in this program will need to attend a training to prepare for this opportunity. The next trainings will be Thursday, Nov. 6, from 5:00-6:30pm, Saturday, Nov. 8, 11:30-1pm, and Thursday, Nov.13, from 5:00-6:30pm. Please select one training date. The training will take place in the Townley Room of the Santa Barbara Central Library, located at 40 E. Anapamu St.

Volunteers need to:
• Assist with children’s reading and/or homework
• Commit to work 2 – 4 hours a week
• Sign up for a shift between 3:30 – 7 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, or 2:30 – 6 p.m. on Wednesdays
• Teens will need to be at least a sophomore in high school, maintain a B GPA or above, and provide a letter of recommendation from teacher
• Volunteers 18 and older will need to complete a background check/livescan (free contingent on completing 10 hours of service in our community) and a TB test through Partners in Education
Adults – Give back to the community and enrich your life!
Teens – Earn community service hours and enhance college applications!

To sign up for the training please email me at [email protected] or call the Children’s Desk 805-564-5603 and provide your name, email address, phone number, and whether you are a teen (15-17) or adult.

Attached is the job description for this opportunity. Flyers coming soon and will be available from the calendar on the library’s website, link below.

We hope to see you in the library soon!

Thank you,

Frances Foschetti
Homework Help Coordinator
Santa Barbara Central Library

For information about Santa Barbara Public Library System events and programs, visit online at SBPLibrary.org. All library programs are free and open to the public. If you need assistance to participate in a class, please contact Library Administration at (805) 564-5608
Volunteer Job Description: Homework Help Volunteer
Importance of Position: Give support, assistance, and encouragement to children in grades K-6 who need extra help with their homework.

Qualifications:
• Experience working with children
• A friendly and approachable manner
• Work with library staff to create a positive, proactive, and safe atmosphere for elementary school children
• Communication skills (bilingual highly desirable)
• Willingness to commit to a schedule and communicate about schedule conflicts (24 hour notice if possible)
• Respect of diverse lifestyles, cultures, religions and values.
• Patience and adaptability
• Teens must be in 10th grade or up, with a B GPA or above, and provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher

Reports to: Youth Services Staff

Responsibilities:
• Register with Partners in Education
• Age 18 and up need to complete a background check and a TB test
• Complete a volunteer training session
• Assist Library Staff in running the Homework Help program. Tasks may include (but are not limited to):
o Buddy reading
o Assist students with their daily homework assignments
o Clarify with students what they need help with
o Provide subject knowledge without answering the questions for students
o Help children to resources including textbooks, online databases, and other library resources
o Assist students with basic computer skills to find relevant information
o Maintaining a fun atmosphere
o Note all volunteer hours in the volunteer log
o Attend skill-building training when available
o Setting up and cleaning up the workspace

Time Commitment: Commit to a 2 hour shift and a maximum of 4 hours per week each week after school Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays between 3:30 – 7:00 p.m. and Wednesdays between 2:30 – 6:00 p.m. Please arrive 5 minutes before your shift.

Training: A training session will provide information about the Santa Barbara Library system, the Homework Help program, and best practices for interacting with children and families in meaningful ways. Volunteers will learn how to assist students with homework.

Benefits:
• By offering your knowledge, patience, encouragement, and skills, you are giving students access to resources to advance their education.
• Help to build a community in your library
• Gain job skills and add to your resume
• Teens earn community service hours