Northtown Library - Volunteer

Job Posting End Date: September 13, 2026 at 11:59pm CST

The library utilizes volunteers in a number of ways to fulfill our mission to connect the community to ideas, information, and inspiration. From helping to keep materials neat and shelved to assisting patrons with technology to mentoring youth, there is a variety of options for volunteering and gaining experience at the library.

Position Description

This is for the position of We Are Water Exhibit Docent at Northtown Library. The We Are Water MN traveling exhibit examines water issues statewide and in local communities through personal stories, histories, and scientific information. It strengthens Minnesotans’ relationships with water, exposes visitors to new perspectives, and increases participation in water stewardship activities. Docents will lead tours of the exhibit, answer questions, and make the exhibit fun and easy to understand.  This is an unpaid volunteer position. Interviews will take place as applications are received for those selected to move forward in the screening process based on current library needs. 

This role requires a minimum commitment of 2 months (October 8 – November 30) with typical shifts of 2 hours per week. Attendance at orientation is also required. Orientation is scheduled for Thursday, October 8 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.

• If you are an adult looking to volunteer for one-time events throughout the year, please contact the Friends of the Anoka County Library. The Friends are an all-volunteer nonprofit group that raise funds and increase awareness of the library. They hold 3 book sales throughout the year (January, May, October) and assist library staff with programs and outreach events in the community on an as-needed basis.
• If you are looking for 5 hours or less to complete a school requirement or a one-time service event, please visit our Service Programs Calendar to sign up for individual service programs.

Pay & Benefits

• Unpaid Volunteer

Work Location

Anoka County Library, Northtown Branch, located at 711 County Rd 10 NE, Blaine, MN 55434.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
These examples are not all-inclusive and are intended to be illustrative of the primary responsibilities of an Anoka County Library Volunteer.

We Are Water Exhibit Docent Duties:

• Answer questions, share exhibit information, and provide a positive experience for visitors.
• Lead guided tours for the public and host groups such as school groups, senior centers, and adults with disabilities.
• Lead or assist with supplemental learning activities such as scavenger hunts, button makers, and staffing the water bar.
• Monitor the exhibit area to ensure everything looks clean and organized.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• Successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Must be age 15 year of age or older.
• Enjoy meeting and interacting with people.
• Ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
• Public speaking skills.

Selection Process

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions.

Pre-employment Requirements

Anoka County has determined that successfully passing a pre-employment criminal/driving background check, drug screen and DOT physical, and/or other qualifications checks may be necessary for certain positions. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the County to obtain to conduct such screenings and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

About Anoka County

As the fourth largest county in Minnesota, Anoka County thrives because of the diversity, dedication, determination, and innovation of our employees. United by our mission- Commitment to Excellence: Through collaborative efforts, we seek to improve lives and serve with care, integrity, and professionalism- we offer a wide range of career opportunities for people with a variety of personalities, abilities, knowledge, and life experiences. Together, we work toward a single purpose of serving Anoka County’s 369,000 citizens in a respectful, innovative, and fiscally responsible manner. If your career aspirations resonate with our mission, we invite you to Find Your Path with Anoka County! Hear from other Anoka County employees here.

Commitment to Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employment

Anoka County is committed to the principles of our Affirmative Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity. It is the policy of Anoka County to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, physical ability, sexual orientation, or age except where such status is a bona fide occupational qualification. It is the policy of Anoka County to make employment decisions in a manner that will further our Affirmative Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity.

If you require accommodations or have any other questions regarding this job posting, please call the Anoka County Human Resources Department at 763-324-4300 and reference the posting title and number. If you have questions about the hiring process, please visit: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/4411/Application-Process

Anoka County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy: https://www.anokacounty.us/401/Diversity-EEO