The Cedar Mill Community Library was founded in 1974 by community volunteers. Today it continues to be operated by the CMCL Association. The Cedar Mill and Bethany libraries rely on the efforts of more than 800 volunteers and 70 paid staff members to provide free public library services 7 days a week.

Join us: Volunteers are as important today as they were when the Cedar Mill library was founded. During fiscal year 2008-2009 volunteers contributed 48,944 hours of service - equivalent to 23.5 full-time employees. This makes the Cedar Mill and Bethany Libraries great community libraries!

Volunteers are the reason we can continue to expand and grow to meet the needs of our community. We invite you to join our vital group of volunteers who sustain the Cedar Mill and Bethany community libraries. We can offer you:

• Over 100 different volunteer positions
• A vital role in maintaining the Cedar Mill and Bethany libraries and Second Edition.
• Opportunities for our wonderful youth - 52% of our volunteers are under the age of 18
• ADA (American Disability Act) friendly positions
• Friendship
• Association with people who love books
• Diversity that reflects our community
• 29% of our volunteers are male
• Leadership opportunities
• Group service projects

Come make a difference in your community library!

What Do Our Volunteers Do?

Here are some of the ongoing jobs currently being done by volunteers:

Association volunteers...become part of the governing body, serve as Board or Committee Member, chair special events, lead fundraising activities...

Library volunteers...put away books, repair audio and visual materials, design book covers, create crafts, deliver books, check-in books, verify interlibrary loans, sign-up children for Summer Reading, withdraw books, cover books, type spine labels, process new books...

Summer Reading Program Desk Volunteers assist the youth librarians sign up children birth to 18 for summer reading.  They explain the program, hand out materials, answer questions, distribute prizes, keep track of records, and assist with assembling materials for youth programs.  Must be at least 12 to apply to volunteer.

Volunteers play a major role in sustaining the Second Edition Resale Shop, Cedar Mill Community Library Association's ongoing fund raiser. Second Edition volunteers...assist customers, design displays, receive donations, appraise merchandise, research antiques, repair clothing, browse garage sales...

Children can begin volunteering at age 13. Children 12 and under are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian partner. Note: 14 is the minimum age to volunteer in Second Edition Resale Shop.

To find out about positions currently open, visit Volunteer Positions.

How to Apply: Either pick up an application while in the Library or print out the application [PDF]. Drop off your completed application at the Circulation Desk during your next visit to the Library and you will be contacted soon. We will review your application and contact you for an interview to find a meaningful position for you in the library. You will then be invited to attend an orientation session and to participate in several training sessions.

Questions? Look at our Frequently Asked Questions page. For information and to apply, please contact Kevin Kelley in the Volunteer Services Office, 503-644-0043 ext. 111