VOLUNTEER
At the El Paso de Robles Area Historical Society, we recognize the importance of our volunteers in ensuring the success of our mission at the Carnegie Historic Library.
There are a variety of tasks that our volunteers perform, here are a few examples:
DOCENT: Our docents are on duty on the main floor of the Carnegie Library. The position is a most important one…they are our representatives, the first person whom visitors see when they walk in the front doors. It is through our docents that visitors will be introduced to the Carnegie Library and the Historical Society. Docents answer questions about our displays, exhibits, and our local history, and they ring up sales from our gift shop.
RESEARCH: Our researchers work downstairs in the archive section of the Carnegie. When a request for information comes in, these volunteers search through our large collection of files, maps, newspapers, microfilm, etc., copy all pertinent information and forward that on to the requestor. This is a wonderful way to learn more about the history of this area and the families who settled here.
CATALOGUING OF DONATIONS: The Historical Society receives donations of archival materials on a regular basis. Once a donation is received, it must be catalogued, tagged, organized and placed among our research files for use by our researchers and the public. All this is done by our volunteers.
REORGANIZATION: After the San Simeon earthquake of 2003, it was necessary for the Historical Society to move all of its records out of the Carnegie Library while repairs were made to the building. Upon moving back into the Carnegie, volunteers undertook a reorganization project designed to more concisely organize all pertinent information about the Paso Robles area to make it easily accessible for all interested parties. This job is ongoing, and progress is steady.
GLASS PLATE NEGATIVE COLLECTION: Recently the El Paso de Robles Area Historical Society was the recipient of a very large collection of glass plate negatives dating from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s. This very important collection is in need of cleaning, cataloguing, and storing. A section of the office area on the lower floor has been set aside for this ongoing project. Volunteers in this area are trained in the proper way to conserve and catalogue these negatives which are providing us with a look into San Luis Obispo County in the early days of its development.
IS VOLUNTEERING FOR THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY RIGHT FOR ME?
Often at the Historical Society we hear the comment from potential volunteers that they do not know enough about the history of this area to volunteer. Lack of knowledge should not hold back anyone who wants to help. When a new volunteer signs on, they are assigned to a mentor who works with them until they are comfortable with the area of work they have selected. Many of our docents are new to the area and they find that just spending time at the Carnegie Library and seeking answers to visitors’ questions helps them to become familiar with the area’s history.
WHAT HOURS AND DAYS CAN I VOLUNTEER?
If you decide to become a docent working on the main floor, you may select to work any of the days we are open (every day but Monday and Wednesday). There is also a choice of shifts: All day, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or a half-day, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Those choosing to work in the archival area on the lower floor can volunteer any combination of days or hours that suit their schedule.
VOLUNTEERS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR MISSION
The time and energy our volunteers so generously give to the Carnegie is greatly appreciated, and their presence allows us to better serve our visitors and assist them in enjoying the Carnegie Library and our collections to the fullest. We hope you will consider volunteering with us; it is fun, educational, and a wonderful way to become more familiar with the history of Paso Robles and its surrounding area.