Opportunities From: East Tennessee State University

The Kingsport Public Library will be hosting the Behind the Book Festival on July 18! We will have over 70 authors participating and we are in need of volunteers to help us make this festival fantastic. The festival will be running from 10am to 4pm on the 18th and we are also asking for a few volunteers to help with setting up tables and chairs the evening before.  

There are different tasks for the following shift times, so please check carefully and make sure you feel capable and comfortable with the duties! You are also welcome to sign up for the length of the entire festival or multiple shifts if that feels doable for you.  

We cannot accept volunteers without receiving the correct paperwork before July 10. There is an authorization form for a background check as well as a volunteer waiver available at the library, or you can email laineking@kingsporttn.gov to receive them digitally. If you come to the library without completing this paperwork and having it cleared, we will not be able to have you help with the festival.

Shift Descriptions:

July 17, 5pm – 7pm : Volunteer(s) will report to the library to help unload chairs and tables, as well as get them set up following the layout we have planned. Very physical!  

July 18, 9:00am-12pm : Volunteer(s) will help finish setting up and get the rundown of how we will be greeting authors and directing them to their designated space. When patrons start arriving, volunteers will make sure to welcome them and give them information about the festival. Volunteers may also be walking around and checking if anyone needs a break. If so, the volunteer will watch their table until they return. 

July 18, 11:30am-1:30pm : Volunteer(s) for this shift will be primarily focusing on lunch distribution. They will be working alongside library staff to make sure all of the authors receive what they ordered in a timely fashion.  

July 18, 1pm – 3pm : Volunteer(s) may be welcoming and directing guests or offering breaks for the authors. Other tasks may come up, especially with the afternoon panels, storytime, and keynote speaker.  

July 18, 3pm-5pm: Volunteer(s) will help start the process of taking down tables and chairs, cleaning up, and helping remaining authors get packed and ready to go. You are welcome to stay later than 5 if you wish to help get everything done for the day. Very physical! 

The Kingsport Public Library will be hosting many programs this summer that we will need extra help with! We are seeking volunteers on select dates in June for our summer reading kids' programs. You will be helping run games, activities, crafts, and general setting up/take down. Depending on the turnout, you may be focusing on crowd control and getting patrons to where they need to be. Extra details for the programs on specific dates can be found on the library's website, or you can reach out to us, and we can get you whatever information you need!

We do require all volunteers to pass a background check and fill out a volunteer waiver.  You can pick up those forms at the library or request them digitally by emailing laineking@kingsporttn.gov. If you have any questions, please use that email or call the library at 423-229-9465.