Volunteers play a vital role in providing library services to South Carolina citizens with blindness, low vision or other conditions that make the use of standard printed materials difficult or impossible. Volunteers assist with the daily work of delivering quality library service. They reach out to those who may need, but are unaware of, the library's free talking book services.

Getting Involved

Volunteer opportunities are designed to match a volunteer's skills, interests and schedule. Volunteers develop their own schedules, based on the library's operating hours, for weekly or monthly commitments and for one-time projects. Most work is done on site at the library.

To become a volunteer for the S.C. State Library's Talking Book Services, complete and mail or fax (803-734-4610) this application. The Volunteer Coordinator contacts applicants for interviews. If you have questions or want more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 803-734-4611 or 800-922-7818. You may also e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Print the Volunteer Application

The following volunteer positions are available:

Recording teams: Narrator, Monitor & Reviewer

Volunteers record books and magazines about South Carolina and by South Carolina authors. The recordings are done in a sound-proof recording booth at the library. All narrators must pass an audition before being added to the library's roster. Good vocal skills, a pleasant voice and an acceptable reading style are required.

The monitor operates the recording equipment as the narrator reads the material. Training is provided in the use of recording equipment. The monitor maintains quality control during recording sessions and has the narrator make corrections when mistakes are made.

Reviewers make the final edits to recording projects to remove extraneous noises and to find any other mistakes that were missed during the recording session. Training is provided in the use of specialized recording software. Good hearing and computer skills are necessary.

Patron Assistant

After new patrons begin using the Talking Books Library service, volunteers contact them by phone to make sure they know how to use the playback equipment, how to order books and ask if they have questions or concerns. Patron Assistants also take phone calls and messages from patrons who are requesting books or equipment.

Outreach/Public Education

Promotion of talking book services and public education are important components of the library's program. The library exhibits at many events and conferences to inform the public and professionals of this specialized library service. Volunteers assist by staffing exhibit booths at major Columbia-area events targeting older adults and people with disabilities. Other outreach efforts include contacting optometrist and ophthalmologist offices to offer applications and brochures to their patients.

Production Assistant

Hundreds of copies of audio magazines and newsletters are circulated each month by the library. This requires extensive duplication of cassettes and digital cartridges. Volunteers are trained to operate professional duplication equipment and to package recorded materials for shipment.

Book Inspector

To ensure that books sent to patrons are in good condition, books are inspected before shipment. This task involves opening book containers, making sure the title on the book and the container match and checking the condition of the book. Volunteers with low vision or those who read Braille may be trained to inspect books. More than 17,000 books are inspected each month, and more volunteers are needed.