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. All work is done on site at the library. To become a volunteer for the South Carolina State Library's Talking Book Services program, please complete and mail or fax this questionnaire below to (803) 734-4610.

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 spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it    

• Print the Volunteer Application

The following volunteer positions are available:

Narrator and Monitor

Volunteers record books and magazines about South Carolina and by South Carolina authors. The recordings are done in a sound-proof recording booth with a monitor. 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. If mistakes are made by the narrator, the monitor stops the session and ensures corrections are made.

Cassette Book Inspector

To ensure that cassette books sent to patrons are in good condition, books are inspected before shipment. This task involves opening cassette book containers, checking the condition of each tape and using a simple machine to rewind tapes. Volunteers with low vision or those who read Braille may be trained to inspect cassette books. More than 17,000 books are inspected each month, and more volunteers are needed.

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.

Production Assistant

More than 1,000 copies of recorded magazines and newsletters are circulated each month by the library. This requires extensive duplication of cassette tapes. Volunteers are trained to operate professional tape duplication equipment and to package recorded materials for shipment.