Would you like to contribute, gain new experience and become part of a lively team? Then you have come to the right place – everyone is welcome, whatever their age, background or experience.

You bring something with you – we provide the setting.

Together we make a library that is modern, open and varied.

We are always looking for …

people who

• would like to put part of their free time to good use,
• want to work with a friendly, committed team,
• want to bring children, young people and adults closer to the pleasure of literature,
• will help us catalogue new items,
• will advise readers and lend items,
• will plan and run activities for reading and literature with us,
• will help with the lending during our opening hours or make additional lending days or times possible.

Questions about joining the team

Is there a trial period?

Yes. New team members start with a getting-to-know-you phase of about six months. After that we talk it over as a team and look together at whether working together suits both sides – whether you feel at home in the team and whether we as a team benefit from one another. Volunteering works best when everyone enjoys it.

Do I have to be Catholic?

No. The German constitution itself lays down that all people are equal, whatever their faith or origin. That naturally applies to our team members as well as to everyone who uses our library.

A varied team enriches our work and makes it livelier still.

Why should I join in?

The reasons for getting involved with us are many – for instance:

• a worthwhile way to spend your free time,
• making the church alive,
• standing up for others,
• passing on your own enthusiasm,
• sharing the love of reading,
• helping children to read,
• making equality of opportunity possible,
• taking responsibility,
• enjoying freedom to shape your own areas of work,
• realising yourself, in running events for instance,
• bringing in personal strengths and interests such as looking after IT or press work,
• drawing on your own life experience,
• making contact with people who share your interests,
• finding a change from the everyday,
• finding a counterweight to work or trying out a return to working life,
• getting involved on a project basis.

What do we expect?

We are looking for young people and adults who

• are at least 14 years old,
• enjoy dealing with people and with books and media,
• would like to bring in their life experience, training or knowledge.

What can you expect?

You can expect the following:

• free basic library training (Basis 12),
• if you wish, training as a church library assistant (KiBüAss),
• a wide range of tasks matching your abilities and interests,
• a committed, motivated and collegial team,
• one of the most modern and forward-looking church libraries,
• a worthwhile and enriching way to spend your free time.

Are there particular requirements?

No, library training is not a requirement. Working hours can be arranged individually within our opening hours and events. We take personal circumstances and wishes into account.

I'm not yet 14 but would still like to help.

Every person is unique – and that is a good thing. In principle younger people can work with us too, where it fits. Just get in touch – we will talk over together how joining in might work.

What to do if you have further questions or problems?

You are always welcome to get in touch. Outside opening hours you can reach us round the clock by email at info@owbib.de. We do our best to answer as quickly as we can, in the evenings and at weekends too.

If you notice a mistake or an inconsistency on our website, please let us know. Thank you!