LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY
SEEKS NEW VOLUNTEER DOCENTS

The Los Angeles Public Library Docents are a group of some 50 persons who volunteer time at downtown's Central Library.

We lead free public tours of the library for adults and children. Our tours emphasize the art and architecture of the historic Goodhue building and the new wing designed by Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates. Docents also are trained to introduce patrons to the library's vast resources.

We ask for a commitment of two hours per week for at least two years. While docents speak many languages, we have learned fluency in English is important. Docents are required to be at least 21 years of age.

Many docents volunteer in departments, helping with organization of the cook book collection, the theater program collection, and the photography collection. Others help with used book sales or assist in the library's free computer classes.

Docents enjoy a continuing education program which takes them through the Los Angeles Public Library system and into the city. Recent field trips include UCLA Powell Library, Huntington Library, Southwest Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Watts Towers and Art Center, Japanese American National Museum, MTA Station Art Collection and a workshop on the Maguire Gardens.

Trainees study library history, art, architecture and tour techniques. They are introduced to library departments and experienced docents then accompany trainees as they practice giving tours.

Training is carried out in an atmosphere of help and support by fellow docents and library staff. Please come to the library for a tour and an interview. There is a walk-in tour every weekday at 12:30 p.m. (meet in front of the lobby library store), Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Or contact the Docent Office at 213 228-7168 (e-mail address is docents@lapl.org)

For further information about training for the Docent Program, visit http://www.lapl.org/central/tours.html