May 5, 2009
Contact: Janice M. Hathcock For Immediate Release
(804)692-3592
The word docent comes from the Latin word docere, which means “to teach.” The Library of Virginia invites you to apply to be a part of its volunteer docent program. Library docents will greet and welcome visitors to the Library. The Library attracts 200,000 visitors annually. Researchers, students, and tourists come from around the Virginia, the nation, and the world to tour the Library or use its incredible collection of nearly 110 manuscript items and more than 1.8 million books, bound periodicals, maps, and audiovisual materials.
Docents also will have the opportunity to guide tours of the Library’s exhibitions, in both the main gallery and the lobby, and answer questions about their content. Additionally, docents will be called upon to serve as educational instructors for school age visitors, and may assist in the development of the Library’s educational programs.
If you are interested in joining this dynamic, new docent program, please visit our Web site at: www.lva.virginia.gov/volunteer for more information and an application. The first docent training session will be held from 10 AM to noon on May 21. Candidates need to complete a Docent Application and be interviewed prior to attending the initial training session. Docents must be 18 or older. Candidates must pass a security background check.
The Library of Virginia is the state’s oldest institution dedicated to the preservation of Virginia’s history. Its collections document the lives of Virginians whose deeds are known to every school child as well as those of ordinary citizens whose accomplishments are the foundation of our heritage. The Library has a vibrant public outreach program, offering book talks by Virginia authors, lectures on Virginia history, and free exhibitions that explore Virginia’s history and culture.
Apply to help the Library of Virginia by becoming a docent. Docents provide an indispensable service to thousands of visitors to the Library. We welcome your application.
