Residents of Land O' Lakes who want to give time to the community have official programs to look at. This guide covers two of them, based on information published by Pasco County Libraries and UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County: library volunteering and the Master Gardener volunteer program. It also explains the steps and commitments each one describes.
For more about getting involved with neighbors, visit the Neighbors page.
Volunteering with Pasco County Libraries
The library system's volunteer page describes who can apply and what happens after an application is submitted.
Who can volunteer
The library describes two groups of volunteers:
- Adult volunteers, who are aged 18+ and pass a background check after application
- Teen volunteers, who are aged 13-18
The age ranges come directly from the library's page. If you are unsure which group applies to you or a member of your household, the library is the best place to ask.
What the background check costs
According to the library's volunteer FAQ, volunteers are not responsible for any costs or fees associated with the background check. In other words, volunteers pay nothing for it.
What happens after you apply
After you submit an application, a library representative will contact you within 7-10 business days. That gives a useful expectation for timing. If a few days pass without a reply, it is reasonable to remember that the library's stated window is 7-10 business days.
Which branch and which tasks
The library notes that opportunities vary by branch depending on availability. That means what is open at one branch may differ from what is open at another. If you want to help at the Land O' Lakes Branch in particular, mention that preference in your application and be flexible about what is available.
Volunteering with UF/IFAS Extension Pasco: Master Gardeners
UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County runs a Master Gardener volunteer program. Its how to join page lists a commitment to volunteering 75 hours the first year and 35 hours thereafter.
That is a larger commitment than a one-time shift, so it helps to think through your schedule before applying:
- First year: 75 hours
- Each year after that: 35 hours
The page is the place to review the full joining requirements and any other steps the program lists.
Comparing the two options
The two programs ask for different things. The library describes an application, a background check for adults at no cost to the volunteer, and a follow-up contact within 7-10 business days. The Master Gardener program describes an hours commitment of 75 hours the first year and 35 hours thereafter. Neither description should be read as a complete list of requirements, so read each official page before you apply.
How to get started
- Decide which program fits the time you can give.
- For the library, check the age groups: 18+ for adult volunteers and 13-18 for teen volunteers.
- Open the library's volunteer page and submit an application.
- Watch for contact from a library representative within 7-10 business days.
- For Master Gardeners, review the 75 hours the first year and 35 hours thereafter before you commit.
Other places to look
The topic of local volunteering also includes parks and county boards. The verified information used for this guide covers the library and Master Gardener programs only, so it does not describe how to sign up for parks or county board roles. Check the official county pages for those, or browse the directory for local contacts.
Who to contact
- Pasco County Libraries volunteer program: the volunteer page and the volunteer FAQ
- UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County Master Gardeners: the how to join page
Sources
Compiled from the official sources below.