Maria Pyrdek is looking for the perfect match. But it's not a date she's seeking; she is searching for volunteers for the Animal Rescue League, where she works as volunteer coordinator.

Ms. Pyrdek will get an opportunity to narrow her search when she participates in the Volunteer Speed Match from 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at the Bethel Park Library.

"Its like speed-dating," said Mary Mullen, Bethel's outreach librarian. "The organizations will be able to court volunteers by presenting their needs. Then the volunteers decide."

Ms. Mullen invited 20 nonprofits to share information about volunteer opportunities. She is unsure how many will attend, but hopes that many heard about the event through flyers sent to local churches and a segment on the library's weekly cable show, "Check It Out."

Volunteers will rotate through the library, spending just 3 to 5 minutes with each organization. A bell will sound to indicate when it's time to move to the next.

Ms. Mullen heard about this format from Pat McCarthy, manager of Volunteer Resources at Northland Public Library, where two similar sessions were held. When Northland offered to co-sponsor the event with Bethel Park, Ms. Mullen was thrilled.

The library will be closed to normal business during that time as prospective volunteers enjoy light refreshments and learn about each organization's mission.

Ms. McCarthy, who has a long history of volunteerism, said a lot has changed in the field during the last 20 years.

"The daytime volunteer is still there, but the numbers are not what they used to be." Rather than volunteering for the same organization for long periods, "people are more interested in meaningful, short-term commitment," she said.

The speed match event is a way to expose volunteers to activities they might not have considered, Ms. Mullen said.

"When people listen to what these organizations have to say, they may be able to see some potential in themselves that they never thought about before."

The Northland library was able to match all of the volunteers at their previous events. Ms. Mullen hopes to have similar success and worked hard to gather a diverse group of nonprofits.

She expects to see a lot of younger retirees at the event.

"They are looking for things to do and have specific talents. Now that they have more time on their hands, they want to share those talents," Ms. Mullen noted.

Julie Boyce, spokeswoman for Southwinds, is hoping to find help for the Special Friends program, which pairs volunteers with developmentally disabled adults.

Special Friends allows volunteers to choose their own comfort level for involvement.

"Even if it's just sending a greeting card, it can be especially helpful for those [residents] who have little or no family," she said.

Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council will also be involved. Becky Carpenter, director of special projects, said the council usually has more than 300 volunteers, but demand is high for services.

"We always have more students than we can handle,'' she said.

The Animal Rescue League has 45 regular volunteers and numerous summer interns. "But the more hands to help, the easier the job is for everyone," Ms. Pyrdek said.

The Animal Rescue League's Wildlife Center can house up to 200 rescued animals during peak summer months. "Our volunteers help to provide care for the animals."

Ms. Pyrdek expects to meet a lot of new people tomorrow. "I think it's a great new way to get the word out about our mission to save injured native Pennsylvania wildlife," she said.

American Red Cross, Bethany Hospice, Sister's Place and Animal Friends are among those who will also participate.

No registration is necessary to attend. For more, call Ms. Mullen at the library at 412-835-2207, ext. 264.