Adult Volunteer Opportunities link
Our most valued volunteer candidates are those that enjoy interacting with the general public and providing great customer service.
Please choose one or more of the available volunteer opportunities listed below. New opportunities are regularly posted to this page, so please check back if there is not currently an open opportunity that matches your skills and interests.
Don't see a volunteer position for you?
Please contact Volunteer Services Coordinator Paul Lopez at 512-974-7443 or APL.Volunteers@austintexas.gov and tell us what you want to do. We will see if this potential volunteer position supports the Austin Public Library commitment to our community.
Austin History Center
Austin History Center link
The Austin History Center (800 Guadalupe St.) is a part of the Austin Public Library system. The History Center recently moved to a new, larger building and they are seeking to expand their volunteer pool to coincide with the grand re-opening. There are several positions available. The History Center is open Wednesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Current needs:
Welcome Desk Docent - Greet and direct visitors from a small desk on the main floor
- Wednesdays - 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Thursdays - 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Fridays - 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Saturdays - 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Sundays - 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Tour and Exhibit Docent - Give tours, greet visitors, provide information about exhibits
- Wednesdays - 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Thursdays - 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Fridays - 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Saturdays - 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Sundays - 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Archival Box Maker - Build custom archival phase boxes for special materials
- Flexible 4-hour shift during open hours
Central Library Programs and Events Volunteer Pool
Central Library Programs and Events Volunteer Pool link
Our Central Library programming and events team is looking for additions to their Central Library volunteer pool. These volunteers would help out with programming and events at the Central Library that come up about once a month or more. These volunteers are requested to be familiar with the Central Library layout, be prepared to provide excellent customer service, and be flexible to an array of tasks at any given program or event. Volunteers who can walk or take the bus are most preferred to leave plenty of room in our parking lot for event attendees.
Current needs:
- Now accepting applications!
Recycled Reads Bookstore Assistant
Recycled Reads Bookstore Assistant link
5335 Burnet Road
Recycled Reads is Austin Public Library’s used bookstore. All proceeds benefit APL. Recycled Reads volunteers assist staff in sorting books and other materials for re-sale, repurposing, or recycling, as well as general retail space duties. This position requires volunteers to push carts up to 75 lbs. and to bend, stoop, and work with office equipment with or without reasonable accommodations, at times briefly outdoors. This position is best suited for customer service-ready, self-motivated, and detail oriented individuals accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment, with a preference on volunteers with bookstore or library experience. Shifts are four hours long, with a minimum commitment of six months requested.
Current needs:
- Wednesdays - 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
ASL Practice Leader - Assistance with an American Sign Language Conversational Program
ASL Practice Leader - Assistance with an American Sign Language Conversational Program link
Volunteer instructors help lead Austin Public Library's ASL Practice program, which is offered free to the public. It is an opportunity for library customers eager to develop stronger conversational ASL to be able to do so in a safe environment.
Current needs:
Twin Oaks Branch | 1800 S. 5th St.
- Thursdays 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Youth Storytime Assistant
Youth Storytime Assistant link
This volunteer position assists our Youth Librarians with putting on our popular Storytimes. This position helps with organization, crowd control, answering questions, head count, prepping materials, set up, take down, interacting with customers, and other duties as assigned. Unfortunately, this position does not include reading aloud, as this is reserved for our Youth Librarians.
Current needs:
- No opportunities at this time.
ESL Talk Time - Assistance with English as a Second Language Program
ESL Talk Time - Assistance with English as a Second Language Program link
APL's English as a Second Language (ESL) program is a safe space for customers interested in strengthening their English language skills to come and practice with patient, kind, and helpful staff and volunteers. It's very rewarding for both volunteers and customers. The program encourages conversational English around structured topics.
Current needs:
Little Walnut Creek Branch | 835 W. Rundberg Ln.
- Tuesdays - 1:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Terrazas Branch | 1105 E. Cesar Chavez St.
- Mondays - 5:45 p.m.-7:15 p.m.
Central Library Children's Room Greeter
Central Library Children's Room Greeter link
The Children's Room at the Central Library is one of the busiest places in all of APL, especially on the weekend. We are seeking volunteers to assist our Youth Services team to welcome visitors, answer questions, help customers seek youth materials, and other tasks as they arise. This position requires previous experience working with youth.
Current needs:
- Sundays - 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Central Library Gift Shop Assistant
Central Library Gift Shop Assistant link
The Central Library's gift shop is looking for customer service-oriented volunteers, ideally with retail experience. Duties include greeting visitors, becoming knowledgeable on products offered, helping customers navigate the building and surrounding area, and completing the gift shop experience.
Current needs:
- Sundays - 2:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
After School Activities Assistance
After School Activities Assistance link
Our free and open to the public afterschool programs for tweens are incredibly popular and serve as many as 80 visitors per session. It can be a lot for our youth librarians to take on themselves. That's where you come in! If you have experience working with youth we'd love your help in assisting facilitating one of these programs. Volunteering includes set-up, facilitating programming that include crafts and/or activities, customer service, a positive attitude, and take down.
Current needs:
- No opportunities at this time.
Braille Materials Assistant
Braille Materials Assistant link
We have a collection of braille materials available to the public that are in need of a much needed weeding process. We are looking for volunteers who can read braille that could go through our braille materials to indicate what we should keep, what we should make available for purchase in our used book store, or what is too outdated to keep on a shelf.
Current needs:
- No opportunities at this time.
Practiquemos Español the Spanish language learning group
Practiquemos Español the Spanish language learning group link
Volunteers plan and lead Spanish language conversational groups. Participants practice speaking Spanish in a safe, non-judgmental, and relaxed environment. This position requires a mastery of the Spanish language and a six month commitment. Native speakers preferred.
Current needs:
No opportunities at this time.
Branch Circulation
Branch Circulation link
Our circulation volunteers help with all things circulation in our branches. This includes customer service, putting items back on shelves, pulling holds, tidying book shelves, and so much more. This position requires volunteers to push carts up to 75 pounds and to bend, stoop, and stretch with or without reasonable accommodations. The position is best suited for those who love to organize and like to work independently. Shifts are two hours with a minimum three month commitment required.
Current needs:
- No opportunities at this time.