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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.

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:

  • Saturdays - 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.

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:

Milwood Branch | 12500 Amherst Dr.

  • Wednesdays - mornings or afternoons

Yarborough Branch | 2200 Hancock Dr.

  • Mondays – any 2-hour shift between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
  • Thursdays - any 2-hour shift between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturdays – any 2-hour shift between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Austin History Center

Austin History Center link

RE-OPENING POSTPONED TO THE FALL: 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 - 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
  • Sundays - 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master for Tweens/Teens D&D

Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master for Tweens/Teens D&D link

Some branches of the Austin Public Library host Dungeons & Dragons programming for tweens and tweens. We are looking for adult volunteers who can help be Dungeon Masters for our programming. Must have experience both playing D&D and being a DM.

Current needs:

Pleasant Hill Branch

  • Every other Wednesday - 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Open Mic Program Assistant

Open Mic Program Assistant link

This volunteer position assists our library staff with our Open Mic programs. We are looking for volunteers who have experience with P.A. equipment or are able to learn. This volunteer position has to be able to have the physical ability to lift and carry a large speaker, move chairs, and set up and take down the room for the event. The volunteer does not have to speak to the crowd at all and can enjoy the open mic. The volunteers are strictly for set up/take down. The open mic is on select Saturdays 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.: May 31st, July 26th, September 27th, and November 29th. The entire shift would be about 11:30am-4pm.

Current needs:

Spicewood Springs Branch | 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd.

  • 11:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

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:

  • No opportunities at this time

Storytime Assistant

Storytime Assistant link

Our Storytimes are one of the most popular things the Austin Public Library offers to the public. We are seeking volunteers to help make our Storytimes continue to be a successful part of what we offer to the public. Volunteer duties include set up, customer service, assisting youth librarians, take down, and other duties as assigned. Please note that the actual Storytime reading is done by the youth librarians.

Current needs:

  • No opportunities at this time

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:

  • No opportunities at this time.

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:

  • 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.