Volunteer with Austin Public Library
Volunteers are an integral part of our team and a valuable asset to the Library and Austin community. With volunteer positions to match many schedules and interests, the Austin Public Library is a highly rewarding place to donate your time and skills.
Volunteer onboarding with the Library includes submitting a volunteer application, completing a screening interview, submitting a background check, attending volunteer orientation, and a readiness for providing excellent customer service and completing detail-oriented tasks.
Central Library MLS/MLIS Interns - Adult or Teen Services
Central Library MLS/MLIS Interns - Adult or Teen Services
Are you currently pursuing a Master's degree at an accredited library school? We take on volunteer interns at the Central Library!
The Central Library has a volunteer internship program for students currently pursuing a Master's degree that is accredited by the American Library Association, with a focus on volunteer interns wanting to eventually work in a public library setting. The tasks assigned to interns are much larger in responsibility than a "typical" volunteer role, with an aim to better prepare you for the library field.
Central Library Teen Central | 701 W. Cesar Chavez St.
- No opportunities at this time.
Central Library Adult Services | 701 W. Cesar Chavez St.
- No opportunities at this time.
Adult Volunteer Program
Adult Volunteer Program
The Adult Volunteer Program is seeking motivated, reliable, highly flexible, diverse, customer service-ready, friendly, and detail-oriented volunteers who can't wait to be a part of the library experience. All library volunteer positions are customer service-oriented. The typical time commitment request is either three or six months of steady volunteering.
- Go to our Volunteer Opportunities tab to find an open volunteer opportunity that matches your skills and interests.
- Applicants must be 17 years or older by the date of the application.
- For the application process, APL has partnered with the volunteer website GivePulse. Please complete an application through the APL GivePulse site.
- If applicable, complete an additional Volunteer Accommodation Request Form if you are requesting reasonable accommodations within your volunteer role (available upon request).
- Complete the volunteer screening process, including a phone or in-person interview. This is not a process that can be completed via text messaging.
- Accept a placement offer.
** Please note: Not all interviews/applications result in a placement offer.** - Attend mandatory volunteer orientation.
- Complete a successful criminal background investigation.
- Commit to volunteering for a minimum of three months at two hours per week. Some positions may request more.
- Commit to regularly recording volunteer hours into the GivePulse database for tracking volunteer hours.
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
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.
Practiquemos Español - The Spanish Language Learning Group
Practiquemos Español - The Spanish Language Learning Group
Practiquemos Español is the Austin Public Library's free conversational Spanish language learning group. It is a safe, non-judgmental, and friendly space for library customers to come in and work on their conversational Spanish language skills. We are seeking volunteers at various branches to co-facilitate our program who are fluent in both Spanish and English, and are excellent at speaking slowly and clearly for early language learners.
Current needs:
Twin Oaks Branch | 1800 S. Fifth St.
- Thursdays - 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
American Sign Language Practice Program
American Sign Language Practice Program
The Austin Public Library offers various language learning programs, including an American Sign Language Practice program. Our program is a safe, nonjudgmental space where customers can come to work on their ASL skills with volunteers and other library customers. We are seeking kind, patient volunteers fluent in using American Sign Language to help co-facilitate this library program to our customers. We are requesting a weekly, six-month commitment in this volunteer role.
Current needs:
Twin Oaks Branch | 1800 S. Fifth St.
- Thursdays - 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Beginner Spanish Lessons
Beginner Spanish Lessons
The Austin Public Library periodically hosts weekly language learning classes based around a curriculum, typically for a three-month period. Right now we are seeking patient and kind Spanish speaking volunteers who can co-facilitate a Beginner Spanish Lessons class. Previous teaching experience is not a requirement but it is a plus.
Current needs:
Pleasant Hill Branch | 211 E. William Cannon Dr.
- Wednesdays - 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Storytime Assistant
Storytime Assistant
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 various types and age ranges of Storytimes continue to be a successful part of what we offer to the public for free. Volunteer duties include set up, customer service, assisting youth librarians, passing out supplemental materials, take down, and other duties as assigned. Please note that the actual Storytime reading/performing is done by the youth librarians. We do ask for a minimum of a six month commitment with this role. Again, there are several age ranges that our Storytimes serve.
Current needs:
Milwood Branch | 12500 Amherst Dr.
- Fridays - 9:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Twin Oaks Branch | 1800 S. 5th St.
- Tuesdays - 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. (volunteer pending)
Computer/Tech Assistance
Computer/Tech Assistance
At the Austin Public Library, we serve lots of customers in many ways, including offering free-to-use computers and similar tech. Often times our customers have questions about computers, computer usage, internet inquiries, and other basic asks that often times staff do not have the capacity, time, or knowledge to be able to answer. We are seeking volunteers who are moderately tech savvy and ready to provide our customers with this kind of computer/tech assistance. This is a great volunteer opportunity to perform while studying or reading in-between customer interactions. We request a three-month or six-month commitment in this role.
Current needs:
- Mondays or Tuesdays - 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Library Materials Circulation
Library Materials Circulation
Our circulation volunteers are weekly volunteers who 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 full book carts and to bend, stoop, stretch, and be on your feet for long periods of time with or without reasonable accommodations. The position is best suited for those who love to organize, are detail-oriented, and like to work independently. Shifts are two to four hours with a minimum three month commitment requested. Please note that this can be a physically demanding way to volunteer with us.
Current needs:
Twin Oaks Branch | 1800 S. 5th St.
- Saturdays - 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (volunteer pending)
Yarborough Branch | 2200 Hancock Dr.
- Tuesdays - 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (volunteer pending)
- Wednesdays - two hour morning shift (volunteer pending)
- Thursdays - two hour morning shift (volunteer pending)
- Fridays - any two hour shift during open hours (volunteer pending)
Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master for Tweens/Teens
Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master for Tweens/Teens
Our very popular Tween Dungeons & Dragons programs are co-facilitated by volunteer Dungeon Masters. Volunteers for this program assist with set-up and take down, customer service, explaining the rules of D&D, being a Dungeon Master, and other relevant tasks as needed. We are seeking experienced Dungeon Masters, with experience working with youth being a plus. This volunteer position is enjoyable and highly rewarding. We ask for a regular six month commitment with this position.
Current needs:
Little Walnut Creek Branch | 835 W. Rundberg Ln.
- 1st and 3rd Saturdays each month - 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Children's Room Greeter
Children's Room Greeter
The Children's Rooms at our library locations are the busiest places in all of APL, especially on the weekend. We are seeking highly motivated, go-getter volunteers to assist our Youth Services team to welcome visitors, answer questions, help customers seek youth materials, shelve library materials, and other tasks as they arise. This position requires previous experience working with youth. We ask for a three-month commitment with this volunteer opportunity.
Current needs:
Pleasant Hill Branch | 211 E. William Cannon Dr.
- Saturdays - 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. (volunteer pending)
Twin Oaks Branch | 1800 S. Fifth St.
- Saturdays - 9:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m. (volunteer pending)
Central Library Programs and Events Volunteer Pool
Central Library Programs and Events Volunteer Pool
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. We ask for a six month commitment in this role.
Current needs:
- Now accepting applications!
Austin History Center
Austin History Center
As the local history division of the Austin Public Library, the Austin History Center, located downtown (800 Guadalupe St.), provides the public with information about the history, current events, and activities of Austin and Travis County. We collect and preserve information about local governments, businesses, residents, institutions, and neighborhoods so that generations to come will have access to our history.
- No opportunities at this time.
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English as a Second Language (ESL) Class
English as a Second Language (ESL) Class
The Austin Public Library offers volunteer opportunities to help co-facilitate free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in-person or online. We are seeking volunteers who can assist staff in creating a welcoming environment where adult learners can practice American expressions, pronunciation, and everyday English.
Current needs:
- No opportunities at this time.
Crafty Adult Assistant
Crafty Adult Assistant
Some branches of the Austin Public Library host our Crafty Adult programming series for adults. This is a free arts and crafts program for ages 18+. We are seeking adult volunteers who can assist putting on this programming, including explaining the day's craft and steps, customer service, set up, take down, and other tasks. Volunteers must have experience crafting. This positions is a six month commitment request.
Current needs:
- No opportunities at this time.
Teen Volunteer Program
Teen Volunteer Program
Our Summer Youth Volunteer Program is full!
Applications Accepted During the Following Dates:
Fall (runs October - December) applications due between July 1-31
Spring (runs March - May) applications due between December 1-31
Summer (runs June - July) applications due between March 1-31
What does the Summer, Fall, and Spring Youth Volunteer Program look like?
Youth volunteers help staff in various duties around the library. Most youth volunteers traditionally assist the Youth Services librarians with circulation, programs, and/or program preparation. Duties may include:
- customer service
- program planning
- preparing programming materials
- program set-up and take down
- co-facilitating and assisting participants during programs
- re-shelving books
- running specialized clubs for teens
- light clean up
Volunteer duties and positions will vary depending on the session and the location. Applicants requesting a reasonable volunteer accommodation can request an Accommodation Request Form from the volunteer coordinator.
What are the program dates and time for Fall and Spring?
The program runs 10 weeks from either October - December (fall) or March - May (spring). Youth volunteers work a 2 hour shift, once per week and all positions are unpaid. Youth volunteers are traditionally placed during after school hours or on weekends. Additional placements may be available during weekday business hours (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) if it does not interfere with school. Individual schedules will be determined by library needs, supervisor availability, and the youth’s availability.
What are the program dates and time for Summer?
The summer program runs 8 weeks, June - July each summer. Youth volunteers work a 2-hour or 4-hour shift, once per week and all positions are unpaid. Individual schedules will be determined by supervisor availability, library needs, and the youth’s availability. Youth can be placed Monday through Sunday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, depending on the volunteer role.
What are the program locations?
Many APL locations--although not all locations--will host an APL Youth Volunteer. Possible reasons why some locations will not be included are: the location is not taking on youth volunteers for that season, location closures for renovations, or the location is working with another youth placement program.
In order to participate in this program, you must:
- Be 13 to 17 years old.
Those 17 years of age are also eligible for the Adult Volunteer Program. - Be no younger than 13 years of age and no older than 17 years of age by August 1 (fall), December 1 (spring), or May 1 (summer).
- Complete the online application when posted.
- Complete an additional Volunteer Accommodation Request Form if applicable. Request a form from APL.Volunteers@austintexas.gov.
- Be available for a potential interview with the Austin Public Library volunteer coordinator.
- Accept a placement offer. **Please note: Not all applications result in a placement offer.**
- Complete a successful background check. This will include fingerprinting (ages 15 and older) for applicants that have lived outside the state of Texas in the last seven years.
- Attend mandatory youth volunteer orientation.
- Commit to volunteering one 2 hour shift per week during the fall (October - December) or spring (March - May) program season. Commit to volunteering one 2-4 hour shift per week, during the summer program session (June - July).
- Commit to having no more than two absences during the program season.
How do I apply?
Applications will be posted at the top of this section of our website during the application window for each session. Complete the online application.
What happens after I apply?
The volunteer coordinator will review applications and try to find a placement for as many applicants as possible.
When will I know whether I am accepted?
We typically receive more youth volunteer applications than we are able to find placement for. Acceptance emails will be sent telling applicants whether they have been accepted into the program. Applicants will have three business days to respond. After three business days Volunteer Services may rescind the offer in order to fill the placement with another qualified applicant. Completing an application does not guarantee a placement
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please contact Volunteer Services Coordinator Paul Lopez at APL.Volunteers@austintexas.gov with any questions you may have.
Community Service & Educational Opportunities
Community Service & Educational Opportunities
Austin Public Library accepts volunteers looking to fulfill community service requirements, it's a lot of fun and highly rewarding! The volunteer approval process can take up to a month and you must meet the criteria listed below. In order to be considered for community service hours, applicants must:
1. Be willing to complete a minimum of 24 community service hours (adults) or 20 hours (youth) for a minimum of three months at a Library location that has a current volunteer need. Volunteers may not work more hours than is needed by their Library location in order to complete their service in less than three months.
2. Have a community service completion deadline that is at least 4 months in advance of your application submission.
3. Check out our current volunteer opportunities to see if there is a match for your skills and interests. APL does not have dedicated community service volunteer positions.
4. Go through the Adult Volunteer Application or Youth Volunteer Application process. Applicants will also need to sign a Volunteer Education and Community Service Acknowledgement Form during the orientation process, if selected to be a volunteer. Volunteer applications are only accepted for current volunteer opportunities. Submission of an application does not guarantee a volunteer placement.
5. Complete an interview, a successful criminal background investigation, and APL volunteer orientation prior to starting your volunteer position. This process will include fingerprinting for those who have lived outside the state within the last seven years and are 15 years or older. This process may take an additional 14 to 21 business days if fingerprinting is needed.
The Austin Public Library does not accept court ordered community service requests for the following offenses: felonies, violent crime (felony or misdemeanor), crimes against children (felony or misdemeanor), or theft (felony or misdemeanor). The City of Austin Human Resources Department will review all other offenses.
Information on other organizations that accept community service volunteers can be found here.
Please contact Volunteer Services Coordinator Paul Lopez at 512-974-7443 (or Relay Texas 711) or APL.Volunteers@austintexas.gov with any questions you may have.
Copy link to sectionGroup Volunteering
Group Volunteering
Austin Public Library does not offer one time-service projects for group volunteers.
Here are a few organizations we recommend that offer volunteer opportunities for groups:
Contact
Volunteer Services Coordinator
Paul Lopez at 512-974-7443 (Relay Texas 711) or APL.Volunteers@austintexas.gov to learn more.
