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 most schedules and interests, the Austin Public Library is a highly rewarding place to donate your time and skills.
Volunteer onboarding with the Library includes a background check, attending volunteer orientation, and a readiness for providing excellent customer service.
Central Library MLS/MLIS Interns - Adult or Teen Services
Central Library MLS/MLIS Interns - Adult or Teen Services link
Are you currently pursuing a Master's degree at an accredited library school? We take on interns at the Central Library!
The Central Library has an internship program for students currently pursuing a Master's degree that is accredited by the American Library Association, with a focus on 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 Adult Services | 701 W. Cesar Chavez St.
- Mondays or Wednesdays - 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Central Library Teen Central | 701 W. Cesar Chavez St.
- No opportunities at this time
Adult Volunteer Program
Adult Volunteer Program link
The Adult Volunteer Program is seeking motivated, highly flexible, diverse, customer service-ready volunteers who can't wait to be a part of the library experience. All library volunteer positions are customer service-oriented.
- 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 Form.
- 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 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 - Facility Moving Assistance
Austin History Center - Facility Moving Assistance link
The History Center is moving from their current location (810 Guadalupe St.) to the former Central Library building (800 Guadalupe St.) located next door. This means that all of the History Center's physical materials need to make the move, as well. This is going to be an all-hands on deck task for the History Center staff, but they could also use volunteer help! They are seeking volunteers to assist with moving the items to the new location. There are days to help out in March and April. You will be provided parking while volunteering. You must be an onboarded volunteer to be able to help out. Please submit an application if you're interested!
Current needs:
Opportunities to volunteer on the following dates: March 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 31 / April 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Volunteers Requested: A four hour shift during moving hours - Saturdays between 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Saturday dates are italicized above), all other days between 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
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!
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:
- Currently accepting applications!
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 may include crafts and/or activities, customer service, a positive attitude, and take down.
Current needs:
Twin Oaks Branch | 1800 S. 5th St.
- Wednesdays - 2:30 p.m.-4:30 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:
Milwood Branch | 12500 Amherst Dr.
- Thursdays - 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
- Fridays - 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Spicewood Springs Branch | 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd.
- Wednesdays - 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master for Tweens/Teens D&D
Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master for Tweens/Teens D&D link
We are going to be running a couple Dungeons & Dragons campaigns at one of our branches for tweens/teens. We would like help from an experienced D&D volunteer to run an additional campaign, along with our youth librarian. Must be familiar with both D&D and running a campaign.
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.
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:
Terrazas Branch | 1105 E. Cesar Chavez St.
- Mondays - 5:45 p.m.-7:45 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:
- No opportunities at this time.
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. Shifts are four hours long, with a minimum commitment of six months requested.
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:
Milwood Branch | 12500 Amherst Dr.
- Saturday afternoons
Teen Volunteer Program
Teen Volunteer Program link
SUMMER 2025 TEEN VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
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:
- program planning
- preparing programming materials
- program set-up and take down
- supervising 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 summer 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 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 link
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.
Group Volunteering
Group Volunteering link
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.
