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 Children's Room Greeter
Central Library Children's Room Greeter link
Want to make a difference in the busiest section of the Central Library? Do you have experience working with children? Come welcome families, help kids find books, answer basic questions, and help keep the Children's Room tidy. This is also a great job for buddies so grab a friend and apply together!
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:
Hampton Branch | 5125 Convict Hill Rd.
- Now accepting applications!
Howson Branch | 2500 Exposition Blvd.
- Mondays, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Menchaca Road Branch | 5500 Menchaca Rd.
- Tuesday mornings
Central Library Teen Room Alienware Assistance
Central Library Teen Room Alienware Assistance link
The Central Library's Teen Room has Alienware gaming PCs that need weekly updates. We are looking for tech-savvy volunteers that could help us with getting these computers updated each week. The computers are popular so we really need the help!
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:
- Mondays - 3:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Fridays - 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Sundays - 12:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
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. Duties include unloading heavy boxes, checking materials for damage, sorting materials by subject and value, and shelving. 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.
Chess Club Facilitator
Chess Club Facilitator link
We need chess lovers who want to help facilitate our Chess Clubs! Set up, take down, explanation of rules, match partners, game monitoring, and all things chess.
Current needs:
No opportunities at this time.
Board With Books Curator and Assistant
Board With Books Curator and Assistant link
Do you love playing board games? We need a volunteer to both curate our board game collection and assist with running our monthly Board With Books program. We have a wide range of modern and traditional board games that we want our customers to be able to enjoy fully.
Current needs:
Twin Oaks Library | 1800 S. 5th St.
- Last Saturdays of the month - 12:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m.
Tech Experts Assistance
Tech Experts Assistance link
These volunteers hold "office hours" for drop-in computer and technology assistance or lead programs to help demonstrate how to use technology. This position offers support to our library customers with questions ranging from people brand new to technology to those interested in learning about cutting edge technology.
Current needs:
Central Library | 710 W. Cesar Chavez St.
- 3D Printing Program Experts - program meet three times a month
ESL Talk Time the English language learning group
ESL Talk Time the English language learning group link
Talk Time is a program for English conversation practice with other English language learners and English speaking volunteers. Talk Time is not a formal English class, but rather a place for participants to fine-tune their English in a relaxed environment. Volunteers facilitate conversation to help and encourage participants to speak English in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.
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.
Toddler and Preschool Storytime Assistant
Toddler and Preschool Storytime Assistant link
This volunteer will help our Youth Librarian during Toddler and Preschool Storytime for children ages 18 months and up. Toddler and Preschool Storytime includes all sorts of fun activities to help kids develop reading skills, listening skills, and social skills.
Current needs:
Milwood Branch | 12500 Amherst Dr.
- Thursdays - 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Twin Oaks Branch | 1800 S. 5th St.
- Tuesdays - 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.