Volunteer at the Library

Donate Your Time and Talents!

DC Public Library offers regular and periodic volunteer opportunities for ages 14 and up.  Whether you're new in town, a longtime DC resident, club, college student or library professional, we look forward to hearing from you!

Find Opportunities

Adults (ages 18 and up)

Library Helper (neighborhood libraries and Martin Luther King)
Assist with shelving, computer coaching, programs and more at a local library. 2-3 hrs/week for three months or more. Library Helpers are interviewed, admitted and trained quarterly on a seasonal basis. As a condition of volunteering, a free background check must be cleared prior to starting.

Adaptive Services Volunteer (Martin Luther King only)
Tutor blind, low-vision, deaf and disabled patrons at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. 2-3 hrs/week for three months or more. Volunteers are admitted and trained on a rolling basis. A free background check is required.

Computer Class Instructor (Martin Luther King only)
Teach computer classes at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Two classes per month commitment for six or more months. Volunteers are admitted and trained on a rolling basis.  A free background check is required.

Projects & Special Events (for groups or individuals)

Here’s a sneak peak of what’s coming up…

  • Summer Reading Kick-Off (May 2012)
  • DC Reads (October 2012 – November 2012)

Teens & High School Community Service (ages 14 - 19)

Youth202 (MLK Teen Space Only)
Youth202 is the voice of D.C.'s teens--created for youth, by youth. Learn radio production skills from the Radio Rootz crew, interview people in the community, and help keep other teens “in the know” about news, issues, events, programs, and anything else you think is important. Youth202 meets at the Martin Luther King Library's Teen Space. Get community service hours, get a stipend and join the movement! We are finalizing our dates for the Fall 2012 program, but you can apply online to be on the wait list.

Teen Library Helper (neighborhood libraries or Martin Luther King)
High school community service may be earned at a local library depending on project and supervisor ability.  You must be 14 or older, and can complete up to five service hours per week.  (We can't honor requests for lots of hours at the last minute, so please apply early!)  Sorry, court-ordered hours are not eligible for this role.  

To apply:

Before matching you to a project, staff may wish to interview you further about your skills and interests.

 

Contact Us

Can't find what you're looking for?  Call the volunteer program at 202-741-5803 or e-mail libraryvolunteers@dc.gov.