DC Public Library offers flexible volunteer opportunities for adults, groups and teens ages 14 and older. Whether you're new in town, a longtime DC resident, group, student or library professional, we have plenty of opportunities to match your schedule and interests. To get started, follow these three simple steps:

1) Browse Current Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities are available at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, at neighborhood libraries and in system-wide programs. Because most ongoing volunteer opportunities involve regular contact
with children and youth, a free background check is required prior to beginning service at the library. Volunteer positions are available depending on a library or program's current needs. 

• View current volunteer openings.

2) Submit a Volunteer Application

Are you an adult, high school student, group or court-ordered individual? Where, when and for how long do you wish to volunteer? What skills, interests or hobbies would you bring to volunteering? Make sure to let us know in your application!  You can choose to complete an electronic application on your computer, or print a copy to complete by hand.

Here are the steps for downloading an application:

1) Select and click on a link below. A new window will automatically open in your browser
2) In the new window, click "download" in the top left-hand corner (do NOT hit "print" at this time)
3) Select "Microsoft Word (.doc)" from the options that appear
4) Enter "dclibraryvolunteer" for your username and "dcpl" for your password when prompted
5) Wait a moment for the dialog box to pop up, select "open" with "Microsoft Word (default) then click "ok"
6) For the quickest turnaround, complete an electronic application and return it to libraryvolunteers@dc.gov. 
You can also return your completed application to any neighborhood
library, or to the Information Desk at the Martin Luther King Jr.
Memorial Library.

• Adult Application (Electronic) / Adult Application (Print)
• High School Student Application (Electronic) / High School Student Application (Print)
• Group Application (Electronic) / Group Application (Print)
• Court-ordered Application (Electronic) / Court-ordered Application (Print)

3) Complete a Screening

If your application matches a current opportunity, we'll contact you to discuss your interests further, complete basic training and receive an orientation to the library and your volunteer work.