Interested in volunteer openings at the Library? Please call the Volunteer Services Infoline at 206-386-4664. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old for the following positions.
Book Group Volunteers
Volunteers help an adult services librarian coordinate a book group at a Library branch. The volunteer helps select books, research authors, develop discussion questions and lead a book discussion each month. The volunteer must be comfortable leading a group of five to 20 people.
Computers for English Tutors
The Computers for English Program provides computers equipped with software programs to help Library patrons learn English. Patrons can practice English language skills, typing, and prepare for the citizenship test. Volunteers teach patrons how to use the software programs at the Central Library and the Beacon Hill Branch. Tutors must be bilingual in English and in one of the following languages: Cantonese, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, Somali, Spanish or Vietnamese.
Talk Time Volunteers
The Talk Time program gives immigrants and refugees the chance to practice conversational English. Volunteers work as a team to plan and lead small group discussions on a variety of topics. Talk Time sessions take place at the Central Library, and the Beacon Hill, Lake City and Rainier Beach branches. Volunteers must commit an average of three hours per week for nine months. The Library's ESL Services staff trains new volunteers throughout the year.
Wired for Learning Computer Instructors
Volunteers teach basic computer skills to adults with limited English or reading skills, including how to navigate a Windows operating system and create a Web-based e-mail account. Volunteers need to be patient, flexible and supportive while helping people with no computer experience. They teach classes at the Central Library and NewHolly Branch. Volunteers must commit an average of two hours per week for nine months. The Library's ESL Services staff trains new volunteers throughout the year.
Homework Helpers
During the school year, volunteers help children and teens with homework at the Beacon Hill, Broadview, Columbia, Delridge, Douglass-Truth, International District/Chinatown, Lake City, NewHolly, Rainier Beach and South Park branches. Volunteers often help students who have recently moved to the United States and are learning English. We especially need volunteers who have expertise tutoring mathematics and English. Volunteers must commit two hours per week (late afternoons or evenings), September through June. Teen Services librarians train new volunteers in September and as needed during the school year.
Simple Mending Volunteers
Volunteers help Library staff keep the collection clean and attractive. They wash or replace book jackets, tape torn pages, replace spine labels, and repair minor spine damage. Volunteers are assigned to the Central Library or a branch for a minimum of four months.
Special Event Volunteers
Volunteers act as greeters and ushers at programs sponsored by the Library and the Washington Center for the Book, including the Living History/Literature Series and author readings. Volunteers also help host opening celebrations at new and remodeled branches.
Welcome Desk Volunteers at the Central Library
Welcome Desk volunteers introduce new patrons and visitors to Library services, events and facilities and provide information about downtown Seattle. Desired qualifications include familiarity with the Library and downtown area, active listening skills, flexibility and an ability to interact with people from all walks of life. Orientation sessions for new volunteers are scheduled once a month.
Washington Center for the Book Volunteers
Volunteers pack books for more than 100 book groups affiliated with the Washington Center for the Book. They pack the books in plastic boxes and deliver them to the Central Library's mailroom on the last Wednesday of each month.
Friends of The Seattle Public Library
The Friends of The Seattle Public Library is a community-based nonprofit group whose activities support special programs, fundraising and advocacy on behalf of the Library. The FriendShop at the Central Library is an innovative retail space that features an exciting array of books, jewelry, gifts, and stationery.
The Friends seeks volunteers who enjoy working with people and have retail or customer service experience. The minimum volunteer commitment is a four-hour shift per week for six months. Volunteers also are needed at the Friends' semi-annual book sales, which are held each April and September. For more information about volunteering for the Friends, please see www.splfriends.org.
These Web sites provide information about other volunteer opportunities in the Seattle area:
Download a Volunteer Application for Adults 
Back to Volunteer Services
