Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to provide meaningful service to our community and to meet people from all walks of life.
Volunteer opportunities in 2023
The Library is currently assessing the post-pandemic needs of our patrons while working to increase staff capacity to support volunteer opportunities. We are offering the Adult Tutor, Homework Helper and a limited number of Library Support Volunteer roles at this time.
If you are interested in one of these volunteer roles, contact our Volunteer Services Coordinator at volunteer@spl.org.
Visit the following websites to learn about other volunteer opportunities that are available in Seattle.
How You Can Volunteer at the Library
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old for the following volunteer opportunities. Contact our Volunteer Services Coordinator or call 206-386-4664 to ask about volunteer openings and request an application.
Volunteer Roles
Adult Tutor
Volunteers in the Adult Education Tutoring Program provide tutoring for English language and adult basic education learners who are developing skills in conversational English, reading comprehension, writing and preparing for the U.S. Naturalization and GED tests. Volunteers are asked to tutor learners for at least six months. The program is currently offered at the Broadview Branch and will be offered at the Lake City and Rainier Beach Branches in the future.
Homework Helper
Volunteers support students with their homework assignments and with developing literacy, mathematics and social emotional learning skills during the school year. The Homework Help program primarily serves elementary school students but is available for students in grades K-12. We ask prospective volunteers to submit their application in the summer for the upcoming school year's Homework Help Program. However, we do accept applications throughout the school year as we continue to place volunteers.
Library Support Volunteer
A few Library branches offer opportunities for volunteers to assist librarians during weekday hours. The responsibilities of each volunteer will vary, depending on their interests, skills and availability. Examples of volunteer services include: place labels on books, clean and organize materials for community programs, and welcome families at Story Time events. We ask for a four-month commitment.
Volunteer: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if there are currently volunteer openings for adults?
You can send an email to volunteer@spl.org to ask about volunteer openings. Because of considerable interest in volunteering at the Library, we are unable to place all interested volunteers.
What is the time commitment for volunteering?
Many of our volunteer positions require a minimum commitment of three or six months. A typical shift is two hours once a week. If you are looking for a one-time volunteer opportunity, contact:
How do I complete court-mandated community service hours?
You cannot complete court-mandated hours at The Seattle Public Library, but you can fulfill this requirement at other local organizations, including:
- Seattle Parks and Recreation’s volunteer work parties
- Food Lifeline and local food banks
- United Way of King County
- VolunteerMatch
How can I volunteer with the Friends of The Seattle Public Library?
The Friends of The Seattle Public Library is a nonprofit group that supports fundraising and advocacy on behalf of the Library. They offer volunteer positions at their book sales and in the FriendShop at the Central Library. Find out how to get involved with the Friends.
Can my group work on a service project with the Library?
We do not offer service projects for groups of volunteers. The following organizations offer volunteer opportunities for groups:
Where can I earn service learning hours for high school graduation?
Teen Services Librarians offer Teen Service Learning programs for high school students to make a positive impact in their communities while earning service learning hours for school. Librarians look forward to offering service learning sometime in the 2023-2024 school year. Check the Teen Service Learning page, speak with the Teen Services Librarian at your local library or email us for more information during the school year.
Are student internships offered for college students?
Students who are enrolled in the MLIS program at the University of Washington are eligible to apply for a Directed Fieldwork Internship at The Seattle Public Library. Students of color are encouraged to apply. Contact your academic adviser for more information. Visit Student Internships to learn about the City of Seattle’s internships for students.