Volunteer at the Library!

The San Diego Public Library's robust Volunteer Program connects giving people to a great cause. The Library's dedicated volunteers are an integral part of the library's operations. They help the Library leverage limited resources and fulfill its mission to inspire lifelong learning through connections to knowledge and each other.

• About the Library Volunteer Program
• Volunteer Statistics and Monetary Value to the City
• Volunteer Opportunities

About the Library's Volunteer Program

The San Diego Public Library has a rich history of working closely with volunteers. Dedicated volunteers from all ages, races, skill sets, and phases of life assist library staff to extend the services and programs the Library can offer to the public. We welcome volunteers who are eager to help make a real difference in their community!

• In Central Library and 35 branch libraries, volunteers play vital roles in assisting library staff with such functions as computer lab assistants, storytime readers, docents, book shelvers, homework helpers, arts and crafts instructors, library gifts processors, display coordinators, book detailers, Summer Reading Program Ambassadors, cultural programming assistants, and more.
  See current Central and Branch Library volunteer opportunities.
• READ San Diego Adult Literacy Program, which serves as a model for the country, is transforming the lives of adult learners by giving them the skills and love of reading that will serve them for a lifetime. Volunteer literary tutors assist adult learners with how to read and write. Volunteers also support the literacy program as family literacy assistants, office assistants, assessment counselors, lab assistants and special event helpers. Find out more about the READ/San Diego Adult Literacy Program and how your volunteerism can help change lives!

Volunteer Statistics and Monetary Value to the City

	2007		2008		2009		2010**
	Volunteers	Hours	Volunteers	Hours	Volunteers	Hours	Volunteers	Hours
Total	2,493	117,889	2,591	121,278	2,946	127,895	2,782	156,793
Value to City	*Rate: $18.77	$2,212,777	*Rate: $19.51	$2,366,134	*Rate: $20.25	$2,589,874	*Rate: $20.85	$3,369,134

*Rate based on the rate set by Independent Sector research.
**Midyear budget cuts reduced hours beginning March 2010.