CONNECT with the CityVolunteering at the Library
Pacific Beach/Taylor Library volunteers at an annual appreciation tea party.
Teen Team Program Assistants supporting a Carmel Valley Halloween program.-
The Carmel Valley Teen Team smiles for a group photo in the community room.
San Diego Public Library has a long history of working closely with dedicated volunteers of all ages, backgrounds, skill sets and phases of life. Library Volunteers assist staff with services and programs to enrich the communities of San Diego.
Quick links:
How to Apply
View Library Volunteer Opportunities
- Select desired library opportunity in the link above.
- View Details by clicking the information icon.
- Click “Fill in an Application”
- Log into MyImpact (returning user) or Create a New Account (new user)
- Fill out the application and submit.
If your preferred location does not have an opportunity listed, email LibraryVolunteer@sandiego.gov and we will forward your email to the Volunteer Supervisor to inform them of your interest.
MyImpact accounts are used for trainings, logging volunteer hours and signing up for additional activities.
Library Volunteer Opportunities
- Homework Coach
Assist K-12 students with their homework.
- Language Coach
Host a group of adults learning another language such as English, Spanish or American Sign Language.
- STEAM Coach
Assist library users with technology, projects and provide instruction on science, technology, engineering, math and arts. One may find these volunteers in IDEA Labs, seed libraries and leading/assisting STEAM clubs throughout SDPL.
- Beautification
These volunteers make the library look great. Volunteers straighten books and help keep the public spaces neat and orderly. Some even water plants and keep the greenery thriving with their skills.
- Art Ambassador
Teach or assist with specialized instruction in the arts and help shape art and culture at SDPL. These volunteers often give specialized instruction in topics such as watercolor painting, art history, fabric arts and various other media.
- Book Club Leader
Share your love of reading with others by leading a book club. Prepare questions, facilitate the club and choose the book with guidance from the Librarian.
- Game Leader
Lead group gaming activities such as chess, LEGO, mahjong, etc.
- Music Ambassador
Teach others to play musical instruments, introduce music appreciation or direct a musical group.
- Storyteller
Provide imaginative and exciting storytelling to children and their families.
- Teen Team Program Assistant
Make a difference in the community and join the Teen Team. Members assist library staff planning and leading programs, support teen outreach at community events and collaborate with staff on special projects.
Teenage volunteers only
- Arts & Crafts Volunteer
Assist staff with running arts and crafts programs for all ages.
- Art Program Assistant
Assists Art Ambassadors or library staff with arts-related programming.
- Film series Volunteer
Helps prepare film screening programs by setting up and playing movies.
- Game Program Assistant
Assists Game Leaders or library staff with group gaming activities.
- Library Program/Outreach Volunteer Assistant
Join library staff at a San Diego event (fairs, farmer’s markets, etc.) to assist in outreach efforts. May help with Odi the Coyote mascot appearances as Odi or as a handler. Mascot training provided
- Summer Reading Program Ambassador
Encourage children, teens and adults to read and stay active all summer long by promoting the Summer Reading Program.
- Teen Team Program Assistant
Make a difference in your library and community. Assist library staff planning and leading programs, support teen outreach at community events and collaborate with staff on special projects.
Teenage volunteers only
- Book Mender
Tend to books with minor repairs such as small tears, torn covers, loose pages, tightening hinges and more. Volunteers may also clean books as needed.
- Items Request
Explore the stacks while retrieving books and other items placed on hold by library patrons. These materials are then brought to staff for processing.
Volunteer Requirements
Odi the Coyote makes a visit to the KUSI news station.
Game leader volunteers for the Allied Gardens/Benjamin Library Lego Club show off their appreciation stickers.
Central Library genealogy volunteers like Mary Ann are ready to share their know-how!
A young boy at Rancho Bernardo plays chess against a volunteer.
As an item request volunteer, Kaley pulls requested items from the stacks for SDPL staff.
Item request volunteers are often spotted in the stacks with a book cart and holds lists.
Volunteers must be at least 13 years old and complete the following:
- Annual Volunteer Training
- Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
Volunteers serving over 6 months - Mandated Reporter Training
Regular volunteers 18 and older who serve with minors - Background check with City Personnel
Volunteers 18 and older who serve with minors, the elderly or people with disabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
- The minimum age for volunteers is 13, but some opportunities may have different age requirements.
What if my branch doesn’t have an open opportunity listed on the website?
The San Diego Public Library has 37 locations. Not all locations will have active opportunities listed. If you do not see your local library, email your interests and preferred locations to: libraryvolunteer@sandiego.gov.
Library staff will forward your email to the appropriate volunteer supervisor at that Location.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Discover other volunteer opportunities with the City of San Diego:
Join the Friends of the San Diego Public Library
Volunteer for the City of San Diego