Want to make new friends? Volunteer at Memphis Public Libraries! There’s something for everyone, regardless of your age or interests. We need YOU to volunteer 2-3 hours a week!
College-bound students can build their resumes through needed volunteer hours, while adults and seniors can help others, support Libraries and make new friends!
(Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older.)
Click here to find a volunteer opportunity. (We’ll contact you and put you to work as soon as the screening process is complete and your volunteer assignment is confirmed!)
Volunteer positions include:
Sorting Room
If you love books, you will be in seventh heaven volunteering in the sorting room. If you support Friends, a big reason for its success will be because you volunteer in the sorting room. If you love Cheetos (or any other snack) and coffee breaks, and if you enjoy the company of like-minded folks, we would love for you to join us in the sorting room. Sorters are responsible for organizing, categorizing, and separating donated books for sale on Friends’ Amazon site, in Friends’ Second Editions bookstore, and at Friends’ semi-annual book sales. Sorters stay active by bending, handling lots of books, lifting boxes of books (at least 25 lbs.), and walking, walking, walking. If you have allergies, know that sorting room volunteers must handle donated books that we suspect have been in attics, basements, and unknown places. We are looking for volunteers with a broad knowledge of books who want to stick around for a long time. Also, our on-the-job training is free. If this sounds labor intensive and dusty, just know you couldn’t be volunteering your time with a better group of Friends!
Second Editions Bookstore
Central Library; sales associate at Second Editions, assist customers finding books, shelve and arrange books, operate cash register, 3-4 hours per week desired
Computer Assistant
All locations; assists customers who are trying to use library computers with getting started, using library catalogue to locate items, learning how to print, setting up email accounts, perform basic word processing functions, and troubleshooting, 3-4 hour shift once per month minimum desired
Radio Reader
Central Library; read for WYPL FM 89.3 in either live broadcasting of The Commercial Appeal or booth recordings of magazines and newspapers, 2-4 hours per week desired CLOUD901 (Teen Learning Lab)
Central Library; assist with training, mentoring, or facilitating youth in Cloud 901. Must have skills to use various forms of technology & equipment, along with the ability to work with youth.
Genealogy Assistant
Central Library; assists customers with genealogical research or in use of microfilm machines
Memphis and Shelby County Room
Central Library; abstract primary source materials by doing summarizing, file historical materials, index materials according to established procedures, 2-3 hours per week desired
Office or Data Entry
Many locations; assist with office needs including, filing, copying, collating, mailings, or doing data entry, 2-3 hours per week desired
Branch Shelving Assistant
All branches; shelve books, magazines or newspapers, box donated books, or provide general assistance at the branches, 2-3 hours per weeks desired
Summer Reading
Many locations; assist with summer reading program and associated programs, intensive eight week summer program, 2 hours approximately 2-3 times each week for the duration of the summer program
Docent
Central Library; gives tours to school and adult groups from the community, usually docents also work at the Welcome Desk to become increasingly familiar with library services and programs which are helpful in giving tours, three hour weekly shift desired.