Volunteer

Our volunteers are a diverse and active group of individuals who perform a variety of tasks that support library staff in providing excellent library services. Volunteer opportunities are available at most Library District locations.

In-person volunteering has resumed. You may submit References and either an Adult Volunteer Interest Form or a Youth Volunteer Interest Form. The Volunteer Program Office will contact you with more information once the application has been processed.

We currently cannot accept applications for those who need community service hours for court purposes.

Why volunteer at the library?

 

The library is an important community service - an information and lifelong learning resource open to everyone! Here are some of the ways the library - and you as a Library Volunteer - make a difference:

• Americans ask their libraries more than 200 million reference questions each year.
• Libraries save business leaders, scientists and engineers an estimated $10 billion a year in information resources.
• Public Libraries are the most efficient of public services - serving 66% of Americans with less than 1% of our tax dollars.

Provided by the American Library Association

 

What do volunteers do?

 

Our volunteers do a number of different tasks throughout the library, including: 

• Check in and reshelve library materials
• Process materials for checkout
• Book repair
• Program and special event assistance
• Special projects
• Clerical assistance
• Literacy and language tutoring

 

Who can volunteer?

 

• Anyone who is 12 years old and older.
• Individuals who are reliable and able to stick to sometimes unexciting - but vital - tasks.
• People who can commit to volunteering 2-4 hours a week (maximum is 20 hours/ week) for a 3-6 month period depending on the tasks.

 

How can I volunteer?

In-person volunteering has resumed.

You will need to fill out either an Adult Volunteer Interest Form or a Youth Volunteer Interest Form online. Applicants will also need to have Reference forms filled out by two individuals who are not related to the applicant. All adults interested in volunteering will have to undergo a background screening. The Volunteer Program office will provide additional information regarding the background screening process.

For more specific information, contact your local branch library or:

Volunteer Program Specialist
Alachua County Library District Headquarters
401 E University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 334-3943 (voice)
VolunteerServices@aclib.us (email)

Additional volunteer opportunities are available through our Friends of the Library.