As branches are opening and settling into their new routines they will each determine when volunteers may safely return. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities for you or a group, please contact us or call the Library’s Support Programs & Volunteer Resources Office at 317-275-4046.
To see all of our current sign-ups, please click here.
Summer Reading Program Support: Teens (age 14-17) join the staff of The Learning Curve at Central Library to support the Summer Reading Program (crafts, robots, toddler time, collection support, and more!) Flexible scheduling available.
Naturalization Ceremony Support: Welcome the country’s newest citizens at Central Library as they complete the final step toward naturalization – the swearing-in ceremony. From June through December 2021 The Library, in collaboration with the US Citizenship and Immigration, will host two dates a month with five services (9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm). We’re seeking two volunteers to greet and direct guests each day from 8:30-11:15 am or 12:30-2:15 pm. To see the specific dates and sign-up click here.
Collection Support – primarily pulling books that patrons have placed on hold. 2-3 hours a week, usually in the morning.
College Avenue
Lawrence (Monday from 10 am to Noon)
Outreach
Pike Library
Warren Library
Do you love storytime and crafts with young readers? We’re searching for adult volunteers (age 18+) to support weekly storytimes once branches open for in-person programs in late summer/fall.
Lawrence- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 am to Noon
At this time the Library is slowly reintroducing in-person volunteers in our physical facilities. For our existing volunteers, please wait to hear from your branch volunteer coordinator or Volunteer Resources before returning to service. For those interested in volunteering with IndyPL, please contact us for details regarding your preferred branch and opportunities. All volunteers will be asked to review COVID-19 Volunteer Safety Precautions before their first shift. Thank you for your understanding.
Support Programs & Volunteer Resources will be your first point of contact while the Library is cautiously planning in light of the COVID 19 virus. We can share with you information about current volunteer opportunities and arrange for a volunteer interview.
Volunteer interviews are a casual conversation lasting a half hour to an hour. This time is used to meet the volunteer coordinator in the selected location, get to know each other, and to answer any questions about the opportunities available.
Volunteers will be asked to fill out a volunteer application and complete a background check release. Once the interview has been conducted and the paperwork completed, it can take a week to ten days to hear back from your volunteer coordinator.
We are focused on ensuring that a meaningful fit is achieved for the volunteer and library needs. We may mutually discover that a placement is not a good fit.
Volunteers age 14 and up may volunteer on their own. Some events or opportunities may require adult volunteers, age 18 or 21. Posted opportunities will designate the age requirement. A volunteer as young as age 6 can participate alongside a parent or guardian for Family volunteer activities.
On-going volunteers are asked to commit to at least one shift (2-4 hours) a week for at least six months. Short-term volunteers commit to less than 10 hours and usually complete this in two or three shifts.
Volunteers are placed and scheduled based on the needs of the Library. Scheduling will be discussed prior to and/or during the volunteer interview.
At times there are a few volunteer shifts that occur in the evening or weekend. Discuss your desire for these time-frames with Volunteer Resource or your branch volunteer coordinator. Off-site opportunities that can be completed on your own schedule at home or on-line may also be available.
At this time we are evaluating projects and activities for families and groups as they arise. Our space is limited and we are committed to providing an environment that follows social distancing guidelines for everyone involved: volunteers, patrons, public, and staff.
If you would like to be notified when we begin to routinly accept volunteer teams, please contact us.
Not at this time. We would suggest that you look for virtual opportunities that are able to track your service hours. Review our blog on Virtual Volunteering for suggestions and resources.
At this time these opportunities are on hold.
Training for specific roles is provided by the lead staff member.
No. The Indianapolis Public Library incurs the expense to interview, screen, and train volunteers. We provide the materials needed for group projects.
This opportunity is on hold at this time. Library Express volunteers deliver Library material approximately every 3 weeks to a patron who is homebound resulting in a 6-8 hour/month time commitment. The volunteer will frequently help with the material selection by getting to know their patron’s preferences and by working with Library staff. The volunteer interview, up to 90 minutes, is expanded to include training. Since volunteers will be providing their own transportation, proof of driver’s license and auto insurance is required at the time of the interview. We ask that Library Express volunteers commit to a minimum of one year of service.
See current volunteer opportunities here
Submit a request for more information
Virtual volunteering resources, “Volunteer Virtually – Any Time, Anywhere!”
Call Support Program & Volunteer Resources
Many companies in our community have a matching gift program. Sometimes that includes volunteer time. Check with your employer to find out if you qualify for an employer matching program. For additional information about matching gifts, please contact The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
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