If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities for you or a group, please contact us or call the Library’s Volunteer Resources Office at 317-275-4046.
Naturalization Ceremony Support
Welcome the country’s newest citizens at Central Library as they complete the final step toward naturalization – the swearing-in ceremony. The Library, in collaboration with US Citizenship and Immigration, will host several monthly services. We’re seeking up to 6 volunteers to greet and direct guests a few Wednesday mornings each month. To see the specific dates, times, and sign-up click here.
Seed Library Support – Seed Packaging
The Indianapolis Public Library offers free garden seeds through the Seed Library Program. This program targets food deserts in our community where there is a shortage/lack of fresh produce. To save costs we order the seeds in bulk. We are looking for an energetic and organized group (or individuals) to help count and package the seeds, then prepare the packets for delivery to the library branches. See the current schedule, locations, and sign-up. If you’d like to arrange a group project for 12-20 volunteers please contact volunteer@indypl.org to make arrangements. Project completion is due by mid-March.
Calling Master Gardeners and garden enthusiasts
Several branches have requested Seed Library Support: Lawrence, Martindale-Brightwood, and East 38th Street. This involves a weekly check of the inventory, requesting additional varieties, and keeping the collection tidy. There is a series of workshops and classes surrounding gardening. Come support the staff during these programs by helping with registration, taking attendance, setup/cleanup, and providing assistance to participants as needed. There may even be an opportunity to present on gardening topics. Finally, the Martindale-Brightwood branch is starting a new outdoor garden space. They are looking for an experienced gardener to help with the planning, preparation, planting, and care. Interested? Drop volunteer@indypl.org a note and we’ll connect you with the right person at the branch.
Summer Reading Program – Craft Kit Creation
Camp Read S’more will focus on Space in 2023. We need to create craft kits for kiddos. One of the main components will be cut out shapes of planets. We have fancy die-cut machines that make this fast and easy. (Ellison Machines – Here’s a video to give you an idea of what this machine looks like in use.) We’ll need up to 48,000 individual pieces! We have 3 machines. Teams of 2 or 3 per machine work well – someone to cut, then count, then package. A group of 6 (maximum of 9) would be perfect. This project would take place at Central Library, Monday – Friday from 9 to closing time for a 3 hour shift. If you or your team would like to schedule this project, please contact volunteer@indypl.org. Craft kits must be completed by 4/14/23 for distribution to the branches.
Youth Programs and Activities
Do you love seeing young readers get excited during storytime and crafts? How about a challenging game of chess or a lively Uno match with a teen? If the answer is “yes” then we need your help for a few hours a week. Help staff prepare activities, take attendance, setup/cleanup, and help youth sing, dance, and play (and even their parents). Adult volunteer (age 18+).
Collection Support
Primarily pulling books that patrons have placed on hold. 2-3 hours a week, usually in the morning.
Behind the Scenes - Program Development
Have you ever wondered how the amazing (and free) programs offered in the library are created? Author lectures, Summer Reading Program, Yoga in the Garden, the Concert Series, and many more are the responsibility of our Program Development team. Help this creative and dynamic team with day-to-day activities and get an insider view of how it comes together. This weekly opportunity is for teens (age 16+) or adults for 3-4 hours during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Some activities require lifting (20 lbs. max).
Administrative Support – Social Work
The Indianapolis Public Library has concern for all visitors to our branches. Therefore, a social worker (MSW) was added to our staff in 2021. The Library Social Worker is creating a team of staff and community members to provide patrons a connection to community services and resources, offer staff mental health training, and support patrons and staff alike with conflict resolution. Come be part of the team with your organizational and clerical skills! One day a week, 3-4 hours during open hours at Central Library.
Administrative Support – Volunteer & Internship Engagement
We understand the value of connecting our community members to meaningful volunteer opportunities that lead to fulfilling our mission to promote lifelong learning. As the restrictions for COVID are being lifted we’re seeing more interest in volunteering. That’s great! However, our small but mighty, team needs help to provide quality customer service. Are you interested in learning about volunteer coordination? Or would you like to sort out paper files and convert them to digital ones? How about party planning? We have a wide range of projects to keep you on your toes. One day a week, 3-4 hours during open hours at the Library Services Center.
Public Computer Support/Computer Training
Lend a helping hand to your fellow patrons using the public computers. Guide them through printing, faxing, creating an email account, searching the Internet, and basic computer skills. Do you have a knack for teaching technology? Team up with staff members to deliver and support classroom training. Let us know if you’re interested by completing the for more information form.
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. Volunteers will need reliable transportation to make deliveries to the patron's home. If they are using their vehicle, proof of driver's license and auto insurance will be required at the time of the interview. We ask that Library Express volunteers commit to a minimum of one year of service. To learn more about this volunteer opportunity, please contact the Volunteer Resources office at 317-275-4046 or volunteer@indypl.org.
Can you help us identify Indy Parks history?
Last year, the Digital Indy archive team preserved and digitized thousands of Indy Parks and Recreation materials spanning over 100 years. We have over 1,500 photos that we still need help identifying. Can you or someone you know help us archive Indy's history by recognizing people, places, and events? Help identify photos here.
Contact Volunteer Resources or the volunteer coordinator at your branch to begin. 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.
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.
Yes! If you would like to schedule an activity or be notified when we have opportunities for families or groups, please contact us.
Yes! Many of our branches are able to accept volunteers who need as few as 4 service hours. Contact us for details.
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.
Library Express volunteers deliver Library material approximately every 3 weeks to a patron who is homebound resulting in a 3-5 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. Volunteers will need reliable transportation to make deliveries to patron's homes. If they are using their own vehicle, proof of driver's license and auto insurance will be 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 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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