Come join in the fun! If you are interested in any of the volunteer opportunities listed below or are looking for a group volunteer project, please contact us or call the Library’s Support Programs & Volunteer Resources Office at 317-275-4046.
The Library is always on the lookout for outgoing volunteers to help greet and assist the public who attend special Library programs. Volunteers who assist with special programs are utilized on an “on call” basis depending on the need for volunteer assistance. Most special programs are held in the evening or on weekends.
Current opportunities:
Sunday, September 1
East 38th Street Branch Youth Art Exhibit and Tony Radford Celebration of Appreciation
Shift from 5:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Volunteers assist in a variety of ways including pulling materials from the shelves, maintaining special collections and/or periodical sections, and assisting with special projects or displays, to name a few. The volunteer time commitment can be as little as two (2) hours a week.
Current opportunities:
College Avenue
Flexible shifts
Haughville
Shifts on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday mornings
Locations with weekday shifts:
Central Library
East 38th Street
Garfield Park
West Indianapolis
Certain branches need volunteer assistance with programs, projects, and special events. The volunteer time commitment depends upon the activity.
Current opportunities:
Central Library Family Game Night
Shift on Mondays 4:45 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Central Library History Lover in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room
Shifts on Monday- Fridays during business hours
Central Library Multimedia Workshop in the Learning Curve
Shifts on Mondays- Saturdays 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Central Library Volunteer Resources administrative support
Flexible shifts Monday- Friday during business hours
Decatur Summer Reading Program support
Shifts on Monday - Saturday
East 38th Street Teen Advisory (Teen volunteers only)
As scheduled
East 38th Street Toddler Story Time
As scheduled
Garfield Park Minecraft Club Design and Host
Shift on the 4th Monday of the month 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Haughville Summer Reading Program support
Shifts on Monday - Saturday
Indianapolis Public Library Foundation Administrative Support
Experience needed. Flexible Shifts Monday- Friday during business hours
Pike Teen Advisory (Teen volunteers only)
As scheduled
Indy Library Store is looking for book sale volunteers! Volunteers donate their time, usually once a week, on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday morning, or Thursday afternoon to process and shelve books in preparation for public and online sales. The tasks involve lifting, standing, and walking throughout the store. Volunteers can choose to only work the actual sales, which occur five times a year.
Indy Library Store is located at 2450 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 in the Library Services Center.
Current opportunities:
Shifts on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday from 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Thursday from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sale Support during the 5 sales each year
Book Sale Schedule
Library branches engage volunteers to help our public computer patrons with basic computer tasks such as printing, saving information to a flash drive, creating an email account, and other general computer functions. (Adult volunteers only, please.)
Current opportunities:
Brightwood
Shifts on Monday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and
Friday from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Garfield Park
Shifts on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday afternoons and evenings
Haughville
Shifts on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons
Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Locations with flexible shifts:
East 38th Street
Irvington
West Indianapolis
We welcome volunteer groups to engage with the Library in a variety of ways, including sprucing up a branch, conducting a book/supply drive, preparing the Indy Library Store for the next sale, and during days of service. Contact us and let us know how we can help you design a project for your team.
Current opportunities:
Indy Library Store
Wayne Spruce up Indoors and Outside
Flexible dates available in Fall
Up to 20 volunteers
West Indianapolis Spruce up Indoors and Outside
Flexible dates available in Fall
6-8 volunteers
Central, Indianapolis Special Collections Room Preserving Community History
Up to 15 adult volunteers
Library Services Center Digital Transcription Blitz
Up to 10 adult volunteers
Library Services Center Shelving Holiday Collection
Up to 4 adult volunteers for 2 shifts
Can’t leave home or the office, but still want to help? Volunteers, age 14 and up, are asked to electronically transcribe, tag, and increase the overall value of the digital collections. This opportunity can be completed in your home, place of work, classroom, or in our computer lab (max 12 people). We’ll provide training. Check out the digital collections, then contact us when you’re ready to get started!
The Library Express Program utilizes volunteers to select and deliver Library materials for patrons who are homebound. The volunteer time commitment averages two to four (2 to 4) hours a month. Library Express volunteers are matched to one patron for whom the volunteer selects and delivers materials to the patron’s home. Volunteers provide this service with their personal vehicle and must successfully complete the volunteer screening process.
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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