Volunteer
Thank you to our current volunteers, and we welcome new volunteers!
The Boulder Public Library involves volunteers as part of our team to provide excellent programs and services for our community. We appreciate the dedication and commitment of volunteers.
For Current Volunteers:
Thank you for all that you do! Feel free to connect with the Volunteer Services team to ask questions, explore new and different volunteer opportunities available within the library, and to share your ideas!
All library volunteer opportunities are listed on our new online platform, boulderlibrary.givepulse.com. Join our page to stay in the know about volunteering throughout the library and to sign up for opportunities!
Additional citywide volunteer information and resources can be found at Volunteer Opportunities | City of Boulder (bouldercolorado.gov).
New Volunteers:
Volunteers are an important part of the Boulder Public Library team. Every year, hundreds of volunteers contribute their time and talents to the library, gaining new skills and getting a behind-the-scenes view, while helping us provide services to the whole community.
Volunteers are involved in the library’s work in many ways including:
- Partnering with adults and kids to build literacy skills
- Capturing oral histories
- Bringing library materials to those who cannot get to the library
- Tidying up our library shelves
- Sorting donated materials and stocking our bookstore
- Helping with special events and programs
- Answering technology questions
- Teaching kids and adults the strategy through Go Club
- Providing administrative support to our departments
- Advising our library on and creating teen programs
How to Apply to Volunteer
Explore library programs and events that need volunteer support at boulderlibrary.givepulse.com.
Volunteer opportunities at the library are designed to meet real community needs and to be meaningful and fun for volunteers. Review the time commitment, knowledge, and skills required for volunteer opportunities that interest you, and apply or sign up accordingly. Try different one-time opportunities to see what you like, commit to an ongoing program to make a lasting impact, make friends, gain experience and practice new skills. Thank you for your interest in volunteering!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have openings for court-order community services volunteers?
Library volunteer programs and opportunities are designed to meet community needs. Volunteers who meet the requirements of current volunteer opportunities are encouraged to sign up if they are dedicated to the mission of the Boulder Public Library and serving their community. Explore library programs and events that need volunteer support at our GivePulse page.
Learn about other volunteer opportunities for community service with City of Boulder departments.
Do I have to have a set schedule?
Some assignments require a weekly three-to-six-month commitment; some have weekly or bimonthly commitments. Most of our volunteer positions require a regularly scheduled commitment (e.g., every Tuesday, 5 to 7 pm or every Friday, 8 to 10 am).
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
To volunteer without a parent present, volunteers must be at least 13 years old. We can occasionally work with younger volunteers if they have a parent or guardian who will volunteer alongside them. Most volunteer roles require a volunteer to be at least 16 or 18 years old.
Is there a minimum time commitment for volunteering?
It depends on the community needs that volunteers are meeting through a given project or program. Because of the training involved, many roles ask people to make a minimum commitment of 2 hours per week for at least 3 months. Please consider the requirements of unique volunteer opportunities and plan to fulfill them if you choose to sign up.
What if I only want to volunteer for a few weeks?
We have some short-term volunteer opportunities such as one day events that take place throughout the year.
The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks and the Parks and Recreation Department often have one-day volunteer opportunities.
Are there any opportunities for my work/school/church group to volunteer at the library?
We do not usually have group projects. If we do, we post them on our volunteer page. The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks and the Parks and Recreation Department often have group projects.
Who can I talk to if I have additional questions that are not answered on this page?
For questions not answered from the information above and by going to the links mentioned above, contact the Boulder Public Library at 303-441-3100 or [email protected].