Support the Library

Be a Volunteer

Make a difference in the lives of others. Volunteer at the Library

You can help people and improve our community by joining with the Memphis Public Library & Information
Center as a volunteer. Discover the rewards of giving your time and energy to an organization that enriches the lives of
people every day.

WHY VOLUNTEER AT THE LIBRARY?

• Use your unique talents–when you can, where you want to. Volunteer at any branch in town!
• Learn something new every day. There's always something going on at the Library!
• Help others and have a great time, too. Meet new people in a great community atmosphere!

Active Volunteers Also Enjoy These Extra Benefits:

• Check out library materials free*
• Annual Volunteer Recognition party
• Quarterly newsletter and special events

*after 3 months or 30 hours of volunteering service; late fees not included

HOW TO BECOME A LIBRARY VOLUNTEER

You can complete and submit our online application here  -- or if you prefer, pick up a volunteer application from any of our 21 locations, fill it out and return it. We'll contact you and put you to work as soon as the screening process is complete and your volunteer assignment is confirmed!

Note: You must be at least 14 years old during the school year to volunteer. Children 12 and older may volunteer during the Summer Reading Club. A one year commitment is requested of all volunteers.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Memphis Public Library

The Memphis Public Library & Information Center has a wide array of volunteer opportunities. Currently there are almost 500 volunteers who assist the Library in a wide variety of tasks. During this past year, volunteers were vital to the Library’s mission of satisfying the customers’ need to know.

Each current volunteer assignment is listed below with a brief summary of responsibilities and the time requested to fulfill the job. Each volunteer duty will have its own unique training program which is required to be successfully completed. During your orientation you will be given a job description.

Welcome Desk

Greets visitors at the Central Library, answers questions and provides directions for library customers, three hour weekly shift desired

Bookstore

Central Library; sales associate at Second Editions, assist customers finding books, shelve and arrange books, operate cash register, 3-4 hours per week desired

Computer Assistant

All locations; assists customers who are trying to use library computers with getting started, using library catalogue to locate items, learning how to print, setting up email accounts, perform basic word processing functions, and troubleshooting, 3-4 hour shift once per month minimum desired

Radio Reader

Central Library; read for WYPL FM 89.3 in either live broadcasting of The Commercial Appeal or booth recordings of magazines and newspapers, 2-4 hours per week desired

Book Talk Host

Central Library; interviews authors on upcoming books for either radio or television, develop questions based on mastery of subject, insight and interests, hours vary depending on tour schedules of authors

Genealogy Assistant

Central Library; assists customers with genealogical research or in use of microfilm machines

Memphis and Shelby County Room

Central Library; abstract primary source materials by doing summarizations, file historical materials, index materials according to established procedures, 2-3 hours per week desired

Office or Data Entry

Many locations; assist with office needs including, filing, copying, collating, mailings, or doing data entry, 2-3 hours per week desired

Branch Shelving Assistant

All branches; shelve books, magazines or newspapers, box donated books, or provide general assistance at the branches, 2-3 hours per weeks desired

Summer Reading

Many locations; assist with summer reading program and associated programs, intensive eight week summer program, 2 hours approximately 2-3 times each week for the duration of the summer program

Docent

Central Library; gives tours to school and adult groups from the community, usually docents also work at the Welcome Desk to become increasingly familiar with library services and programs which are helpful in giving tours, three hour weekly shift desired