Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the San Mateo County Libraries! Volunteers support and enhance the Library’s services to the diverse communities at each of our 13 locations. Please see below for descriptions of our current volunteer opportunities. If you have questions, please contact us.
Teen Volunteers
The Library welcomes teen volunteers age 14 and older for a minimum commitment of 6 months or 1 semester. A background check is required of teen volunteers age 16 and older. Background checks are done at no cost to the volunteer. Results are kept confidential and typically take 3-6 weeks. Background check results are required before volunteer service can begin. Teen volunteer opportunities vary by location.
Adult Volunteers
The Library has volunteer opportunities for adults age 18 and older with a minimum commitment of 6 months or 1 semester. To ensure our libraries are safe for all members of the community, the Library conducts a background check of all volunteers age 16 and older. Background checks are done at no cost to the volunteer. Results are kept confidential and typically take 3-6 weeks. Background check results are required before volunteer service can begin. Adult volunteer opportunities vary by location.
Opportunities for Teens and Adults
Adult Programming Volunteer
Be part of our exciting array of cultural, educational and recreational programs for adults. Join staff in facilitating programs that foster a culture of learning and connectedness among our community members. Get behind the scenes of library programs while assisting with music or poetry performances, cultural lectures and author talks. Our book clubs, wellness activities, gaming and craft activities provide the chance to engage with the community participants. Opportunities may include growing seed libraries and library gardens or developing and preparing for future library programs. Volunteers also help with creating a welcoming space by setting up and/or cleaning up programs.
Commitment is for an average of 6 hours a month, for at least 6 months.
Library Helper
We are looking for enthusiastic, friendly volunteers to help maintain our libraries as inviting and exciting spaces. Duties will involve pulling customer-requested materials, placing incoming materials on our pickup shelves, pulling expired materials from our pickup shelves, adding shiny and bright books to displays to catch the eye, weeding pre-selected materials from our collection, keeping our children's area and other spaces clean and organized to elicit fun for all that come through our libraries, replenishing supplies for our passive programs and activities and more!
Commitment is for an average of 6 hours a month, for at least 6 months.
Outreach Volunteer
Join library staff at festivals, school and community events and farmers markets. Be part of our enthusiastic, friendly outreach team, encouraging literacy with book giveaways, showcasing library services with our mobile 3D printers and button makers and fostering a love of stories by reading to preschool classes. Outreach volunteers can help transform lives beyond our library buildings by delivering library materials to homebound customers, providing meals to those in need and growing partnerships with schools and community organizations.
Commitment is for an average of 6 hours a month, for at least 6 months.
Youth & Family Programming Volunteer
Do you enjoy working with children and their families? Contribute your time and skills by helping create and facilitate enrichment experiences that will foster a love of discovery and learning. Experience and explore along with children and their families at craft programs and STEM activities. You may also inspire young learners while offering homework help or supporting story time. Volunteers help create a welcoming space by setting up and/or cleaning up programs.
Commitment is for an average of 6 hours a month, for at least 6 months.
Maker Volunteer
Do you love to tinker, craft or problem solve? We are looking for your help in supporting our communities to use library technology (ebooks, computers, etc.) and makerspace services (3D printing, sewing, virtual reality, etc.). Get hands-on in working with library customers to access the full array of library technology and crafting opportunities available to them at our libraries. No previous tech experience is required; training on makerspace technology will be provided.
Commitment is for an average of 6 hours a month, for at least 6 months.
Opportunities for Adults
English Conversation Club & ESL Book Club
Help members of our community practice English in a fun and safe environment. Come chat about interesting topics, bond with members of your community and lend your fluent English skills to help language learners improve their speaking and reading. We are now offering English Conversation Clubs in some branches and ESL Book Club online. Questions about this volunteer opportunity? Contact us!
Ready to support your local community?
Apply now!, opens a new window
Adult Literacy Tutor
Be part of changing an adult learner’s life! Volunteer to help an adult improve their reading and writing. No previous teaching experience or educational background is required. We provide all training and materials necessary to become a successful, high-impact volunteer. Learn more, opens a new window about this meaningful volunteer opportunity.
Commitment is for 2 hours per week for at least 6 months. Tutors meet with learners in a safe and caring online learning environment. Questions about this volunteer opportunity? Contact us!
Ready to make a big impact in your community?
Apply now!, opens a new window
Foundation for San Mateo County Libraries
Interested in supporting the Foundation as a board or committee volunteer? Learn more, opens a new window!
Friends of the Library
Interested in being a Friends of the Library volunteer and helping with the book sales or events? Look at our Friends page to learn more about these support organizations.
Please note:
- There may be a waiting period before an opening is available for a requested role, location and time.
- For applicants 16 and older, fingerprinting and background check results are required before volunteer service can begin
- Interested in a group event? Please contact us to coordinate.
- To apply to teach a class, lead an activity or provide other programming, please see the Program Idea Submission Form for more information and to submit a proposal.
- For all volunteer opportunities, we ask for a 6-month or 1-semester commitment at a minimum due to the required training.
