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.
Teen Opportunities
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. Teen volunteer opportunities vary by location.
Adult Opportunities
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.
Specialized Volunteer Opportunities
Community Learning
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 Club, opens a new window and ESL Book Club, opens a new window online.
Questions about these virtual volunteer opportunities? Contact us, opens a new window!
Ready to be an English-language support star? Apply Now!
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 virtual 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.
Lawyers in the Library
Provide your legal expertise to people in need. Lawyers in the Library (LITL) is offered by San Mateo County Libraries in partnership with the San Mateo County Bar Association, opens a new window. LITL offers members of the community free, twenty-minute consultations with a volunteer lawyer. Volunteers must have a current license to practice law in California. Hours and locations vary, but a typical shift is two hours per month.
Apply now!, opens a new window
Youth Services Book Club
Support, empower, and encourage teens to connect through books during weekly book clubs. The book club is once or twice a week for 1.5-2.5 hours. Each book club lasts a month, the minimum commitment is 4 weeks. Book Club Leaders must be 21 years or older, get fingerprinted, and attend a two-hour orientation.
Want to learn more or get started? Contact us!
Details to keep in mind:
- There may be a waiting period before an opening is available for a requested role, location, and time.
- For applicants 16 and older, 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 Propose an Experience page for more information and to submit a proposal.
