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Volunteer Services

Family cleaning toys during volunteer event. Volunteer Services logo


Each year, more than 3,000 community members donate their time, skills and talents to strengthen the services provided by San José Public Library.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering at your local library is a great way to:

  • Use your talents
  • Provide valuable service to the community
  • Share your skills
  • Meet great people
  • Reduce your fines through service

Address

150 E. San Fernando St., San José, CA 95112

Jason Pell
Jason Pell
Volunteer Services Analyst
jason.pell@sjlibrary.org

Contact

1-408-808-2181


 

Volunteer Resources

Here are some guidelines and policies helpful for our volunteers:

Volunteer Handbook (PDF) – Guidelines, information, and benefits of volunteering for the library.

Video Tutorials – How to log hours | Using MyVolunteerPage.com

Log Your Hours – Login to enter your volunteer hours and update your information. (myvolunteerpage.com)

Please Note

Effective 12/21/20: New volunteer fingerprinting is paused until further notice.

You can still serve your community remotely by applying to one of the virtual volunteer opportunities that does not require a fingerprint background check.

Two smiling volunteers next to new book display.

How to Become a Library Volunteer

Details on the process of becoming a library volunteer.

Laughing volunteer working with library materials on a cart.

Volunteer FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the volunteer experience at our library.

Silhouettes of seven people holding hands.

Volunteer of the Year

Every year, each of our library locations and units selects a Volunteer of the Year for special recognition due to their dedication, commitment, and impact on the community.

Featured Virtual Opportunities

Popcorn resting on open laptop

Virtual Film Club Leader

Are you a film buff looking for a fun way to connect with your community?

Children excitedly gather around a laptop during a Coding5k class as an adult looks on.

Coding5K Program Leader

Help enhance STEAM programming for students in San José.

Library Friends wear matching shirts and hold up an SJPL sign at a book sale event

Friends of the Library

Join a wonderful team of community organizers that support library programs.

Teens working together

SJ Engage for Teens

Help make a difference in your community while unlocking real-world opportunities

Teenage girl using a laptop

Teen Book Reviewer

Gain volunteer service hours by writing book reviews.

Teen writing in her notepad

Teen Writer for Short Éditions

Build our collection of short stories written by teen writers.

  More Opportunities

Latest Blogs

Virtual Tech Mentors

Highlighting an Extraordinary Group of Volunteers

Meet the crew of Tuesday afternoon's Virtual Tech Help. This group was one of the first teams to share their knowledge on a virtual platform through SJPL. Every Tuesday at 1 PM

Robert Miranda
05/31/2021 - 10:00 AM

Photo of Lena

Volunteer Spotlight - Lena

Lena has volunteered over 288 hours since 2017 and is a huge asset to Vineland Branch! She’s an efficient, accurate shelver, also assisting with merchandising and tidying the children’s area.

Robert Miranda
05/24/2021 - 10:00 AM

Your community represented through volunteerism

The 2021 Volunteers of the Year

The San José Public Library appreciates the tremendous contributions and efforts made by all our volunteers. Every year, each of our library locations and units selects an individual volunteer they…

Robert Miranda
04/19/2021 - 10:00 AM

  More Blogs