Volunteer Services

Each year, 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
Volunteer Services logo

Address

150 E San Fernando, San José, CA 95112

Volunteer Resources

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

Training Materials:

Log Your Hours – Login to enter your volunteer hours and update your information.

A young teen volunteer smiling.

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 FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about the volunteer experience at our library.
Volunteers cleaning the library and posing for a picture.

Volunteer Away Your Fines

Do you have library fines you want to clear? By volunteering, you can eliminate your library fines at a rate of $20 per hour. For all ages.
Teal and pink overlay on a mosaic of volunteers' faces. Text: Thank You, San José Public Library Volunteers.

Volunteer of the Year

Each library location and unit selects a volunteer for special recognition due to their dedication, commitment, and impact on the community.

Volunteer at the Library

Browse Current Opportunities

Summer Learning Ambassador

Volunteer this summer to help youth and families keep reading and support their literacy skills during summer break.
Student working with homework tutor.

Academic Assistance

Help local students reach academic success at the library though a variety of opportunities.
A tutor and learner practicing reading.

Adult Literacy & ESL

Share your reading, writing, and conversation skills with adults in San José. Free training and learning materials provided.
Group wearing 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.

Volunteer Stories

Meet our volunteers and the impact behind their service.

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Celebrate Women's History Month: Meet Sanvi

Women’s History Month is a time to honor the women whose stories, leadership, and creativity have shaped our world and SJPL!
Text: Celebrating Black History Month.

Appreciating our Volunteers during Black History Month

SJPL honors Black History Month as a reminder that every story deserves space. We celebrate the remarkable contributions of our volunteers.
Christmas gifts next to text that reads wrapped in service sjpl volunteer stories.

Wrapped in Service: SJPL Volunteer Stories

We want to shine a light on the incredible volunteers whose time and talents are invaluable gifts that strengthen and support our community.
Young boy shelving books at library.

Share Your Volunteer Experience

Share your meaningful volunteering moments at SJPL and the impact its made in your life or those you have helped.

Latest Blogs

Celebrate and become inspired.

Field of American flags at a sunset.

The Next Generation Salutes Our Veterans

San José Public Library's Volunteer Services Unit spoke with teen volunteers who are deeply passionate about honoring & remembering Veterans
A stack of books with text that reads National Friends of the Library Week.

Celebrating Friends of the Library Week!

Friends Groups support is crucial for maintaining library services and resources that benefit diverse populations.
Text that reads hispanic heritage month.

National Hispanic Heritage Month: Volunteer Spotlight

Let's celebrate the remarkable contributions of our volunteers who are part of the heart and soul of our community programs!
Six cartoon hands raised in a fist.

Volunteering with Pride: One Volunteer Story at a Time

Our Volunteer, Audrey, shows the importance of community involvement, inclusivity, and cultural awareness in diverse communities like ours!
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