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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 3/17/20 all library locations are closed until further notice.

You can serve your community remotely by completing a volunteer application for one of our virtual volunteer opportunities.

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

Green screen and lighting equipment for making videos.

Be a Videographer: Virtual Volunteer Library Service

Learn what volunteer opportunities are available at the library during the pandemic.

Ila Langner
10/21/2020 - 10:00 PM

National Friends of the Library Week photo collage

Celebrating our Friends of the Library

Friends of the Library groups are non-profits that fundraise to help support libraries by organizing book sales, hosting community programs, sponsoring events, advocating for the library, and more!

Robert Miranda
10/15/2020 - 10:00 AM

TeenHq librarians Leizel Jackson and Megan Maloy.

Pathfinders Leizel Jackson and Megan Maloy: Teen Mentors!

Teen HQ librarians Megan Maloy and Leizel Jackson provide valuable teen opportunities during the Summer of COVID-19.

Ila Langner
10/14/2020 - 10:00 PM

  More Blogs