Volunteers
How to Volunteer
Current Openings
Opportunities for Teens
Benefits of Volunteering
Hennepin County Library is very proud of its talented and diverse group of volunteers. With the guidance and support of Hennepin County Library staff, over 800 volunteers currently donate their time at all of the 41 libraries, extending the reach of the Library and getting the community involved in reaching library goals. If you are interested in becoming a Hennepin County Library volunteer follow these steps:
How to Volunteer
1. Check Out Current Opportunities
Volunteer openings are limited. Current and on-going openings are listed below and provide the criteria needed by volunteers: skills, dates, times and training. Most volunteer openings focus on helping with day-to-day library operation or working with children, teens, language-learners and seniors. Positions are also available for individuals with technology experience.
If there is a volunteer opening that matches your skills and needs, submit a volunteer application.
Volunteer openings are limited. Current and on-going openings are listed below and provide the criteria needed by volunteers: skills, dates, times and training. Most volunteer openings focus on helping with day-to-day library operation or working with children, teens, language-learners and seniors. Positions are also available for individuals with technology experience.
If there is a volunteer opening that matches your skills and needs, submit a volunteer application.
2. Complete a Volunteer Application
• Are you an adult who is looking for regular or short-term assigments?
Adult Online Volunteer Application Adult Volunteer Timeline
• Are you a teen who wants to volunteer for fun, school, church or scouting credit?
Teen Volunteer Application (download PDF)
• Do you need to fulfill a community service requirement for court, probation or a diversion program?
Community Service required by Court, Probation, Diversion Program Online Application
(for teens and adults)
• Have you been referred to the Be@School at your Library program from a community provider?
Click here to apply for Be@School at your Library
• Are you an adult who is looking for regular or short-term assigments?
Adult Online Volunteer Application Adult Volunteer Timeline
• Are you a teen who wants to volunteer for fun, school, church or scouting credit?
Teen Volunteer Application (download PDF)
• Do you need to fulfill a community service requirement for court, probation or a diversion program?
Community Service required by Court, Probation, Diversion Program Online Application
(for teens and adults)
• Have you been referred to the Be@School at your Library program from a community provider?
Click here to apply for Be@School at your Library
3. Register for a Volunteer Orientation
Adults who have applied or want more information before applying, need to register for a volunteer orientation. Teens, court-ordered community service volunteers, and Be @ School applicants are not required to attend an orientation session.
• View and register for an orientation session
• View and register for an Homework Hub orientation session
• View and register for a Franklin Learning Center orientation session
Adults who have applied or want more information before applying, need to register for a volunteer orientation. Teens, court-ordered community service volunteers, and Be @ School applicants are not required to attend an orientation session.
• View and register for an orientation session
• View and register for an Homework Hub orientation session
• View and register for a Franklin Learning Center orientation session
Meet Our Volunteers
Current Openings
Please call 612-543-8539 for information.
| Library Materials Volunteers |
| Assist staff in sorting, shelving, checking in materials, withdrawing and repairing books, CD's, magazines and newspapers. Volunteers needed most at Augsburg Park, Champlin, and Ridgedale Libraries. |
| Adopt-a-Shelf |
| Arrange and check books, CD's and periodicals on shelves to make sure they are in order. The position offers a flexible timeframe for individuals who are detail oriented, love to keep up with library materials and work independently. Varied locations. |
| Adult Basic Education (ABE) Assistants at Franklin Library |
| Assist ABE instructors in teaching basics of English, reading, and/or math to adults. Daytime and evening hours are available. Training is provided locally. |
| Adult Homework Help |
| Trained volunteer tutors help adult students with college homework assignments in any subject and preparation for the GED, occupational, citizenship and driver’s exams. Experience tutoring and interacting with people of diverse cultures is preferred. Training is provided. Locations: Minneapolis Central, Saturdays 10am-3pm; Sumner, Tuesdays & Thursdays 4-8pm. |
| At-Home Service |
| Volunteers assist library patrons who are no longer able to visit a library to choose, pick up or return materials. Volunteer chooses geographic area, attends training and completes criminal background check. |
| Computer Tutors |
| Assist customers with computer basics – typing with a mouse, signing up for e-mail accounts, navigating a website, using Word. Volunteers work one-to-one with customers at an assigned time in the library. Volunteers needed at Brookdale, Minneapolis Central, Pierre Bottineau, Nokomis, Northeast, Ridgedale, St. Louis Park and Westonka. |
| Conversation Circle Leader |
| Work with a group of adult ESL students (8-10 week session) who are eager to practice English conversation skills and get to know the services of their local library. Location Minneapolis Central Library. |
| Tour Docents at Minneapolis Central |
| Volunteer docents provide a significant service to library patrons and visitors in helping them discover the collections, educational resources, technology and architecture of the Minneapolis Central Library. Flexible schedule, training required. |
| Welcome Station at Minneapolis Central Library! |
| This is the first stop for visitors to discover the unique Minneapolis Central Library – volunteers will provide information on location of library services, scheduled events, and Central tours. Organize and distribute city information and maps. Subs are needed for 2-3 hour shifts M-Su. Training required. |
| Homework Hub Tutors |
| Work with youth after school on homework related projects. Volunteers work once a week for at least one semester & must have experience with K-12 youth. Training is provided. A criminal background check is required. Locations: – Augsburg Park, Brookdale, East Lake, Franklin, Hopkins, Hosmer, Northeast, Nokomis, North Regional and Sumner. |
| Project Volunteers |
| Volunteers are sometimes needed for one-time projects at Brookdale, Minneapolis Central Library, Southdale & Ridgedale Library. Weekend and evening hours are most common. Volunteers need to work well with people, provide directions and program-specific details to the public. |
Opportunities for Teens
Teen volunteers are needed to complete a variety of tasks, which may include: helping with programs, creating displays, working with books, working with technology, participating in a Teen Action Group (TAG)*, and more. Positions are available at multiple locations. Please check with your local library.If these opportunities do not meet your immediate needs, please check out the many volunteer resources available through Hennepin County and community organizations.
Benefits of Volunteering
Free Omnitheater Tickets!Library volunteers who have worked hours can receive up to two free tickets to the Science Museum’s Omnitheater and admission to the Science Museum.
Under the Sea
"Under the Sea" transports moviegoers to some of the most exotic and isolated undersea locations on Earth, including Southern Australia, New Guinea and others in the Indo-Pacific region, allowing them to experience face-to-face encounters with some of the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea. It offers a uniquely inspirational and entertaining way to explore the beauty and natural wonder of the oceans, as well as the impact of global climate change.
Narrated by Jim Carrey, "Under the Sea" is directed by Howard Hall and produced by Toni Myers. This Warner Bros. Film is being produced and distributed by IMAX Corporation.
Thursday, March 29: RSVP by March 20
Thursday, April 26 RSVP by April 17
Thursday, May 31; RSVP by May 22
Shows are at 6 PM; pick up tickets by 5:45 PM
Please call 612-543-8636 for reservations.
Receive verification of your volunteer work and letters of recommendation for school or resumes.
Support one of the top library systems in the nation.
