Some libraries have openings for volunteers to help with programs and services. Please contact your local library for more information.
There are also several opportunities to volunteer online. Check the How to Apply section for details.
Some libraries have openings for volunteers to help with programs and services. Please contact your local library for more information.
There are also several opportunities to volunteer online. Check the How to Apply section for details.
Help people in your community practice their conversational English skills! The goal of Talk Time is to generate conversation between English Language Learners. This is so learners can practice speaking from their current level of skill.
Duties
Your role as a volunteer will be as a facilitator, not a teacher. Teaching reading, writing or grammar is not required. Instead, you will plan and assist in discussion activities.
Qualifications
Time Commitment
2 hours, 1 day per week
How to Apply
Volunteers must complete:
Applications are reviewed on an as-needed basis.
Thank you for your interest in helping out at the library! Please go to our website for volunteers. There, you can find a list of the roles that are open now.
Provide academic support for students in grades K-12 during Study Zone hours. Study Zone programs include Tutors, Reading Buddies, and Math Club. We offer these programs online and in libraries.
You will need to go to a library for these shifts.
Role | Duties | Shift and Age Requirements |
Tutors |
|
|
Reading Buddies |
|
|
You must be a Washington State resident to volunteer at Study Zone.
Find age requirements for each volunteer role in the charts above. Age requirements are minimums. Adults are welcome to apply for any role except Math Club Instructors.
To volunteer online, you'll need to have your own equipment so that you can participate on Zoom. You must have a personal laptop or computer with reliable internet access.
We accept applications throughout the year.
Study Zone is closed during all major holidays and for the following breaks:
No. We're not offering volunteer opportunities at library Makerspaces at this time.
We require all volunteers to complete the following:
None of these forms ask for your social security number or documentation status. The Washington State Patrol background check and King County Library System Disclosure Form are confidential. Your volunteer supervisor will only share them with our Human Resources department.
Types of Opportunities |
Who to Contact |
Talk Time Classes for Practicing English | Contact staff at your local library |
Study Zone programs | Send an email to StudyZone@kcls.org |
Some volunteer opportunities are open to ages 18 and older only, while others are open to ages 14 and up. Read the How to Apply section for details about the option you're interested in.
Current volunteers should login to track your hours.
We receive more inquiries from applicants than we have volunteer tasks available. Most volunteers serve an average of just 5-7 hours per month. As a result, we may not be able to provide enough hours to those in need of fulfilling school or diversion program or community service requirements.
Volunteers may:
We honor all our current volunteers during National Volunteer Week in April. Volunteers may get small gifts and attend recognition events.
Eligible volunteers may ask for documentation of hours served. We limit letters of reference to a description of tasks performed.
A Teen Advisory Board is a group of teen volunteers who meet regularly with a librarian facilitator to offer input on library services and co-design library programs. Teen Advisory Boards help librarians create programs that meet the needs of youth in their community. These programs align with the library’s mission and goals. Contact your local library to learn more about recent events planned for and with teens.
Most Teen Advisory Boards are open to high school students. Some are open to middle school students as well. Contact your local library to learn what ages your Teen Advisory Board is open to.
By participating in a Teen Advisory Board, you will:
1. Learn 21st Century Skills, including creativity, collaboration, communication, leadership, and social skills
2. Understand the library’s mission and values and how the library works with the community
3. Become invested in your community to create positive change
Teen Advisory Board members practice group decision making while organizing and planning events.
Please see this list of upcoming Teen Advisory Board meetings. Each Teen Advisory Board determines its own meeting schedule. Contact the local librarian listed to find out more and to apply.
If your local library doesn’t have a Teen Advisory Board, you can contact your local Teen Services Librarian and ask them about setting one up.
Teen Advisory Board members who volunteer for at least 10 hours within 6 months may ask for a reference letter from their supervisor.
For job, college, or scholarship applications, your direct supervisor can:
We cannot recommend volunteers for specific jobs, colleges, or scholarships.
Volunteers may:
We honor all our current volunteers during National Volunteer Week in April. Volunteers may get small gifts and attend recognition events.
Eligible volunteers may ask for documentation of hours served. We limit letters of reference to a description of tasks performed.
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