Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to provide meaningful service to our community and to meet people from all walks of life.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Homework Helper
Make a difference in your community as a volunteer Homework Helper for the 2024-25 school year. You'll support K-12 students with their homework assignments, play learning games, and develop literacy, math and learning skills.
Volunteer shifts at many locations have been filled. We will contact applicants throughout the school year as additional openings become available. We are still looking for volunteers at the Rainier Beach Branch on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4pm - 6pm.
Adult Tutor
As a volunteer Adult Tutor, you'll help ESOL and adult basic education learners develop skills in conversational English, reading comprehension, writing and basic math, and prepare for GED and U.S. Naturalization tests. Tutors work with learners individually and in small groups.
Volunteers must be 18 or older and are asked to commit to one shift per week or every other week for at least six months. Applicants may be contacted as openings become available.
Volunteer: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if there are currently volunteer openings for adults?
Available opportunities are listed on this page. Because of considerable interest in volunteering at the Library, we are unable to place all interested volunteers.
Visit the following websites to learn about other volunteer opportunities that are available in the community.
What is the time commitment for volunteering?
Adult Tutors and Homework Helpers typically volunteer once a week for two hours. We request a six-month commitment. If you are looking for a short-term volunteer opportunity, contact:
How do I complete court-mandated community service hours?
You cannot complete court-mandated hours at The Seattle Public Library, but you can fulfill this requirement at other local organizations, including:
- Seattle Parks and Recreation’s volunteer work parties
- Food Lifeline and local food banks
- United Way of King County
- VolunteerMatch
How can I volunteer with the Friends of The Seattle Public Library?
The Friends of The Seattle Public Library is a nonprofit group that supports fundraising and advocacy on behalf of the Library. They offer volunteer positions at their book sales and in the FriendShop at the Central Library. Find out how to get involved with the Friends.
Can my group work on a service project with the Library?
We do not offer service projects for groups of volunteers. The following organizations offer volunteer opportunities for groups:
Where can I earn service learning hours for high school graduation?
While we are not currently offering teen service learning programs at The Library, we have suggestions for other teen learning opportunities in your community.
Are student internships offered for college students?
Students who are enrolled in the MLIS program at the University of Washington are eligible to apply for a Directed Fieldwork Internship at The Seattle Public Library. Students of color are encouraged to apply. Contact your academic adviser for more information. Visit Student Internships to learn about the City of Seattle’s internships for students.