Library Volunteer

Awareness & Understanding

Libraries do a lot more than lend books. Visit Salt Lake City Public Library's website (slcpl.org) and explore everything they offer — story times, ESL classes, maker spaces, seed libraries, and free museum passes. Watch the "Libraries Transform" video series on the American Library Association's YouTube channel (search "ALA Libraries Transform"). Browse r/libraries on Reddit to hear from library workers and volunteers across the country about what the work really looks like. Make a list of five library programs that surprised you. You're ready for the next step when you can name at least five different services your local library branch offers beyond book lending.

Research & Investigation

Find out exactly how volunteering at Salt Lake City Public Library works. Visit slcpl.org and look for the volunteer section, or call your nearest branch directly. Also check VolunteerMatch (volunteermatch.org) and Idealist (idealist.org) — both free — and search "library Salt Lake City" to see what's listed. Call or email the volunteer coordinator at your nearest branch to ask about needs, time commitments, and training. Look into Utah Humanities (utahhumanities.org) to see if there are connected programs you could support. You're ready for the next step when you know the specific volunteer role you want to apply for and have the name of a coordinator to contact.

Planning & Preparation

Submit your volunteer application and get ready to start. Complete any required paperwork or orientation — SLCPL typically has a short online orientation for new volunteers. Set up a simple schedule: which days and times will you volunteer each week? Use a free Google Sheets template to log your hours each shift. Read the American Library Association's free resources at ala.org to understand best practices for working with the public. Practice any skills you'll need — reading aloud, helping with crafts, or assisting patrons with computers. You're ready for the next step when your application is submitted, your schedule is set, and you've completed any required orientation.

Taking Action

Show up for your first volunteer shifts. Arrive a few minutes early, introduce yourself to staff, and ask what's most helpful right now. Whether you're running a story time, shelving books, or helping patrons find resources, focus on being consistent and reliable. After each shift, write two sentences in your tracking log: what you did and one thing you noticed. Pay attention to which patrons use the library most and what they're looking for — this knowledge matters for the next steps. You're ready for the next step when you've completed at least four volunteer shifts and have notes from each one.

Leadership & Expansion

Use what you've learned to bring more people in. Recruit one friend or family member to volunteer alongside you — walk them through the application process. Propose one small improvement or new program idea to library staff based on what you've observed. This could be as simple as a book display theme or a new craft for story time. Use Canva (canva.com, free) to design a simple flyer promoting library volunteering that you can share in your neighborhood or school. You're ready for the next step when you've recruited at least one new volunteer and pitched one idea to library staff.

Impact & Reflection

Total up your hours and reflect on what you contributed. Write a 200-word reflection: Who did you serve? What changed for them — and for you? What skills did you build? Share your reflection on the SLCPL social media pages or in a local Facebook group. Consider writing a short thank-you note to the library staff who guided you. Finally, commit to an ongoing volunteer schedule — even two hours a month keeps momentum. You're ready for the next step when you've logged your total hours, written your reflection, and shared it publicly or with library staff.