Volunteer
Our Library is supported daily by many amazing volunteers.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at YPL!
Our volunteers are some of our strongest supporters and help out with everything from event planning to counting puzzle pieces. (No, really.) While our current needs are limited, we encourage you to sign up for volunteer emails by clicking the button at right to be notified of upcoming volunteer opportunities. When you subscribe, you’ll be notified by email when we need help from our stellar volunteers. Should you no longer be interested in volunteering at YPL, you may unsubscribe from the list at any time.
In the meantime, you can also fill out a Volunteer Interest Form so we have your information on file.
Please note that all volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Youth volunteer opportunities can be found here. Adults who volunteer on a regular basis will need to submit to a background check.
Our volunteer opportunities are listed below. Please read carefully and consider what level of commitment is right for you. Some volunteer jobs are scheduled on a case-by-case basis, while others, like joining a committee, are more intensive and ongoing.
Please be mindful of the time and resources required to onboard new volunteers. Be sure you have the time to commit to volunteering. Questions about volunteering? Please call 207-363-2818.
Volunteer Opportunities
Shelvers and Shelf Readers
Shelvers move returned books back to their homes on the shelves in the correct place. Shelf “readers” carefully examine books currently on shelves and make sure they’re in the right spot, facing the right direction, and looking neat.
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week. We ask for a 3-month minimum commitment.
To be notified of upcoming shelving and shelf-reading opportunities, subscribe to our volunteer email list here.
Book Nook Volunteers
These volunteers have the task of reviewing all donated books. They are book-loving people who are familiar with the Library. They help decide what can be added to the library’s collection, what can be put up for sale in our Book Nook, what should be donated to Salvation Army/Goodwill, and what should be discarded. Our Book Nook volunteers also organize our annual book sale every July.
Time Commitment: 3-4 hours per week. We ask for a 3-month minimum commitment.
To be notified of upcoming Book Nook opportunities, subscribe to our volunteer email list here.
Programs Support
Did you know that York Public Library offers over 300 events and programs every year? For many of these events, there are plenty of logistics to consider. Help with set-up and take-down, such as moving chairs and tables and more, is a great way to help the Library and support our programs.
Time Commitment: As needed.
To be notified of upcoming Programs Support opportunities, subscribe to our volunteer email list here.
Odd Jobs: Miscellaneous Volunteer Support
Sometimes things come up and we could use a helping hand. This could be anything from bringing canned goods to YCSA, to hanging up posters, to stuffing envelopes.
Time Commitment: As needed.
To be notified of upcoming “Odd Jobs” opportunities, subscribe to our volunteer email list here.
Photographer
Capture images for use in printed and digital applications to support Library services. Examples of volunteer photographer activities include taking photos of library events, people, and spaces. When you complete your Volunteer Interest Form, please attach samples of your work.
Time Commitment: As needed.
To be notified of upcoming photography opportunities, subscribe to our volunteer email list here.
Committee Opportunities
Does your schedule allow for a more substantial volunteer commitment? Consider joining a committee! Right now, the committees listed below are seeking members. Read up to find out if joining a committee is right for you.
Art Committee
Our 25,000 square foot building has ample space to showcase the work of locally and regionally acclaimed artists. The Art Committee is composed of art enthusiasts who are familiar with the Seacoast “art scene” who plan 3-5 shows each year in the Library’s Upper Level. Each exhibit hangs on library walls for 2-3 months. The Art Committee also plans Art Receptions, typically scheduled soon after each show opens, in which the artist or someone otherwise familiar with the art speaks about the works on display.
Time Commitment: Monthly meetings; exhibit setup 3-5x per year; 3-5 Art Receptions per year. We ask for an 8-month commitment.
Development Committee
The Development Committee leads fundraising activities in support of the Library and the York Public Library Association, encourages support in the community, and works to raise the profile of the Library. Together, they plan, carry out, and attend fundraising and friendraising events, and brainstorm inventive ways to engage the people and businesses of York in support of their library. To learn more about this committee, contact Jane Siviski Hoffman, Development and Marketing Coordinator, at jshoffman@yorkpubliclibrary.org.
Time Commitment: Meets 1-2 times per month, plus events and semi-regular subcommittee meetings. We ask for a year+ commitment.