Volunteer for the Oakland Public Library!
This page lists current adult volunteer opportunities with OPL and some of our Friends groups. Teen volunteers (ages 13-17) can find more information on the Teen Volunteer page.
Become a One-on-One Adult Literacy Tutor
The Oakland Public Library’s Second Start Adult Literacy and Learning Program is seeking dedicated volunteer tutors to work one-on-one with adults who want to improve their reading and writing skills.
We are looking for volunteers who can support learners in Oakland and are able to commit to tutoring once or twice a week for at least six months.
What You’ll Do:
- Work individually with adult learners to help them build foundational reading, writing, or math skills.
- Meet once or twice weekly for 1.5 hours at an Oakland Public Library location, with flexible scheduling.
- Make a meaningful impact in someone’s life by helping them achieve their personal and educational goals.
What We’re Looking For:
- Volunteers who are 18 or older
- Clear and confident English speakers
- People with strong communication and listening skills
- Dependable individuals who can commit to six months of weekly tutoring
Training is provided, and no prior teaching experience is necessary. If you're patient, compassionate, and ready to make a difference in Oakland, please complete the OPL volunteer application.
Adopt a Spot Volunteers at OPL
The African American Museum and Library at Oakland (659 14th Street): Help with community beautification at special events organized by the Friends-Stewards of African American Museum & Library at Oakland. Visit their website, opens a new window to learn more.
Lakeview Branch Library (550 El Embarcadero): Lakeview Friends host a group workday on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 - 11:00 am. Volunteers are welcome to drop in and help with garden maintenance and litter clean-up.
Main Library (125 14th Street): Help keep Oakland's Main Library clean! Join our weekly clean-up crew every Monday from 8:30–9:30 am. After orientation, you may set your own regular clean-up time during the library's hours of operation. Contact Sara DuBois at sdubois@oaklandlibrary.org or 510-238-6572 for more information.
Melrose Branch Library (4805 Foothill Blvd.): Join us on the second Saturday of the month to beautify the Melrose Library perimeter and to assist with small gardening projects. For more information, contact Branch Manager Joshua Alperin at 510-535-5623.
Support OPL by volunteering with Library Friends!
Pick up a Weekly Shift at the Bookmark Bookstore!
The Friends of the Oakland Public Library, opens a new window are seeking volunteers support bookstore operations at 933 Broadway in downtown Oakland.
Duties include lifting and moving heavy items such as boxes of books, organizing shelves, sorting donations, and handling sales during open store hours (now open 11:00 am - 5:00 p.m. Sunday through Friday, 11:00 am - 6:00 p.m. Saturday).
Potential volunteers should plan for a regular 3-hour weekly commitment for at least six months. Volunteers must be at least 17 years old.
Please complete the Friends' Bookmark Volunteer Form, opens a new window and one of the store managers will be in touch.
The Friends of the OPL Seeks a Co-Treasurer
The Friends of the Oakland Public Library, opens a new window is looking to recruit an experienced accounting, finance, legal, or nonprofit professional to work with their current Treasurer and to serve as Co-Treasurer on the Board of Directors. This important volunteer leadership role combines traditional board governance responsibilities with strategic financial oversight.
For more details, please visit the Friends' blog post and position description.
Volunteer with the Friends of Melrose Library
The Friends of Melrose Library is an informal group of patrons and volunteers who share a common love for the Melrose Branch Library (4805 Foothill Blvd.) For more than 20 years, this dedicated group has supported their neighborhood library and the surrounding community. Current initiatives include a monthly trash clean-up, regular gardening projects, and volunteering at annual library programs such as Summer Lunch at the Library and National Night Out.
The Friends of Melrose are interested in growing their group and would welcome new Friends.
Please complete this form, opens a new window to share a bit more about your skills, interests, and connection to the Melrose Library.
Volunteer with the Friends of Elmhurst Library
The Friends of Elmhurst Library (FOEL) are a small but powerful group of volunteers who support OPL’s active branch library at 1427 88th Avenue. For more than two decades, the FOEL have advocated, fundraised, and volunteered to make this neighborhood library better.
Current leaders Allene Warren and Mary Forte invite everyone who loves libraries to consider joining them to support the Elmhurst Branch.
New Friends are asked to attend bi-monthly meetings at the branch and to contribute their time to one of the pressing current needs: communications, leadership, litter walk, and/or garden support. To learn more, or to rsvp for the next meeting, contact Elmhurstfriends@gmail.com.
If you have any questions about these volunteer opportunities, please contact Sara DuBois, Coordinator of Grants & Volunteers, at sdubois@oaklandlibrary.org.