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.
Second Start Adult Literacy and Learning Program
The library’s Second Start Adult Literacy and Learning program has offered free and confidential literacy support for adults since 1984. The program is currently recruiting for the following volunteer roles:
Dedicated Tutor: Meet one-on-one with a Second Start adult learner to help them reach their reading, writing, and/or basic math goals. Volunteer applicants must be willing to meet learners in East Oakland, where the need is greatest. Time requirement: 3 hours/week for a minimum of 6 months.
Drop-In Tutor: Meet with Second Start adult learners who need extra help with reading, writing, and/or basic math at various branches. Time requirement: 1.5 hours/week for a minimum of 6 months.
Digital Literacy Classroom Assistant: Help library staff with in-person digital literacy classes at the Main Library, the Eastmont Branch Library, 81st Avenue Branch Library, and the West Oakland Branch. These classes will cover computer basics, so volunteers don’t need to be computer experts but should have a firm grasp of how to set up email accounts, format documents, arrange video calls, and search the Internet. Time requirement: 2 hours/week for a minimum of 6 months.
Free training will be provided. Applicants for all three positions must:
- be 18 years of age or older
- speak English well enough to communicate with learners and staff
- successfully complete Second Start’s required training program(s)
- possess excellent interpersonal skills, including good listening and communication skills
- understand Second Start’s mission and work
- commit to dependable, weekly service for at least six months
To apply, please complete the OPL volunteer application.
Adopt a Spot Volunteers at OPL
The Elmhurst Branch Library (1427 88th Avenue): Make this neighborhood library shine by picking up litter. Supplies are provided, and the timing is flexible. Email sdubois@oaklandlibrary.org to learn more.
The African American Museum and Library at Oakland (659 14th Street): Help with community beautification at special events organized by the Friends-Stewards of AAMLO. 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.
Also at the Lakeview Branch: help keep the library free of litter at a time that works for you. After training, you can come whenever the library is open to access supplies and do a cleanup. Email sdubois@oaklandlibrary.org to learn more.
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 the Garden at the Dimond B
ranch Library
Help the Dimond Branch Library (3565 Fruitvale Ave) with its beautiful garden, planted and maintained by volunteers with the Friends of Dimond Library.
Volunteer duties include weeding, watering, planting, and spreading mulch.
Gardening know-how helpful. Expected volunteer commitment is 2-4 hours/month for at least six months.
Please complete a Volunteer Application form to apply.
Help in Asian Branch Library's Sewing Lab
The Asian Library, opens a new window (388 Ninth Street, Suite 190) has a busy sewing lab that operates on Mondays from 10am - 12 pm. The library is looking for a skilled volunteer who knows how to operate a sewing machine and is comfortable trouble-shooting. Cantonese language skills a plus, but not required.
To learn more, please complete the OPL volunteer application.
AARP's Tax-Aide Program
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax preparation help for anyone who cannot afford paid tax services, and for many years they have offered this important program at select library locations. The Tax-Aide program is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of roles!
AARP Foundation will provide all the training you’ll need. Learn more and apply now at the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide page.
This is a wonderful opportunity to support one of the library's most popular services!
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).
Please complete the Friends' Bookmark Volunteer Form, opens a new window and one of the store managers will be in touch.
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.
