This page lists current adult volunteer opportunities with OPL and some of our Friends groups.
Volunteer Events
Come join us at some of our community events! Meet people who are just as passionate about OPL as you are.
Volunteer Events
Opportunities with OPL
Here you will find all the current volunteer opportunities at the Oakland Public Library. We keep all opportunities up to date. If you don't spot a good match for you, please come back and visit us another day. Something new might show up and fit your interests!
Computer Tutor
Share your Skills as a Computer Tutor. Make a difference in our community by volunteering as a library Computer Tutor! The Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch Library (6833 International Boulevard) is currently recruiting for help in the computer lab.
Community Sew and Serge
The Main Library hosts a popular Open Art Lab, and we're looking for volunteers who know how to operate sewing and serger machines and are comfortable teaching others. We are also seeking anyone familiar with Cricut Maker and Cricut heat press. Bonus if you also know how to use button maker, and/or tufting gun.
Please be sure to include which of the sessions works for your schedule in the application.
Community Beautification
Oakland's Adopt-A-Spot, opens a new window program supports volunteers in upkeep of parks, creeks, storm drains, streets, and other public spaces. Many Oakland Public Libraries benefit from Adopt-a-Spot volunteers who keep our outdoor areas clean and beautiful. Below are a few of the library locations whose Adopt-a-Spot volunteers are looking for extra support.
Please view the branch location below to learn how to participant in your desired location.
Want to help with beautification but don’t see your library listed here? Please contact Sara DuBois, Volunteer Coordinator, at sdubois@oaklandlibary.org, opens a new window.
Opportunities with Friends
Here you will find volunteer opportunities with our Friends groups. Each of these opportunities has their own interest form or contact information. Please reach out to these contacts with questions or requests for more information.
Bookmark Bookstore Volunteer
The Friends of the Oakland Public Library, opens a new window are seeking volunteers support bookstore operations at 933 Broadway in downtown Oakland.
Please complete the Friends' Bookmark Volunteer Form. One of the store managers will be in touch.
Friends of the OPL: Monthly e-News Editor
This volunteer position produces and distributes the Friends' monthly e-newsletter using Wix email marketing, ensuring our community stays informed about library news, events, and ways to get involved. This role is ideal for someone who loves libraries and wants to use their communications and email marketing skills to support equitable access to information.
Please see the full position description here, opens a new window.
To apply, complete the Friends of the OPL Volunteer Form.
Volunteer with the Friends of Elmhurst Library
The Friends of Elmhurst Library (FOEL) are dedicated 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.
Everyone who loves libraries is invited to join this dedicated and welcoming group 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.
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.
For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please reach out to friendsofmelroselibrary@gmail.com.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about these volunteer opportunities, please contact Sara DuBois, Coordinator of Grants & Volunteers, at sdubois@oaklandlibrary.org or (510) 238-6572.