Volunteer

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.

Computer Tutor at the Elmhurst Branch Library

The Elmhurst Branch Library (1427 88th Avenue) is seeking a volunteer Computer Tutor to help patrons at this wonderful neighborhood library on Friday afternoons.

You can make a big impact by helping library patrons one-on-one with basic computer skills and with faxing, printing, and making copies.

Choose any 2-hour block while the library is open on Fridays (12:00-5:30 pm) and plan to make a regular commitment for at least six months. The library will promote your volunteer shift as a good time for patrons to come in for computer help.

If this sounds like the volunteer opportunity for you, please complete the OPL volunteer application to learn more!

Chess Club Assistant

Do you love the game of chess? Come share your skills and knowledge and inspire others to love the game!  The Melrose Branch Library, opens a new window (4805 Foothill Blvd.) hosts a regular chess club on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00-5:30 pm. The library is searching for a skilled and patient chess player to help those who are just learning the game. If you are interested and available, please consider joining us this fun and engaging community activity! 

To apply, complete the OPL volunteer application. Please plan on volunteering weekly for at least six months.

Litter Walk at the Elmhurst Library

After 11 years of dedicated service, volunteers Mary Forte and Erwin Lynch hung up their safety vests on their regular, twice-monthly Litter Walk at the Elmhurst Branch Library.

Mary and Erwin have generously agreed to help train the next generation of volunteers on the ins and outs of this important service to the community. Can you commit to leading a regular clean-up shift at the Elmhurst Library ( 1427 88th Avenue)? The timing is flexible, so long as the clean-up is done while the library is open to the public.

This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals and families to make an immediate, positive impact. If you’re interested or would like to learn more, please email sdubois@oaklandlibrary.org or call 510-238-6572.

 

Adopt a Spot Volunteers

 

  • 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.

 

  • Main Library (125 14th Street):  every Monday (except for holidays and rainy days) from 8:30-9:30 a.m., starting outside the Children's Room on Oak Street. Other days of service might be possible to arrange. Please just reach out to see if we can find a time that works for you and the library! Contact Sara by email at sdubois@oaklandlibrary.org or by phone at 510-238-6572.

Friends of the Oakland Public Library

Bookmark Bookstore Volunteers

The Friends of the Oakland Public Library, opens a new window are seeking volunteers to help out at the Friends' bookstore, the Bookmark, located in Old Oakland. Volunteers assist with a variety of tasks during a 3-hour shift, including receiving, unpacking and pricing donations; shelving new books and culling old stock; keeping sections alphabetized; general store upkeep, signing up new Members, and ringing up book sales. As a bonus, volunteers get a 50% discount on all books! Complete this form to let the Friends know you're interested., opens a new window

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.

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