Volunteer at the Library

Share your skills and passions

Volunteering Makes a Difference

Volunteering with us means developing new skills, sharing your love of libraries with others, and making new friends.

Each year, over 3,500 dedicated Library volunteers help Calgary’s citizens build learning skills, make stories come to life, deliver Library materials to seniors, help patrons explore computer technology, and much more.

Two women in winter coats and green vests stand outside a colourful building.

A woman in a green vest that says Library Volunteer stands in a crowd of people outside.

What Kind of Volunteer Are You?

Our programs are growing and changing all the time, so our volunteer needs change as well.

Volunteer Resources constantly reviews applications and will match applicants with the right volunteer role, including an interview and police check for adult volunteers

Applications are kept on file if a match can’t be found right away, so sometimes it may take a week to several months to be contacted for a volunteer position.

Volunteering does not automatically improve your chances of getting a job at the Library. Experience, including volunteer experience, is considered by HR when reviewing employment applications. Shelving books is a paid position at the Library and not open to volunteers.

If you have questions about volunteering, please contact volunteers@calgarylibrary.ca or 403.260.2613.

background image: A young woman sits at a table with a book in a library.

Meet Our Volunteers

Each year, our 3,500 dedicated volunteers contribute 90,000+ volunteer hours. These hours have a value of over $2.8 million that directly benefits over 700,000 patrons by allowing us to offer more programs, in more locations, more often, to more Calgarians.

Read up on our Volunteer Stories

How can I volunteer at the Calgary Public Library?

Complete an application through the Library's volunteer page.

Choose the adult or youth application and tell us about your skills, interests, availability, and preferences. The Volunteers team reviews applications and matches volunteers with suitable opportunities.

If there's no suitable opportunity available right away, we'll keep your application on file for future openings.

What volunteer opportunities are available at Calgary Public Library?

The Library offers volunteer opportunities for youth and adults.

Volunteers support a variety of programs and services, including literacy and learning programs, technology help, special events, newcomer services, tours, and community programs.

Available opportunities change throughout the year based on program and service needs.

What is the minimum age to volunteer at Calgary Public Library?

Youth must be at least 12 years old and in Grade 7 to volunteer independently at the Library. Some volunteer opportunities have older minimum age requirements depending on the role.

A parental consent form is required for volunteers under 16 years of age.

Do I need previous experience to volunteer at Calgary Public Library?

Many volunteer opportunities do not require previous experience, and training is provided when needed.

Some specialized roles require specific skills or professional experience.

What is the time commitment to volunteer at Calgary Public Library?

Time commitments vary by role.

Special event opportunities may involve a single shift of about three hours. Ongoing volunteer positions often require a weekly commitment of one to two hours.

For ongoing roles, volunteers are encouraged to commit for at least one year.

Can I choose which Calgary Public Library location or program I volunteer with?

You can indicate your preferred locations and areas of interest when you apply.

Placements depend on current volunteer needs and availability, so we may not always be able to accommodate your first choice.

Can I volunteer at Calgary Public Library for school or community service hours?

Yes.

If you're volunteering to complete school or community service requirements, let the Volunteers team know before you begin so we can confirm the opportunity meets your requirements.

You are responsible for tracking and reporting your own hours. The Library can provide confirmation of volunteer hours upon request.

How long will it take to hear back after I apply to volunteer at Calgary Public Library?

The Volunteers team reviews applications regularly and matches applicants with available opportunities.

Depending on current volunteer needs, you may hear from us within a few weeks, or it may take longer if a suitable role is not immediately available.

Do adult volunteers need a police check to volunteer at the Calgary Public Library?

Adult volunteer placements include an interview and police information check as part of the onboarding process.

Can I volunteer to shelve books at Calgary Public Library?

No. Shelving books is a paid position at the Library and is not a volunteer opportunity.

Will volunteering help me get a job at the Calgary Public Library?

Volunteering does not guarantee employment with the Library.

Volunteer experience may be considered alongside other relevant education, skills, and experience when applying for Library positions.

Who can I contact with questions about volunteering?

Contact the Volunteers team at volunteers@calgarylibrary.ca or 403.260.2613 if you have questions about volunteering or your application.