General Information:
The State Library welcomes volunteers age 14 and older, and complies with all BOLI wage and hour rules. We usually reply within 1-2 business days to questions and applications. The onboarding process involves a review of your submitted application, reference checks, and an interview. Depending on the opportunity, there may be some attire requirements (i.e. closed-toe shoes). Client and caregiver teams are welcome. All volunteers, whether in-person or remote, must be residents of the United States.
Available Volunteer Opportunities:
Answerland Reference Chat (Remote)
Are you a new MLIS graduate wanting to gain some reference experience to put on your resume? Or a seasoned librarian who wants to further develop their skills? Then consider this opportunity to volunteer with Answerland, the State Library of Oregon’s 24/7 online virtual reference chat service! Through Answerland, librarians help anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Oregon find answers to questions and receive research guidance. Librarians can keep their reference tools sharp by participating in a collaborative environment that facilitates sharing of expertise, virtual reference trends, and best practices. This opportunity offers volunteers valuable hands-on experience that brings to life what they learn in a classroom or workplace, as well as networking opportunities, professional development, and experience-based leadership opportunities.
Requirements: must have reference experience or have completed a reference class at an ALA accredited college or university MLS/MLIS program within the past 10 years.
Commitment: at least one 2-hour shift every week for a minimum of six (6) months.
Circulation Assistant (In Building)
Are you looking to add everyday value to your community? Do you want to share the joy of reading with people who are print-impaired? Then consider this opportunity to help circulate audio books for the Talking Book and Braille Library! Tasks include preparing customized audio book cartridges for mailing and processing returned materials for reuse. Over 4,700 Oregonians currently use the Talking Book and Braille Library as their connection to the world, with over 1,000 books going out each day. Training is provided onsite by staff and no experience is required. Consider joining our Talking Book and Braille Library team, so that all may read!
Commitment: at least one morning shift (9AM – 12noon) per week for a minimum of six (6) months.
Book Mender (In Building)
Do you have an interest in renewing, repairing, and restoring? Do you like working with your hands and have an eye for detail? Then consider this opportunity to mend materials at the State Library an excellent fit for you! The Book Mender position has a key role to play in the maintenance and preservation of the physical, paper-based collections at the State Library of Oregon. Enjoy a true sense of accomplishment in this position by helping to repair various books, pamphlets, maps, and other library materials. Orientation, training, and supplies are provided on-site by State Library staff and preservation professionals. Keeping our materials in tip-top shape helps maintain our commitment to ensuring access to Oregon government publications and being stewards of resources to support democracy and the public good.
Commitment: at least one morning shift (8:30AM – 12noon) per week, 2-3 hours per shift, for a minimum of six (6) months.
Welcome Center Volunteer (In Building)
Looking for a gentle way to serve your community? Do you have a heart for people who need directions or have a question? The State Library needs volunteers to staff our Welcome Center. Welcome Center volunteers help set the tone to ensure visitors have an educated, positive, and fulfilling experience. This is a customer service position, with responsibilities that include greeting visitors, handling some basic office tasks, and monitoring the State Library’s lobby. One-on-one orientation will be arranged, and training will be provided by a State Library staff member. A help guide is provided for easy reference. The Welcome Center is indoors with a desk and ergonomic chair. The area is well-lit and climate controlled.
Commitment: at least one 2-3 hour shift every week, though you can choose to do more. The Welcome Center is open on weekdays from 9:00AM to 12noon and 1:00PM to 4:00PM.
Other Volunteer Opportunities:
Some volunteer opportunities at the State Library are only available periodically. Check back here or visit our VolunteerMatch profile to see when recruitments open up.
Presidential Volunteer Service Awards:
The State Library of Oregon is an official Certifying Organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. We want to make sure our volunteers are recognized for directly contributing to the continued tradition of proving the value of libraries by improving the quality of life for others, preserving Oregon’s history, and supporting the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
Hours spent volunteering at the State Library can be counted both towards yearly awards and the Lifetime Acheivement Award. Visit the Presidential Volunteer Service Award website for more detailed information about eligibility.