Volunteer at the Library

Walk into the Cedar Rapids Public Library and you’ll see a diverse community. Designed for readers and learners of all ages and from all backgrounds, we are the community’s living room – a place to connect, unwind, share ideas, and explore new possibilities.

Working alongside our staff, volunteers transform a building of “stuff” into a dynamic place to dream, do, and discover. Whether you are caring for materials, greeting patrons, or helping with children’s programs, you are constantly renovating our living room to make it a little bit bigger and better than it was yesterday. You give us space to grow and welcome in new ideas, people, and opportunities. So open the door to your next great opportunity! We’ve saved a seat on the couch for you.

We are looking for creative, personable, reliable volunteers interested in sharing their time and talents to support the library’s mission to “connect people to information, experiences, and services that enhance their quality of life so that our community can learn, enjoy, and thrive.” Our goal is to match your skills and interests to the right opportunity for you!

We have volunteer opportunities available for adults, families, teens, and retirees with a wide variety of interests and abilities. We also enjoy working with small groups and corporate volunteers for special projects. We know you’re busy, and we strive to develop flexible volunteer opportunities that work with your schedule. Daytime and evening hours are available on both a regular and on-call basis during both the week and weekends.

Volunteers cleaning a set of library shelves

Current Volunteer
Corps Opportunities

VicNet for Current Volunteers

Volunteer Eligibility

In order to become a volunteer at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, applicants must:

  • Be at least 14 or older to volunteer independently. Volunteers under the age of 14 can volunteer with an adult.

  • Successfully pass a background check which includes a check of the National Sex Offender Registry.

  • Attend orientation and training sessions.

  • Be prompt and reliable.

  • Represent the library in an appropriate and responsible manner at all times.

volunteer holds hunter taking books off a shelf and putting on a cart

Apply to Join the Library Volunteer Team

Interested in volunteering at the library? Start here!

  • All volunteer applicants can apply online. 

    Apply Now!

  • Volunteers can also print and submit a paper application using the forms below:
         — All volunteer applicants: Volunteer Application (pdf).
         — Volunteers age 18+: Background Check Form (pdf).

  • Volunteers under the age of 18 must also print and complete a Parental Agreement Form (pdf).

  • Volunteers with required service hours must also print and complete a Required Service Hours Form (pdf).

    The library welcomes eligible volunteers to work with the library to fulfill required service hours (i.e. school or service requirements, or court directed volunteer service). To be eligible, volunteers must complete the standard application process and be a proper fit for the library’s needs. The total number of hours available for an individual to volunteer will depend on the library’s schedule and needs.

Contact Us

Volunteer Opportunities

Search our stacks to help find the items patrons want most.

Available Times:
Monday-Friday at 8:15 am or 2:15 pm, Saturday at 8:30 am or 2:15 pm, and Sunday at 12:30 pm.

Requirement:
Weekly two-hour commitment for a minimum of three months.

Our Holds Hunters work with staff to find materials in the library that patrons have requested. These volunteers become extremely knowledgeable about the library layout and materials, get a backstage pass to the sorter room, and enjoy working independently behind the scenes.

Holds Hunter Job Description

Get your hands on the revolutionary sorter at the Downtown Library.

Available Times:
Monday-Thursday from 9 am-7 pm, Friday-Saturday from 9 am-5 pm, and Sunday from 1-5 pm.

Requirement:
Weekly two-hour commitment for a minimum of three months.

The Sorter Room Assistant works behind-the-scenes to help process returning library items. By monitoring the sorter, processing the materials bins, and managing the transit totes, you will help keep the library collection running smoothly while we circulate over one million items each year.

Sorter Room Assistant Job Description

“Own” your little slice of library paradise.

Available Times:
Monday-Thursday from 9 am-8 pm, Friday-Saturday from 9 am-5 pm, and Sunday from 1-5 pm.

Requirement:
A six month commitment for a minimum of 1-2 hours every two weeks. We will work with you to set flexible scheduling parameters. Then you can schedule your time at your own convenience.

Each year, over a million items are checked out, and hundreds of thousands of people walk through our doors and look through our library shelves. Exciting stuff! And sometimes a bit messy. That’s why we need you!

As an Adopt-A-Shelf volunteer, you will keep your section in tip-top shape so that patrons can easily find what they want in our clean, professional library. This volunteer opportunity is a great fit for families, companies, social groups, or individuals! It’s designed to be as flexible as you need it to be. We know the library could always use some extra care, and we want to work with your busy schedule to allow you to give back when you can.

Adopt-A-Shelf Job Description

Get an Oscar for organization at the library.

Available Times:
Monday-Thursday from 9 am-8 pm, Friday-Saturday from 9 am-5 pm, and Sunday from 1-5 pm.

Requirement:
Weekly two-hour commitment for a minimum of three months.

Keeping up with the library’s wildly popular media collection is a big task – and we could use your help! Our Media Maintenance volunteers assist the library by shelving returning media, straightening media shelves, and filling empty display shelves.

Media Maintenance Job Description

Transform our library building into a welcoming environment.

Available Times/Days:
Saturday from 9 am-5 pm, and Sunday from 1-5 pm.

Requirement:
Weekly two-hour commitment for a minimum of three months.

The Library Concierge greets patrons, answers questions about the building and current programs, assists patrons with the self-check out process, provides basic directions and simple instructions for patrons seeking help, and puts a personal touch to the library experience.

Library Concierge Job Description

Help keep our libraries looking beautiful for our community.

Available Times:
Monday-Thursday from 9 am-8 pm, Friday-Saturday from 9 am-5 pm, and Sunday from 1-5 pm.

Requirement:
A three month commitment for a minimum of one hour a week. We will work with you to set flexible scheduling parameters. Then you can schedule your time at your own convenience.

Our Clean Team volunteers keep the library in tip-top shape by dusting and straightening shelves, tidying displays, straightening furniture, maintaining our technology areas, and spot cleaning on specific projects.

Clean Team Job Description

Join our on-call volunteer crew.

Available Times:
Opportunities are extremely flexible!

Requirement:
To be an active Volunteer Corps member, you must volunteer a minimum of two times per year.

Do you have the desire to volunteer but struggle with being able to make a regular commitment? Are you excited to get involved but worried about making a weekly obligation?

Look no further – we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Join our on-call Volunteer Corps and be eligible to help at special programs and events. The Corps go through the regular volunteer process, but are contacted on an as-needed basis for events such as special community events and programs for children, teens, and adults.

Many of these programs fall during evenings or on the weekends. Say “YES” as often as you like … but rest assured that saying “no” is also an option!

Volunteer Corps Job Description