Organization Policies
FAQs
Who can be a volunteer? Volunteer activities are for adults, with limited positions available for 15 to 17-year-olds. We are looking for people who love the library and what we offer to the community and want to help!
What are the time expectations? Most ongoing volunteer positions require a set weekly 1 to 3-hour commitment for at least 6 months.
Do I have to get a background check? Maybe. We have all our volunteers who are working with children and seniors get a background check.
Do I have to take a test? Maybe. All our volunteers who help keep our books in order must pass a short test to make sure the Dewey Decimal classification system is understood. You can find a study guide online or with the volunteer coordinator.
I’m 12-15 years of age and really want to volunteer, or have community service hours to do, is there a place for me? Though the Carlsbad City Library does not regularly have openings for this age group, we do invite this group to volunteer during the Summer Reading Adventure (SRA). Please contact the teen librarians directly for important details and deadlines (applications due in May!) for the SRA. Students can now also earn service hours by writing reviews of library programs, services, or items. See our Teen Insights page for more information.
Will I be trained? Yes! All volunteers will go through a general orientation and then training for their specific role. The staff and other volunteers love to help, so ask any questions you like!
Are all volunteer candidates accepted? While we strive to place each applicant, it is not always possible to match the needs of the library with the talents, interests and availability of our volunteers.
Is there a volunteer uniform? No, but we do ask our volunteers to represent the library well by dressing conservatively and comfortably.
I need to do community service. Can I do that here? School community service is welcome. The City of Carlsbad is unable to accommodate court-ordered community service volunteers at this time.
I’ve heard about an adult literacy program. Can I get more info? Literacy Services offers free tutoring by volunteer tutors to help English-speaking adults learn to read and write better. For details, contact Literacy Services directly at 442-339-2878 or literacy@carlsbadca.gov.
Who are the “Friends of the Library?” This is a partner organization that supports the library. They are fabulous and function separately from the library! If you wish to volunteer with them, please contact them directly at 442-339-2020 or friendsofcarlsbadcitylibrary@gmail.com.
Will I be paid? No, volunteering with the library is an unpaid position and does not guarantee employment at the library. If you are interested in employment, please check the opportunities on the City of Carlsbad website.
Will they take my picture? Maybe! We occasionally have photographers capture our volunteers in action. The photographs are used for promotion. If you wish to not be photographed, we ask you to step out of view of the camera.
Thank you for your interest in the Carlsbad City Library.
