We appreciate your interest in volunteering or interning with The Indianapolis Public Library!
How to use this website to find volunteer or intern opportunities:
1. Current volunteer and intern opportunities are listed below. We have in-person roles available throughout the library system. If you do not see an opportunity listed for the library branch, event, or department you are interested in, it is because it is not currently available.
2. If you see a volunteer or intern opportunity that interests you please complete an application. When filling out the application, check which role(s) you'd like most. We'll connect you with the lead staff member(s).
Want a quick one-time activity? Scroll to the bottom of the page for special projects and events!
If you don't see something that interests you, check back frequently. We post opportunities as they become available.
Questions? Contact Volunteer Resources by email at volunteer@indypl.org or by phone at 317-275-4046.
The waiting is over! The Pike branch has been closed for a year for renovations. Join in the fun of the grand reopening by helping with activity stations, greeting guests, and supporting staff.
March 29, 2025, 9:30am to 2:00pm
Contact branch manager Michael Jenkins, mjenkins@indypl.org for more information or to signup.
Location: Lawrence Branch, 7898 Hague Road, Indianapolis, IN 46256
Time Commitment: Volunteers are needed to help readers sign up for Summer Reading and give out prizes! Monday and Tuesday, 2:00pm - 4:00pm and Friday, Noon to 2:00pm
Lawrence Branch staff have also requested the following program dates. Volunteers will work side-by-side staff members and presenters to help participants with the activities.
Summer Reading Kick Off May 31 from 11:00am - 1:00pm
Jr Paleontologists June 20 from 10:00am - 1:00pm
Animal Show June 21 from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Robo Explorers June 27 from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Clay Creators July 1 from 10:30am - 11:30am
Jr Paleontologist July 25 from 10:00am - 1:00pm
Summary: The Summer Reading Program (SRP) is one of the largest programs conducted throughout the library. It encourages reading for fun and entertainment among youth and adults. SRP Support is needed to aid staff with the influx of patrons, increased number of programs, and volume of books moving through the system. The program runs from Saturday, May 31st kickoff through August 2nd.
Position Description: For more details about this opportunity please see the SRP Support Volunteer Position Description.
Location: Franklin Road Branch, 5550 South Franklin Road, Indianapolis, IN 46239
Time Commitment: Volunteers typically serve 2-4 hours a week on a regular schedule during business hours. The schedule is established by the volunteer and the branch volunteer coordinator.
Summary: The Summer Reading Program (SRP) is one of the largest programs conducted throughout the library encouraging reading for fun and entertainment among youth and adults. SRP Support is needed to aid staff with the influx of patrons, increased number of programs, and volume of books moving through the system. The program runs from Saturday, June 1 kickoff through August.
Position Description: For more details about this opportunity please see the SRP Support Volunteer Position Description.
Help grow The Library's volunteer and intern team! This role is integral to volunteer and intern onboarding and placement. Work side-by-side staff members by performing clerical and supportive tasks to create meaningful engagement. Tasks may include:
Who: Detail oriented, comfortable with email and phone conversations, data-entry, experience with MS Office/365, interested in making a difference
Location: Library Services Center, 2450 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Time Commitment: 3 to 4 hours once a week, Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The volunteer and the Volunteer Resources Supervisor will determine a schedule.
Location: East 38th Street Branch, 5420 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46218
Time Commitment: Flexible hours. Ongoing roles will usually commit to 3-4 hours a week.
Age: Age 14 & 15 with an adult, Age 16+ without an adult
Summary: Are you interested in supporting library staff with all those wonderful books? Then collection support might just be for you! The purpose of the collection support role is to provide valuable support to library staff to maintain the orderliness of the branch’s collection so guests and patrons may readily access desired material. NOTE: This role can be physical - pushing or pulling a cart weighing up to 20 lbs, and lifting multiple books.
Position Description: For more details about this role please view the Collection Support Volunteer Position Description.
Location: Martindale-Brightwood Branch, 2434 N. Sherman Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46218
Time Commitment: Monday - Friday, flexible times. Ongoing roles will usually commit to 3-4 hours a week.
Age: Age 14 & 15 with an adult, Age 16+ without an adult
Summary: Are you interested in supporting library staff with all those wonderful books? Than collection support might be for you! The purpose of the collection support role is to provide valuable support to library staff to maintain the orderliness of the branch’s collection so guests and patrons may readily access desired material. NOTE: This role can be physical - pushing or pulling a cart weighing up to 20 lbs, and lifting multiple books.
Position Description: For more details about this role please view the Collection Support Volunteer Position Description.
Location: Pike Branch, 6525 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268
Pike Branch reopens after an extensive renovation on March 29, 2025!
Time Commitment: Monday - Saturday, flexible times. Ongoing roles will usually commit to 3-4 hours a week.
Age: Age 14 & 15 with an adult, Age 16+ without an adult.
Summary: Are you interested in helping library staff with all those wonderful books? Then collection support might be for you! The purpose of the collection support role is to provide valuable support to library staff to maintain the orderliness of the branch’s collection so guests and patrons may readily access desired material. NOTE: This role can be physical - pushing or pulling a cart weighing up to 20 lbs, and lifting multiple books.
Position Description: For more details about this role please view the Collection Support Volunteer Position Description.doc.
Location: Fort Ben Branch, 9330 East 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46216
Time Commitment: Monday - Friday, flexible times. Ongoing roles will usually commit to 3-4 hours a week.
Age: Age 14 & 15 with an adult, Age 16+ without an adult
Summary: Are you interested in supporting library staff with all those wonderful books? Then collection support might be for you! The purpose of the collection support role is to provide valuable support to library staff to maintain the orderliness of the branch’s collection so guests and patrons may readily access desired material. NOTE: This role can be physical - pushing or pulling a cart weighing up to 20 lbs, and lifting multiple books.
Position Description: For more details about this role please view the Collection Support Volunteer Position Description.
Location: West Perry Branch, 6650 South Harding Street, Indianapolis, IN 46217
Time Commitment: Monday - Friday, flexible times. Ongoing roles will usually commit to 3-4 hours a week.
Age: Age 14 & 15 with an adult, Age 16+ without an adult
Summary: Are you interested in supporting library staff with all those wonderful books? Then collection support might be for you! The purpose of the collection support role is to provide valuable support to library staff to maintain the orderliness of the branch’s collection so guests and patrons may readily access desired material. NOTE: This role can be physical - pushing or pulling a cart weighing up to 20 lbs, and lifting multiple books.
Position Description: For more details about this role please view the Collection Support Volunteer Position Description.
Location: East 38th Street Branch, 5420 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46218
Program: Storytime and craft preparation & program reminder calls
Time Commitment: Thursday mornings.
This is an ongoing opportunity with the expectation of a minimum of 3 months commitment.
Summary: Do you enjoy being with people, especially youngsters, and maybe even teens? Then consider supporting the programs offered in the library. Storytime, game night, D &D, escape rooms, mystery nights, and so many others are offered for free to our community.
Position Description: For more details about this role please view the Program Support Volunteer Position Description.
Location: Lawrence Branch, 7898 Hague Road, Indianapolis, IN 46256
Program: Storytime - Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Time Commitment: A few hours a week between 10:00a and 2:00p based on programming.
This is an ongoing opportunity with the expectation of a minimum of 3 months commitment.
Summary: Do you enjoy being with people, especially youngsters, and maybe even teens? Then consider supporting the programs offered in the library. Storytime, game night, D &D, escape rooms, mystery nights, and so many others are free to our community.
Position Description: For more details about this role please view the Program Support Volunteer Position Description.
Location: Library Services Center, 2450 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Time Commitment: Volunteer work sessions are held on most Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings and Thursday afternoons and evenings. The number of days and amount of time you work is up to you. Many volunteers choose one 4-hour work session a week; others work more.
Summary: Bookstore volunteers enhance the work of Indy Library Store and the Library by helping dispose of discarded, donated, and unwanted materials to create a fundraising opportunity for The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. You may choose to volunteer on an ongoing basis during designated work sessions, opt to work during the store’s regular public sales, or both. The bookstore is closed to the public except during times of publicized book sales. There is no interaction with the public during volunteer work sessions.
Position Description: For details about this activity please see the Booksale Volunteer Position Description
Location: Fort Ben Branch, 9330 East 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46216
Program: Storytimes, Game Nights, LEGO block parties, and more!
Time Commitment: Pick a program (or two) to support regularly.
This is an ongoing opportunity with the expectation of a minimum of 3 months commitment.
Summary: Do you enjoy being with people, especially youngsters, and maybe even teens? Then consider supporting the programs offered in the library. Storytime, game night, D &D, escape rooms, mystery nights, and so many others are offered for free to our community.
Position Description: For more details about this role please view the Program Support Volunteer Position Description.
Location: Pike Branch, 6525 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268
Program: Storytimes, Game Nights, LEGO block parties, and more!
Time Commitment: Pick a program (or two) to support regularly.
This is an ongoing opportunity with the expectation of a minimum of 3 months commitment.
Summary: Do you enjoy being with people, especially youngsters, and maybe even teens? Then consider supporting the programs offered in the library. Storytime, game night, D & D, escape rooms, mystery nights, and so many others are offered for free to our community.
Position Description: For more details about this role please view the Program Support Volunteer Position Description.
Location: East 38th Street Branch, 5420 E. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46218
Activity: Branch Beautification
Time Commitment: Pick a day (or two) each week for a few hours to maintain the indoor plants in the branch. There may be some outdoor beautification projects throughout the year as well.
Summary: The branch needs consistent care of the indoor plant life. This is a perfect activity for Master Gardeners obtaining/maintaining their certification. The schedule is flexible.
Position Description: For more details about this role please view the Gardener Volunteer Position Description.
Location: West Perry Branch, 6650 South Harding Street, Indianapolis, IN 46217
Activity: Branch Beautification
Schedule: The Gardening Group usually meets at the branch on the 3rd Friday of the month at 10:15a for a few hours.
Summary: The branch needs a Master Gardener to support the Gardening Group program and to assist with maintaining the landscaping and any indoor plants.
Position Description: For more details about this role please view the Gardener Volunteer Position Description.
IndyPL has the ability, given ample time, to organize a variety of group service projects.
These might range from clearing the wetlands park adjacent to the East 38th Street Branch, preparing Bunny Book Bags for the Ready to Read program (canvas bags filled with picture books or board books), running games and activities at a branch Summer Reading Program kickoff party, or processing materials for Indy Library Store.
Interested in arranging a group activity? Great! Please have your group leader complete the application and we'll get with you to discuss details.
Returning for another project? Amazing! Contact volunteer@indypl.org and include your preferred date/time and number of volunteers in your group.
Indy Library Store has opened an online store! We're looking for a volunteer to digitally photograph 625 rare books - up to 5 images for each book. The images will be used to market the individual book. Proceeds from the Store go to the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, which provides over 80% of the funding for free community programs throughout the Library.
Location: Library Services Center, 2450 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Schedule: Flexible hours during Indy Library Store volunteer shifts: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 8:00am to Noon, and Thursday from 1:00 to 5:00pm.
Tools: Volunteer provides camera equipment.
Intern Role: Public Relations. Write copy (press releases, monthly media releases, news for the Latinx community), attend community meetings to share library information, arrange media interviews, schedule appearances, and more.
For more details take a look at the Public Relations Intern Position Description.
Time Frame: Summer, Fall, or Spring Semester. One semester commitment is requested. 15-20 hours per week. A second semester can be discussed.
Location: Library Services Center, 2450 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Academic Discipline: Human Resources, Management, Leadership, Video Production, Communications, etc.
Age: 18+
Compensation: Library internships are unpaid but you'll learn a lot and have some fun along the way!
Next Steps: Fill out a volunteer/intern application. The link is found in the upper right column. We'll connect you with the staff lead for this internship.
For more information: email interns@indypl.org
We hope you'll consider an internship with The Indianapolis Public Library!
Intern Role: MLS/MLIS interns support branch staff conducting programs, providing patron information, and working directly with the system’s collection.
Tasks: For more details please review the MLIS Intern Position Description.
Time Frame: One or multiple semesters are available. 15-20 hours per week. Summer Semester placements will also obtain in-depth experience with the Summer Reading Program.
Location: College Avenue Branch, 4180 North College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46205
Academic Discipline: Library Science
Age: 18+
Compensation: Library internships are unpaid but you'll learn a lot and have some fun along the way!
Next Steps: Fill out a volunteer/intern application. The link is found in the upper right column. We'll connect you with the staff lead for this internship.
For more information: email interns@indypl.org
We hope you'll consider an internship with The Indianapolis Public Library!
Intern Role: MLS/MLIS interns support branch staff conducting programs, providing patron information, and working directly with the system’s collection.
Tasks: For more details please review the MLIS Intern Position Description.
Time Frame: Fall, Spring, or Summer Semester. One or multiple semesters are available. 15-20 hours per week. Summer Semester placements will also obtain in-depth experience with the Summer Reading Program.
Location: Fort Ben, 9330 East 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46216
Academic Discipline: Library Science
Age: 18+
Compensation: Library internships are unpaid but you'll learn a lot and have some fun along the way!
Next Steps: Fill out a volunteer/intern application. The link is found in the upper right column. We'll connect you with the staff lead for this internship.
For more information: email interns@indypl.org
We hope you'll consider an internship with The Indianapolis Public Library!
Intern Role: MLS/MLIS interns support branch staff conducting programs, providing patron information, and working directly with the system’s collection.
Tasks: For more details please review the MLIS Intern Position Description.
Time Frame: Spring, Summer, or Fall Semester. One or multiple semesters are available. 15-20 hours per week. Summer Semester placements will also obtain in-depth experience with the Summer Reading Program.
Location: Glendale Branch, 3660 East 62nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220 (New location as of March 30, 2024)
Academic Discipline: Library Science
Age: 18+
Compensation: Library internships are unpaid but you'll learn a lot and have some fun along the way!
Next Steps: Fill out a volunteer/intern application. The link is found in the upper right column. We'll connect you with the staff lead for this internship.
For more information: email interns@indypl.org
We hope you'll consider an internship with The Indianapolis Public Library!
Intern Role: MLS/MLIS interns support branch staff who are conducting programs, providing patron information, and working directly with the system’s collection.
Tasks: For more details please review the MLIS Intern Position Description.
Time Frame: Any Semester(s). One semester commitment is requested. 15-20 hours per week. Summer Semester placements will also obtain in-depth experience with the Summer Reading Program.
Location: Martindale Brightwood, 2434 N. Sherman Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46218
Academic Discipline: Library Science
Age: 18+
Compensation: Library internships are unpaid but you'll learn a lot and have some fun along the way!
Next Steps: Fill out a volunteer/intern application. The link is found in the upper right column. We'll connect you with the staff lead for this internship.
For more information: email intern@indypl.org
We hope you'll consider an internship with The Indianapolis Public Library!
Intern Role: MLS/MLIS interns support branch staff who conduct programs, provide patron information, and work directly with the system’s collection.
Tasks: For more details please review the MLIS Intern Position Description.
Time Frame: Summer Semester. One semester commitment is requested. 15-20 hours per week. Summer Semester placements will also obtain in-depth experience with the Summer Reading Program.
Location: Michigan Road Branch, 6201 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268
Academic Discipline: Library Science
Age: 18+
Compensation: Library internships are unpaid but you'll learn a lot and have some fun along the way!
Next Steps: Fill out a volunteer/intern application. The link is found in the upper right column. We'll connect you with the staff lead for this internship.
For more information: email interns@indypl.org
We hope you'll consider an internship with The Indianapolis Public Library!
Intern: Summer Reading Program Support. Be an integral part of the planning and executing the Summer Reading Program. Help with the theme, prize section and distribution, branch decoration packaging, communication to branches, logistics, and much more.
Summer reading for fun! The Summer Reading Program (SRP) runs from June through the start of August. Youth and Adults read for fun, track their minutes in the Beanstack app, and redeem points for prizes. We are fighting the "summer slump" for school-aged youth by encouraging them to pick up a book for entertainment. SRP is the largest program offered by IndyPL with planning occurring all year.
Time Frame: This is a two-semester internship; Spring and Summer. 15-20 hours per week.
Location: Central Library, 40 East Saint Clair Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204. (Free Parking.)
Academic Discipline: Early Education undergrad/grad, Library Science with interest in youth programming, and/or public librarianship
Compensation: Library internships are unpaid.
Next Steps: Fill out a volunteer/intern application. The link is found in the upper right column. We'll connect you with the staff lead for this internship.
For more information: email interns@indypl.org
We hope you'll consider an internship with The Indianapolis Public Library!
Solving Food Insecurity in Indy! Did you know IndyPL has Seed Libraries through Marion County where library patrons can "check out" veggie seeds? We combine this with free education on how to grow a garden - big or small, food preservation, and how to prepare food with fresh produce. Do you want to be part of the solution to solving hunger in Indy? Then support the Seed Library from behind-the-scene in the Fall and Spring semesters.
Intern: Seed Library Coordination. Use your project management skills working alongside our Seed Library expert to determine the seed varieties, order seeds, coordinate seed packaging parties at the branches, work with volunteer groups, restock branches' collections, and track & monitor Seed Library participation.
Time Frame: This is a two-semester internship beginning in the Fall and continuing in Spring. 15-20 hours per week.
Location: Central Library, 40 East Saint Clair Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Academic Discipline: Project management, agriculture, social justice, food insecurity studies
Compensation: Library internships are unpaid. You'll learn a lot about launching a multi-site program and have fun!
Next Steps: Fill out a volunteer/intern application. The link is found in the upper right column. We'll connect you with the staff lead for this internship.
For more information: email interns@indypl.org
We hope you'll consider an internship with The Indianapolis Public Library!
The Program team is an amazing group of talented staff who create, coordinate, and deliver free system-wide programs for our patrons and community. Concerts, author visits, The Seed Library, teen & youth programs, and of course, the largest program, the Summer Reading Program for youth and adults are among the activities generated by this great team.
Interested in helping to make the library a vibrant experience for all? Sign up for a project or event.
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immigrant Outreach Support | 1 | |||
| Naturalization Ceremony | 17 | 4/23/2025 | 12/17/2025 | |
| Activity | Shifts | Start | End | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Día del Niño at Be My Neighbor Day - Volunteer Interest Form | 1 | 4/26/2025 | 4/26/2025 | |
| 2025 Family Engagement & Education with WFYI | 1 | 4/26/2025 | 4/26/2025 | |
| Yea! Special Events! I'd love to help. Contact me when they are scheduled. | 1 | |||
Mission: The Indianapolis Public Library enriches everyone and strengthens communities by inspiring lifelong learning.
Vision: To be a center of knowledge, community life, and innovation for Indianapolis
