Brooklyn Public Library is actively seeking volunteers for 2024!
The mission of the volunteer program at Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is to enhance public service through the engagement of diverse and dedicated volunteers. Corporate volunteerism provides opportunities for team building, to give back to the community and to fulfill Corporate Social Responsibility objectives. Volunteering at BPL is a great way for your employees, clients, colleagues and their families to contribute their unique talents, skills and knowledge and assist staff. Volunteers provide personalized attention to patrons, support library initiatives assist with public programs and events and share information about the library.
Large-Scale Public Programs
BPL hosts several large events each year that rely on the support of volunteers. Through these events, volunteers learn more about the Library, bond as a team and meet like-minded people in their community.
- Summer at the Library: BPL’s summer kickoff events help promote the annual summer reading program. Volunteer responsibilities include distributing Summer at the Library materials, assisting with book giveaways and facilitating children’s activities. Events are held in June.
- Night in the Library: BPL's annual overnight event draws thousands for an evening of simultaneous 20-minute lectures, music, performances, discussions and debates at Central Library. Volunteer responsibilities include offering patrons directional support, time keeping and providing event information. Event is typically held in March.
Grab-and-Go Kit Assembly & Distribution
Spread joy and foster creativity by volunteering to assemble and distribute the Library’s Grab-and-Go Kits at local branches throughout Brooklyn with your organization.
Volunteers will assemble, sort and distribute engaging DIY activity kits designed for our youngest patrons. Each kit is filled with the materials needed for a fun, educational project and includes a carefully chosen book for the child’s at-home library. Volunteer projects vary in duration, spanning from one to four hours.
Grab-and-Go Kit Assembly & Distribution project budgets vary depending on the number of volunteers and cost of materials.
Download a PDF with more information here.
Special Projects
Flexible large and small group projects are a great way to support the Library.
- Public Programs: Volunteers can lead and support BPL staff with classes and workshops on subjects in which they are proficient. Examples include teen technology programs and fraud prevention workshops for older adults.
- Career Services: BPL's teen and adult services teams are actively seeking opportunities to expose teens, interns, adult literacy students and Business & Career Center patrons to different career pathways and soft skills trainings. Volunteers can offer one-on-one resume review, interview and LinkedIn workshops, business coaching, virtual and in person career panels and site visits to corporate headquarters.
- Beautification Projects: Beautification projects aim to make our libraries as welcoming as possible through restoration projects, gardening, fence painting and shelf organizing.
- Summer Meals: The Summer Food Service Program (Summer Meals) is a federal child nutrition program that provides funding for meals and snacks served to children age 18 and younger during the summer. Volunteers responsibilities include the distribution of lunches; monitoring meal space; and keep a tally of the number of patrons served. Service is provided throughout the summer at select library locations.
See all individual volunteer opportunities.
Learn about additional corporate partnership opportunities with Brooklyn Public Library.