Volunteering at the ACPL

Volunteers are essential to the function of the ACPL. From the opening of the library in 1895, volunteers have played vital roles at the Allen County Public Library. Each year over 1000 individuals give of their time and talents to assist staff in the delivery of quality service to customers at the Main Library and all thirteen branches. The priority of the Volunteer Services department is to ensure a win-win situation for both volunteers and staff that will result in positive, satisfying experiences.

FAQs

What kind of opportunities are available?

A variety of volunteer opportunities are available at the library that may suit your interests and our needs

How much time do I have to commit?

From weekly commitments, to assisting monthly, to one-time special events, or volunteering as a family unit.

How old do I have to be?

If you are 13 years or older, you may apply to be a volunteer at the ACPL. Individuals under the age of 18 must obtain parental/guardian permission.

How do I apply?

You can find our Volunteer Application here.

Volunteer applications will be kept on file and applicants are contacted when volunteer opportunities become available

What is the application process?

If your interests and skills match our needs, an interview will be scheduled which will include filling out an application, discussing time commitments, and going over other aspects of volunteering.

Enjoy reading aloud, and empowering others?

The Audio Reading Service broadcasts the live reading of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, and we broadcast the recorded readings of over 65 other publications such as Fort Wayne Business News, Prevention, People, Consumer Reports, and The New Yorker.

Our target audience is listeners of all ages who have visual, physical, learning, or language challenges to reading traditional printed materials.

Available Opportunities:

What’s going on in Decatur? Or Auburn? Or Columbia City? Find out – along with our listeners, by reading Area News. We have an every-other Thursday, 8:00 am – 9:30 am opportunity available to read our area community newspapers from hard copy and from the tablet.

If your skills and passions match our needs, we'd love to have you join our audio reading team of ACPL volunteers! An interview and audition is required. Please contact the Audio Reading Service at (260) 421-1375, or audioreader@acpl.info with any questions.

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of youth?

The Georgetown Branch is looking for assistance and support to work with our community’s youth! Volunteers are needed to develop rapport with middle school students, participate in activities and crafts, and work with the librarians to promote student engagement and good behavior. This position offers a rewarding way to give back and fills a direct community need!

Afterschool at the Library at the Georgetown Branch. Volunteers are needed Monday-Friday from 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. on school days. Volunteers may work one of these shifts, or multiple if desired.

We need the right kind of people who enjoy working with youth of this age.

The ideal candidate must be able to handle the following:

Take instruction and then work independently in a busy, noisy atmosphere.
Be mature, reliable, familiar with youth behavior, and have patience for working with children and teens.
Be able to stoop, bend, stretch, and lift loads up to twenty pounds.
Knowledge of board games and card games or ability to learn is helpful.

When applying, please reference Afterschool at the Library as the position you are interested in.