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.

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.

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. 

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

The Georgetown Branch is adding an official afterschool program for middle schoolers and can use your assistance to work with our community’s youth! Volunteers are needed to develop rapport with students, participate in activities and crafts with students, and work with the librarian to maintain good behavior. This position offers a rewarding way to give back to your community!

Afterschool at the Library volunteers are needed Monday-Friday from 2:30 – 5:00pm starting in August. Volunteers may work one of these shifts, or multiple if desired.

Must be able to take instruction and then work independently in a busy, noisy atmosphere. Must be mature, reliable, and have patience for working with youth. Must be able to stoop, bend, stretch, and lift loads up to twenty pounds. Familiarity with youth behavior is required. 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.

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:

• Read the Journal Gazette live. Current, up-to-date local news is our focus, and most important to our listeners! In this position you’ll read with a volunteer partner. Current openings:
  • Each Wednesday morning, 8:00 am – 11:00 am
    
    
• Lea “El Mexicano y Más”. Con el lema “el respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz”, en su periódico y sitio web, El Mexicano cubre noticias locales, nacionales y mundiales, e información para nuestra comunidad hispanohablante. El contenido es leído en papel y en tableta. Requisitos adicionales: Un compromiso semanal de una hora, Lunes - Viernes. Nosotros nos ajustaremos a su horario; leer y hablar tanto español como inglés fluidamente.
  
  Read El Mexicano y Más. With its newspaper and web presence motto of “The Respect of the Rights of Others is Peace,” El Mexicano covers local, national and world news and information for our Spanish speaking community. Content is read from hardcopy and tablet. Additional requirements: A weekly, one-hour commitment - we will work with your schedule; fluent in reading and speaking both Spanish and English.

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.