Call (714) 375-5114 for more information. Download a volunteer application

Building Maintenance
Volunteers are needed to dust shelves, clean furniture, clean windows, pick up trash and provide other general cleaning as needed.

Circulation Department
Positions are available to shelve and straighten returned books. During the school year, tutors are needed for the after school Homework Club.

Branches

Just one full-time library employee staffs each of the branches. Therefore, an ongoing need exists for volunteers at these special neighborhood libraries to help find materials for patrons, check books in and out, and re-shelve materials. Homework assistance and "grandparent" readers are also needed. To volunteer at a branch, please contact the branch directly:

• Main Street Branch, 525 Main Street, (714) 375-5071
  
• Banning Branch, 9281 Banning Avenue, (714) 375-5005
  
• Helen Murphy Branch, 15882 Graham Street, (714) 375-5006
  
• Oak View Branch, 17251 Oak Lane, (714) 375-5068

Adult Literacy

Adult Literary Services Department needs volunteers to help adults improve their basic reading, writing, spelling and speaking skills. The Library offers 15-hour tutor training workshops in which participants learn to tutor using an individualized approach that emphasizes goal setting. After participants complete training, they are matched with a student to tutor at least two hours a week on a schedule to be determined by them. Call (714) 375-5102 for more information.

Family Literacy

The Family Literacy Program needs volunteers to help parents learn to read, write and speak English to assist their children in these same efforts. After 15-hours of training, tutors meet once or twice weekly one-on-one or with a small group of adults. This program takes place at the Oak View branch. Call (714) 375-5104 for more information.

Friends of the Children's Library

Joining the Friends of the Children's Library (FOTCL) provides even more opportunities to participate. This support group is dedicated to promoting children's interest in literature, reading and the use of the library. They sponsor fun, educational and literary events for children that include: the Festival of Folktales, which kicks off the Summer Reading Program; an Annual Authors Festival; the Grandparents and Books program; and a special event, such as magic or puppet show, each month. The FOTCL is instrumental in organizing the Taste of Huntington Beach, which is a major fundraiser for the Children's Library each year. The FOTCL holds an open meeting the first Friday of each month at 9:15am at the Central Library. Call (714) 375-5107 for more information.

Friends of the Library

This volunteer group coordinates and manages fundraising projects that are essential to the library's book collection and programming. Please join them in supporting your library through:

• The Friends Gift Shop - staffing or assisting in the general operation.
• Used Book Sales - preparing, sorting and pricing books at the Friends Workplace, or staffing the Used Book Sale desk.
• Programs and Special Events - plan, organize and publicize the activities.

Call (714) 375-5114 for more information.

Genealogy

The Orange County Genealogical Society needs volunteers to assist others with family research, and to provide information and instruction on the Library's genealogical collection. Call (714) 842-4481 Ext. 2227 for more information.

Free Library Card and Luncheon Benefits

• Active nonresident volunteers who have accumulated 25 hours may obtain a library card at no charge which is good for one year. All other library card requirements such as ID verification and fines remain in effect. Annual renewal is dependent upon active volunteer status.
• Active volunteers who have accumulated 500 hours are entitled to a fines-free library card account. Annual renewal is dependent upon active volunteer status.
• Volunteers who have accumulated 2,500 hours are entitled to a lifetime fines-free library card account and no charge for reserves or nonresidency.
• Volunteers accumulating 80 or more hours between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year will be invited to a springtime recognition luncheon. At this event the library acknowledges our Volunteer of the Year and volunteers who have reached specific levels of accumulated service hours.