Volunteer
So you want to volunteer at the Library?
Thank you for caring about the library so much that you want to donate a precious resource – your time! We greatly appreciate your support, enthusiasm, and commitment to the Milwaukee Public Library.
When you volunteer at the library, you can:
- Learn more about the Library and get a behind-the-scenes look at our services and programs
- Strengthen your resume by gaining experience and learning new skills
- Learn more about your community, connect with your neighbors, meet new people, and make new friends
- Complete a community service requirement for high school or college
Become a Volunteer
As a first step, fill out an online application or a paper application. If you are under the age of 18, please complete the paper application as a signature of a parent or legal guardian is required. Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis in the order that they are received. Thank you in advance for your patience.
There is so much interest in volunteering at the library that we have more applications than opportunities to fill. While we value the potential contributions of each applicant, volunteer needs are dependent upon the available openings listed below. We will follow up with applicants if your interests, availability, and location preference align with an open volunteer position. You may be asked to participate in a brief phone interview as part of the application process.
We can also use your help spreading the word about how great the library is to your friends and family! Even outside of scheduled volunteer hours, serve as a library ambassador in the community. Inspiring others to come into our buildings, get library cards, and use our services are wonderful ways to support the library and the services you value.
Questions about volunteering at the Milwaukee Public Library? Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at MPLVolunteer@milwaukee.gov.
Available Opportunities:
Adult Literacy Tutor
Do you have a passion for teaching and assisting others, and are looking to help empower community members to achieve their learning goals? Consider applying to volunteer as an Adult Literacy Tutor! As an Adult Literacy Tutor, you can make a big difference and build meaningful connections through this incredibly rewarding experience.
Adult patrons utilize our educational programs for a variety of different reasons, including growing proficiencies in reading, writing, test preparation, and English as a Second Language/English Language Learning (ESL/ELL). Patrons use the skills they learn for job advancement, academic study, citizenship, or recreation.
Requirements
- Literate in English (professional training or certification is not required) and excellent interpersonal skills. Bilingual proficiency in a language other than English is preferred.
- Ability to work respectfully, patiently, and effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities, creating an inclusive and productive learning environment.
- Previous experience with tutoring or education is preferred, but not required. All volunteers will be trained.
Responsibilities
- Provide individualized or group instruction to adult patrons on topics such as reading/writing, math, science, English, or test preparation.
- Develop lessons and activities for students based on interests, ability, English proficiency, or other factors.
- Assess student development, provide constructive feedback, and maintain active records of student attendance and progress.
On-Call Volunteer Team - Events & Programming
Would you like to support the library AND be a part of some of the exciting events we have available? Are you unable to make a weekly commitment, and mainly have evening and weekend availability? Join our On-Call Volunteer Crew and assist with special events and programs at the Milwaukee Public Library!
Our On-Call Volunteer Team plays a very important role in helping staff with the large events and programs offered at MPL. Rotating opportunities will be communicated out to our On-Call Volunteer Team through email blasts, and team members are contacted on an as-needed basis.
Requirements
- Good communication and customer service skills with a friendly, outgoing personality.
- Passion for helping others and working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and ages.
- Reliable, dependable, responsive, and trustworthy.
Responsibilities
- Assist with special events and programs at the Milwaukee Public Library, including author talks, festivals, presentations, and regularly scheduled offerings.
- Duties include welcoming patrons, facilitating registration, collecting attendance data, distributing MPL materials, hosting a resource table, assisting with event preparations like set-up and tear-down, or helping staff conduct the program.
Volunteer Archivist
Do you have a strong interest in local history, and are looking to gain hands-on experience working in the field of archival science? Join our team as a Volunteer Archivist!
As a Volunteer Archivist, you’ll support the preservation, organization, and accessibility of MPL's archival and special collections. By assisting our librarians, you can help make our collections more accessible to the public while learning more about Milwaukee’s history. This position is perfect for those considering a career in libraries, archives, museums, or information science.
Requirements
- Prior professional or academic archival experience is required. Exceptions will be made for enrolled undergraduate or graduate students in academic programs such as history, library and information science, art, humanities, or a closely related field.
- Knowledge of the standards and practices used in archival management, collection organization, processing, and the proper care and handling of materials.
- Demonstrated experience in project management and excellent interpersonal skills.
Responsibilities
- Review, organize, and index archival materials found in the Milwaukee Public Library’s Special Collections Department or the Arts & Humanities Department.
- Provide long-term preservation to archival materials to ensure continued accessibility.
- Work in collaboration with MPL staff to assist with special projects as needed.