Volunteer
Want to give back, and make your community a better place? Volunteers help us serve the Oak Park community. Find the best opportunity for you, then fill out and submit your application, using the form on this page. Or print an application. [1]Complete and return to any library locatio [2]n [3], or mail to Administration, Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301.
Current Openings
Adopt-a-Shelf Volunteers
Trained to monitor a section of the library's shelving to keep items in order and readily available for customers.
Location: Main Library [4]
Computer Volunteers
Help library customers using public computers and printers. Basic knowledge of PCs, Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, and Internet Explorer is necessary.
Location: Main Library [4]
File Management Volunteers
Use Paper Tiger file management software to help organize the library's administrative files.
Location: Main Library [4]
IT Equipment Sorting Volunteers
Assist by sorting and labeling computer equipment in the library’s Information Technology workroom.
Location: Main Library [4]
Publicity Volunteers
Help promote all the library has to offer by helping create and distribute publicity materials for free, public events. Our Marketing Department also offers a graphic design internship [5] for school credit.
Location: Main Library [4] and around Oak Park
No openings at this time, but let us know if you're interested in the future
Administrative Volunteers
Assist with a range of projects and tasks such as folding brochures, applying labels and preparing mailings.
Location: Main Library [4]
Children's Video Game Volunteers
This is a good after school opportunity for a dedicated high school or college student who is great with kids and is an experienced gamer. Help younger kids play and discover new video games (WiiU and Xbox Kinect) and monitor the gaming to ensure good sportsmanship practices are in play. May also be requested to play board games or assist with crafts with elementary students.
Schedule: One hour per week between 3:30 and 6:30 pm on weekdays. Or one hour per month on Saturday or Sunday afternoons.
Location: Main Library [4]
Children's Homework Volunteers
This is a good opportunity for a dedicated high school or college student who is great with kids and is making good grades in school or for an adult/teacher who has experience in elementary education. Help younger elementary students with their homework in small groups. This is not an intensive tutoring requirement, but rather, a more informal homework "guide" who is available to help kids answer trickier homework problems as they arise.
Schedule: One hour per week between 3:30 and 6:30 pm on weekdays. Or one hour per month on Saturday or Sunday afternoons.
Location: Main Library [4]
Children's Programming Volunteers
This is a good opportunity for a tween, teen, or adult who is great with kids and enjoys making crafts or leading fun activities. Help younger kids with various library events throughout the year.
Schedule: Two hours per month, usually during an after school event (from 3:30 to 5:30 pm) or a Saturday event (from 2:00 to 4:00 pm) based on the volunteer’s schedule and the calendar of events.
Location: Main Library [4]
Home Delivery Volunteers
Help Oak Park Public Library cardholders who are physically unable to get to the library. Volunteers deliver library materials to customers receiving this service. Deliveries are on Friday mornings, and a valid Illinois driver's license with automobile insurance is required. Learn more about our Home Delivery Service [6].
Location: Main Library [4] and around Oak Park
Item Finding Volunteers
Retrieve library materials from staff-prepared lists.
Location: Main Library [4]
Public Supplies Volunteers
Keep public copiers and printers supplied with paper as well as keeping paper and pencils available near the public catalog computers.
Location: Main Library [4]
Sale Book Boxing Volunteers
Assist with the boxing of donated books.
Location: Main Library [4]
Teen Volunteers
- Teens looking for year-round volunteer work in any of the above categories can submit an application below.
- Visit opplteen.org [7] for more information about the Teen Summer Volunteer Program [8] and other teen-specific opportunities [8].
