Be a Library Volunteer

Volunteering requires enthusiasm, commitment and a desire to help others. Ottawa Public Library has some limited opportunities for volunteers. Volunteer opportunities are also available from the City of Ottawa.

Volunteers 

  • You must be at least 14 years old to be a volunteer
  • You must submit an application. This can be done online through Better Impact.  An application is not a guarantee of a placement.
  • Volunteer screening includes an interview and reference checks
  • Some volunteer placements may require a Police Records Check

For more information, contact: libraryvolunteers [at] BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.

Teen Volunteers

Teens can complete 40 hours of the Ontario Ministry of Education requirement for community involvement at the Library in a variety of ways. Teens who wish to volunteer must have parent/guardian permission, through Better Impact.

  • Joining a Teen Advisory Group (ages 14 to 18). Examples of projects and responsibilities of TAGs can be found here.
  • Helping Children’s staff with programs
    • Preparing craft materials and program supplies
    • Designing and maintaining displays
    • Helping during children’s activities
  • Helping to prepare for upcoming Teen programs
    • Teen Author Fest (annually in the Fall)
  • Helping with programs for seniors
    • Assisting in Wii gaming programs
    • Being a monitor during computer classes
  • Preparing kits for outreach events
    • Every Kid a Card campaign, 1-2-3 Read with me, Summer Reading Club, and / or Share the Words program
    • Encouraging children who are reluctant readers to develop the self-confidence and the motivation to read for pleasure
    • This program matches a volunteer teen who is an avid reader with a younger reluctant reader on a one-to-one basis
  • Summer Volunteer Program for Teens
    • Assist with a variety of projects during July and August
  • Special Events
  • Shelf Maintenance
    • Putting materials in order
    • Sorting materials

For more information, contact: libraryvolunteers [at] BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.