Volunteer
Virginia Beach Public Library is committed to providing people of all ages with the opportunities, programs, information and materials to help them meet lifelong learning, cultural and recreational goals.
Volunteer Opportunities
Position Details
Tween Advisory Council (TACO) Volunteer
- Must be between the ages of 9-12.
- Will serve in leadership roles within the tween group.
- Drive the direction of tween programming.
- Advise on library collection and services.
- May assist library staff with younger children and families.
- Volunteer positions serve one-year terms.
Not currently accepting applicants.
Position Details
Want to volunteer with the library but can’t commit to an ongoing program?
Pop-up volunteer opportunities are one-time chances to earn volunteer hours without a long-term commitment. Opportunities require registration. Visit our Event Calendar, select all locations, and search “pop-up” to view current listings. If no opportunities are listed, check back as new ones are added.
Summer Reading Challenge (SRC)
- Must be between the ages of 14-17.
- Requires people skills and attention to detail.
- Provide program information, help with registration, distribute prizes, and prepare materials.
- May assist staff with programs for both on and off-site locations.
Not currently accepting applicants.
Teen Advisory Group (TAG) Volunteer
- Must be between the ages of 12-17.
- Assist library staff with planning and implementing relevant teen-oriented and community-based programs, services, and resources.
- Assist staff with programs for both on and off-site locations.
- Earn volunteer hours and boost your college applications.
Not currently accepting applicants.
Reading Buddies
- Must be between the ages of 14-17.
- Mentor beginning readers, grades K to 3, through the Reading Buddies Program.
- Reading Buddies is a reading program that combines reading encouragement and group activities to foster a love of reading and confidence.
Not currently accepting applicants.
Archives Volunteer
- Must be at least 15 years old.
- Assist library staff by helping to scan, organize and preserve materials like photographs, historical documents, and maps.
- May assist with curating library displays.
- Earn volunteer hours and boost your college applications.
Not currently accepting applicants.
Workforce Development Volunteer
The Virginia Beach Public Library is seeking volunteers to assist customers with job searches, employment applications, resume preparation and other employment-related resources.
- Assist customers with online job applications, creating email accounts, and creating, updating or uploading resumes.
- Help customers search for employment opportunities, prepare for interviews and access job search resources.
- Strong computer and keyboarding skills, including the ability to guide customers in using computers.
- Ability to speak, read and write English and follow verbal or written instructions.
- Ability to work independently and interact positively with library staff and members of the community.
- Ability to sit for extended periods.
- Dependability and willingness to volunteer a minimum of two hours per week, with flexible scheduling during regular library operating hours, for at least six months.
Technology Education Programming Volunteer - English or Spanish Speaking
Location: Central (M.E.O.) Library
The Virginia Beach Public Library is seeking English or Spanish-speaking adult volunteers to support digital literacy programming for adult learners in the community.
- Assist with adult digital literacy programs focused on computer basics, internet basics, and cybersecurity using existing curriculum materials.
- Lead classes or provide one-on-one English or Spanish-language support to help adult learners build confidence using technology.
- Ability to speak, read, and write both English and Spanish.
- Comfort using Windows-based computers; prior experience teaching or assisting with technology is preferred.
- Dependability and willingness to commit to a bi-weekly volunteer schedule for a minimum of six months.
Not currently accepting applications.
Volunteer for Teen Tabletop Gaming Programs
- Prepare character sheets, game materials, and room setup before each session.
- Guide teens through Dungeons & Dragons or other tabletop campaigns.
- Facilitate gameplay and conversation to support engagement and teamwork.
- Assist staff with cleanup, resetting the space, and sharing feedback to improve future sessions.
- Commit to volunteering for at least six months to help provide consistency for participants.
Adult Programming Volunteer – Mahjong
The Virginia Beach Public Library is looking for volunteers to work directly with the public by assisting customers who are learning to play Mahjong.
Locations: Central (M.E.O.), Joint-Use, Princess Anne Library, and Great Neck
Duties include:
- Willingness to learn and guide customers through the rules of Chinese Mahjong during gameplay.
- Ability to clearly explain game rules while instructing and playing at the same time.
- Understanding of basic differences between Mahjong styles (Chinese, American, etc.) is preferred.
- Ability to assist with room setup, including lifting or moving chairs and card tables; experience working with seniors is a plus but not required.
LENA Class Childcare Assistant
Make a meaningful impact for families with young children. The LENA Start Program is seeking dependable volunteers to help care for children ages 0–5 during weekly parent education sessions.
Duties include:
- Provide onsite childcare for children ages 0–5 during weekly LENA Start parent education sessions.
- Create a safe, nurturing environment through play, reading, music, and age-appropriate activities.
- Support class setup, cleanup, and basic program tasks in collaboration with LENA staff.
- Commit to a weekly Thursday morning shift (9:30 a.m. to noon) and follow all childcare safety guidelines.
Pawsitive Reading Program Volunteer
The Virginia Beach Public Library Pawsitive Reading Program helps students grow comfortable with books while reading to dogs.
Locations: Various VBPL locations
Responsibilities include:
- Handlers prepare and bring their animals to library locations
- Handle animals responsibly to facilitate positive interactions while encouraging participants to practice reading
- Must have licensure from Alliance of Therapy Dogs for all Therapy Dogs considered for the program
Volunteer Photographer for Library Events & Programs
- Photograph library programs, events, staff, and customers for promotional use.
- Ensure images are clear, professional, and suitable for library publications.
- Engage with staff and customers in a professional and friendly manner.
- Requires basic computer skills for organizing, saving, and sharing digital files.
- Will include evening and weekend hours.
Not currently accepting applications.
Volunteer for Programs Serving Adults with Disabilities
- Prepare and set up materials for games, crafts, and activities, including cutting, pasting, and portioning supplies.
- Move tables and chairs as directed, clean up leftover materials, and wipe down tables after activities.
- Guide attendees to and within the programming area as needed.
- Participate in activities to facilitate engagement and socialization for attendees.
- Gather attendee feedback and share with the programmer.
Not currently accepting applications.
Technology Education Programming Volunteer (Silhouette Cameo Programs)
- Ages 18 and up.
- Assemble information packets and kits.
- Assist staff with various levels of technology education programming.
- Prefer an applicant with experience in computer-aided design, fabrication, and technology-based creative arts (die cut machines, sewing machines, etc.).
- Requires a six-month commitment.
- Location- Joint-Use Library.
Not currently accepting applications.
First Grade READS Tutor-Mentor
Duties include:
- Provide one-on-one reading support to two first-grade students during each one-hour session.
- Help students practice classroom skills and become more confident, fluent readers.
- Build supportive relationships that encourage students’ reading success.
- Attend required training before beginning the assignment; no prior tutoring experience is required.
- Commit to one or two weekly sessions, Monday through Thursday, from October through May.
- Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma.
Not currently accepting applications.
Virginia Beach Public Library accepts volunteer applications from minors who are seeking to complete court-ordered community service.
- Applicants must be between the ages of 12-17.
- Applicants must apply at least eight weeks prior to the deadline for completion of service hours.
- Applicants should include the number of community service hours needed and the deadline for completion.
- If applicable, only applicants who are on unsupervised probation will be considered.
- We will not consider applicants who are seeking community service hours for larceny offenses.
Approval of all court-ordered applicants will be at the discretion of the volunteer services coordinator. The Library need not specify a reason for unapproved applicants. For more information, please contact the volunteer services coordinator by email at vbplvolunteers@vbgov.com or call 757-385-4059.
Why Volunteer?
- Make a difference and help others.
- Share your skills and learn something new.
- Gain work experience or service hours for school.
- Meet new people and make new friends.
What do the volunteer positions require?
- Completed and signed volunteer application and confidentiality agreement.
- An interview and orientation/training.
- Background check for anyone 18 years or older.