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Volunteer Chicago Public Library Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Iredell County

Library Volunteer

Statesville, NC

Description GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB Volunteers are an exciting and important component to the Iredell County Public Library. Thank you for your interest in joining the library team. To cultivate a ...

Iredell County, NC

Library Volunteer

NC · On-site

... Public Library. Thank you for your interest in joining the library team. To cultivate a welcome and inclusive experience for everyone who uses the library, all staff, volunteers, and patrons are ...

City of Hemet

Volunteer - Library

Hemet, CA

Answering telephone and directing citizen inquiries Performing various clerical duties Planning and assisting in community event projects Providing assistance in the Public Library Volunteer to be an ...

City of Oceanside

Library Volunteers

Oceanside, CA

Opportunities The Oceanside Public Library offers a wide range of services to our community. For information on the library volunteer programs please visit the link here: Library Volunteer ...

The New York Public Library

$55K/yr

Description Overview The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free ... Facilitates the work and activities of teen volunteers and teen advisory councils * Develops and ...

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All JobsVolunteer Chicago Public Library Jobs

Volunteer Chicago Public Library information

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$8

$19

$33

How much do volunteer chicago public library jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer chicago public library in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Volunteer Chicago Public Library vs Library Assistant?

AspectVolunteer Chicago Public LibraryLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsNone or minimal; background checks often requiredHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require library science coursework
Work EnvironmentPublic library settings, assisting with events, shelving, customer serviceLibrary environment, performing clerical tasks, customer assistance, shelving
Employer & Industry UsageVolunteer roles in public libraries, community servicePaid staff in libraries, often part-time or full-time

Volunteer Chicago Public Library roles are typically unpaid and focus on community service, assisting with various library functions. Library Assistants are paid employees with more responsibilities and required credentials. Both roles work in similar environments but differ mainly in compensation and formal qualifications.

What can volunteering at a library teach you?

Volunteering at a library, such as a Chicago Public Library, can teach valuable skills like customer service, organization, and communication. It also provides experience working in a community environment and may improve teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

What are Volunteer Chicago Public Library positions?

Volunteer positions at the Chicago Public Library involve assisting library staff with a variety of tasks such as shelving books, helping patrons locate materials, supporting library programs, and participating in special events. Volunteers may work with children, teens, or adults, and can choose assignments that match their interests and skills. These roles help enhance library services and provide valuable support to both staff and the community. Opportunities are available at many branch locations throughout Chicago, and training is provided for new volunteers.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can volunteers expect at the Chicago Public Library?

Volunteers at the Chicago Public Library can expect to assist with a variety of tasks such as shelving books, preparing materials for programs, helping patrons locate resources, and supporting special events or literacy initiatives. Volunteers may also be involved in leading homework help sessions, aiding in technology classes, or assisting with children's story time activities. The specific duties often depend on the branch location and the needs of the library, providing a dynamic and community-focused work environment. Collaboration with library staff is common, and volunteers play a key role in enhancing the library's outreach and service to patrons.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Volunteer at the Chicago Public Library, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer at the Chicago Public Library, you need strong organizational skills, basic literacy, and a willingness to support library programs, typically requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library catalog systems, basic computer skills, and knowledge of library resources are beneficial. Excellent communication, reliability, and a customer-focused attitude are standout soft skills in this position. These skills ensure volunteers provide helpful assistance to patrons, support library operations, and foster a welcoming community environment.

What are the one day volunteer opportunities in Chicago?

Volunteer opportunities at Chicago Public Library that are one day events typically include assisting with special programs, book drives, or community outreach activities. These opportunities often require minimal commitment and may involve tasks like event setup, registration, or helping with activities, usually scheduled on specific dates. Volunteers should check the library's event calendar or contact local branches for upcoming one-day opportunities and any required training or age restrictions.

Can I volunteer at Chicago Public Library?

Yes, the Chicago Public Library offers volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in supporting library programs, assisting with events, or helping in various departments. Volunteers typically need to complete an application, attend an orientation, and may be asked to undergo a background check depending on the role. Opportunities are available for different age groups and skill levels, often requiring a commitment of a few hours per week.

Do I get paid if I volunteer at a library?

Volunteer positions at a library, including roles like Volunteer at a Chicago Public Library, are unpaid. Volunteers contribute their time and skills without monetary compensation, often assisting with tasks such as shelving, customer service, or program support.
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Chicago Public Library jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Chicago Public Library job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chicago Public Library jobs? The most popular types of Chicago Public Library jobs are:
What states have the most Volunteer Chicago Public Library jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer Chicago Public Library jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer Chicago Public Library jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer Chicago Public Library jobs are:
Volunteer Chicago Public Library jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Chicago Public Library job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Library Associate (Full-Time) - Children's Services

Library Associate (Full-Time) - Children's Services

Champaign Public Library

Champaign, IL • On-site

$27.88 - $35.60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Salary: $27.88 - $35.60 Hourly
Location : Champaign, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00181 - 5.2026
Department: Children's Services
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
Description
Under the supervision of the Children's Services Manager, provides prompt and friendly service to children, teens, and their caregivers in the Children's Services Department; assists department staff with programming and clerical tasks. The Library Associate provides reference and reader's advisory service and assists customers with technology; assists with programs for children and teens; provides support for a variety of departmental tasks.
Schedule includes a mix of daytime, evening, and weekend hours.
Open until filled, with first review of applicants on June 22, 2026.
Examples of Duties
  • Assists customers of all ages at the Children's Services and TeenSpace desks to include reference and information questions
  • Assists with questions on software, makerspace tools, and other technology related needs to customers of all ages
  • Advise readers of all ages regarding children's and teens reading and viewing interests
  • With support and direction from a librarian, assist with collection maintenance and development
  • With support and direction from manager and librarians, plans and leads programming for children and teens
  • Compile statistics and prepare activity reports
  • Assist with outreach activities
  • Assists training of staff and volunteers
  • Participates in departmental and library-wide training and activities, including technology, and safety training
  • Provides excellent internal and external customer service
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements
  • Knowledge of and interest in children's and teens books and audiovisual materials
  • Some knowledge of library procedures, methods, techniques
  • Ability to perform routine clerical and record keeping tasks
  • Strong commitment to public service
  • Ability to work with library customers and staff in a friendly and efficient manner
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library's Rules of Conduct and policies
  • Proficiency with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to maintain reliable attendance and regular schedule
  • Ability to maintain a varied schedule, including day, evening, and weekend rotations
  • Good vision and hearing to effectively engage with customers
  • Manual dexterity to operate computer, phone, and maker space equipment
  • Physical ability to regularly lift library materials weighing up to 40 lbs, and to push fully loaded carts of library materials and assist in event setup
  • Satisfactory pre-employment background check

Acceptable Experience and Training
  • Bachelor degree required
  • One year of supervisory or team leader experience preferred
  • Public library experience preferred
  • Customer service experience preferred
  • Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is helpful
  • Any combination of experience and education that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities

The Champaign Public Library offers a comprehensive benefit package to regular full- and part-time employees that includes paid sick leave, vacation, and nine paid holidays each year.
Employees working 29 hours or less are not eligible for health insurance.
Other benefits include health and life insurance, and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension plan, and access to a variety of other programs, such as dental and vision insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and deferred compensation plans.
01
Are you a current or previous Champaign Public Library volunteer or practicum student?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have any relatives who work for the Champaign Public Library?
  • Yes
  • No

03
If you have relatives who work for the Champaign Public Library, please share their name. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.)
04
What is your highest level of education?
  • Less than high school
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Some college
  • College degree or higher

05
Are you able to lift and carry items weighing up to 40 pounds?
  • Yes
  • No

06
The schedule includes a mix of daytime, evening, and weekend hours. Are you available to work this schedule?
  • Yes
  • No

07
How many years of experience do you have working in a public library?
  • 1-2 years
  • 3-4 years
  • 5 or more years
  • None

08
If you have public library experience, please describe the kind of work that you did. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.)
09
How many years of experience do you have working with children or teens?
  • 1-2 years
  • 3-4 years
  • 5 or more years
  • None

10
Please tell us about your experience working with children and teens. (This answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text)
11
Do you have programming experience with children or teens? Check all that apply.
  • Ages 0 - 2
  • Ages 3 - 5
  • Ages K - 5
  • Teens

12
Please select the experience you have assisting/instructing others with technology, including a makerspace.
  • 1-2 Years
  • 3-5 Years
  • 5+ Years
  • None

13
Please indicate how many years of experience you have providing excellent customer service.
  • 1-2 years
  • 3-4 years
  • 5 or more years
  • None

14
Please tell us about your customer service experience. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.)
15
Please describe how your skills, experience, and interests prepare you to be the best candidate for this position at the Champaign Public Library. (The answer box will allow you to enter 12 lines of text.)
16
I understand that I am required to submit with this application the names and contact information of three professional references. If you have not included this information in your application profile, please return to your application and complete this requirement.
  • I have included the names of three references in my application

Required Question

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