Become a volunteer!

Friends of the VPL is always on the lookout for volunteers! Our volunteers are a wonderful group of people with diverse backgrounds who all share a common love of libraries and reading. They help with our many annual fundraising activities, and contribute to the programs, collections and activities of the Vancouver Public Library.

To apply as a volunteer, you must be a member of Friends of the VPL and at least 18 years of age. Please note that it may take a while for volunteer spots to open, but we will contact you as soon as one is available.

*** Volunteer applications are currently closed! ***

Volunteer application form

Volunteer Positions

We often recruit volunteers to help with supporting library operations and events. For more information on how to apply or questions about applying as a volunteer, please contact us.

book’mark is our library store, located at the Central branch of the Vancouver Public Library.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Greet and assist customers
  • Knowledgeable about store merchandise
  • Complete cash or charge sales transactions
  • Assist with pricing and merchandising of new products

Position Description:

  • Commit to a minimum of six months and at least one 4-hour shift per week
  • Fluency in oral and written English; knowledge of other languages is an asset
  • Previous retail or customer service experience is preferred

Please include an updated resume with your application to work at book’mark. While we appreciate all candidates that apply, only those suitable for the position will be interviewed.

Friends of the VPL runs used book sales in May, September and December. The sales are 3 days long and require approximately 50 volunteers for each sale.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Help with set up and pack up – unpacking books for sale and repacking unsold books
  • Assist buyers and tidying tables on the sale floor
  • Cashiering, cash handling at point of sale

Position Requirements:

  • Heavy lifting and long periods of standing may be required
  • Work is split into 3-hour shifts

In preparation for our used book sales, Friends of the VPL accepts used book donations year-round. Donated books are pre-sorted into subject areas, priced and repacked. This work is done at our office at the Central branch of the library.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Sort books into broad sale/subject categories

Position Requirements:

  • Shifts are usually once a week, during the daytime (Monday to Friday)
  • Heavy lifting and long periods of standing may be required
  • Special knowledge or understanding of French, European and Asian languages would be appreciated

Social Media Coordinator (volunteer)

  • Responsible for creating and executing digital marketing strategies to inform, advertise, and attract public interest
  • Handling the organization’s social media accounts, monitoring comments, and interacting with the social media community.

This role is often shared, depending on interest. Please contact us for more information or any questions.

Support the VPL today!

Your donation to the Vancouver Public Library helps fund special programs organized by Friends of the VPL, library collections and grows the love of reading within the Vancouver community. Thank you!

Donate!