Volunteering & Internships

There are so many ways to engage with The Library! Whether you’re looking for a chance to work with books or people, on your own or part of a group, learn about all the ways you can connect with The Library as a volunteer or intern!

Our team is comprised of the same careers found in for-profit businesses including human resources, communications, project management, and IT. Nonprofit and library roles encompass librarians, circulation staff, and volunteer engagement at our 25 library branches. We can help provide the experience you want to explore these professions through shadow days, informational interviews, or academic internships.

Love books? Want to be part of a dynamic team supporting the library? Join Indy Library Store! Teams sort and price donations and discarded library materials, shelve materials, and prepare for 6 annual sales. Indy Library Store volunteers can also work the sales as a greeter, tallier, or cashier. All proceeds go to the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation in support of the free programs offered by The Library.

Throughout the year The Library hosts several special events. “Meet the Artist” and “Fall Fest – Slammin’ Rhymes”, hosted by the African American History Committee, are crowd pleasers. Youth and their families also enjoy “Día Del Niño” each Spring as they visit with animals, do activities, and sing and dance to live music to celebrate language and literacy.

Volunteer roles frequently include: greeter, registration desk, author visit line support, and hosting an activity table. Come and enjoy the fun!

There are several seasonal project that wouldn’t be possible without volunteer support. The Summer Reading Program kicks off in June with preparations starting in the deepest part of winter. The Seed Library begins packaging seeds in November/December to help local gardeners grown healthy produce starting in March. Greet our newest U.S. citizens at monthly Naturalization Ceremonies held at Central Library. Jump in for as many of these activities as you’d like!

Library Express matches screened volunteers with Library users who are unable to visit their local library branches due to physical/medical limitations. Volunteers deliver Library materials to assigned patrons on a regular basis (every 3-4 weeks). This free service is available to meet both short-term and long-term needs and is open to all qualified Marion County residents. Interested in receiving home delivery services? Interested in delivering library materials to a patron?