The Seattle Public Library Loves Our Volunteers!
release date: April 9, 2018
With National Volunteer Week coming up on April 15-21, we'd like to thank our volunteers and share how their service creates a better Library for you.
Volunteers are essential partners in The Seattle Public Library's mission to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community. Dedicated adult and teen volunteers provide services for our patrons, maintain attractive collections and help staff host events for the community.
They fill a variety of roles at the Library: providing homework help for kids and teens; tutoring new immigrants who are learning English and preparing for the U.S. Naturalization exam; facilitating book discussion groups; greeting people at special events and Story Time sessions; and more.
When you share your skills and talents with the Library, you're supporting our vision for Seattle: a city where imagination and opportunity thrive. Mayor Jenny Durkan has issued a proclamation declaring April 15-21, 2018 to be National Volunteer Week in Seattle. We're happy to celebrate the impact of volunteer service throughout the Library and in Seattle’s diverse communities. We thank all of our volunteers who make Seattle a more inclusive, welcoming and vibrant place.
2017 Volunteer Statistics
908 individuals contributed 27,761 volunteer service hours to the Library in 2017. The value of volunteer time in Washington is $30.04 per hour. Based on this hourly rate, volunteers contributed $833,940 to the Library this past year. That's quite a lot of time and money!
Volunteer Opportunities
Adult Tutors – The Seattle Public Library is currently seeking tutors who can assist with English language and adult basic education learners. Volunteers are especially needed at the Rainier Beach Branch.
Homework Help - In late June, the Library will seek volunteers for the 2018-2019 Homework Help program. You can contact volunteer@spl.org after June 25 for more information and to request a volunteer application.
If you would like to volunteer at the Library, visit www.spl.org/volunteer, then contact our Volunteer Services Coordinator at volunteer@spl.org.