Volunteer With Us

Become a Friends' volunteer

Friends of the Libraries' volunteers are a dedicated group of men, women, and children who eagerly support the existing programs and activities of the public library system. They provide an important service to the library system by performing a wide variety of tasks. When you volunteer, the Friends Volunteer Coordinator makes every effort to match your interests, skills, and available times with an appropriate job.

To become a volunteer, fill out our online application. You can also call the Friends' office at (831) 420-5790 or send us e-mail at friends@santacruzpl.org. The Volunteer Coordinator will contact you. If you're interested in any of the volunteer opportunities listed below, please make a note of it when you apply.

Note: Potential volunteers under the age of 18 should contact the Youth Services Librarian at their local branch instead.

Thank you for your support!

Current volunteer needs

Friends of the Libraries:

Book sorters: Sort through donated and discarded books to sell at our book sales. Must know books. Flexible hours once trained. The sorting room is at the Central Branch in downtown Santa Cruz. Sorry, no book dealers.
Newsletter: Write articles and interviews about Library services and Friends programs for our expanding, professional-looking newsletter.
Friends Gift Store: 4 hrs/week minimum. Should be outgoing and helpful, able to cashier.
Book pickups: We always need volunteers with a truck or van who can pick up donated books.
Committees: Join any number of Friends' committees, including the Membership Committee, Fundraising Committee, and Program Committee.

Library Headquarters:

Technical Services: 2 hrs/end of the week to put in bar codes, stamp books, and cut up audio/video cases.

Outreach Services:

Book Buddies: 2-6 hrs/month as Book Buddy. 1 yr commitment. Visit buddy's home monthly with book selection.