There are many volunteer opportunities in the Greenville County Library System. Not only does our collection of over a million library items need service, so do the many patrons who use our facilities.

Volunteer needs change from time to time, but the following list includes examples of what our volunteers do:

• Assist children’s librarians with preparation for various programs for youngsters
• Help process new items to be shelved for the first time
• Conduct tours of the Hughes Main Library for school groups
• Help customers at the Friends Shop
• “Read” shelves to be sure all items are in proper order
• Shelve books
• Prepare bulletin boards or arrange displays in the branches
• Serve at special events
• Guide patrons doing genealogical research in the SC Room
• Coach users of the public access computers

There is always something to do at the library! Volunteer opportunities are available during daytime, evening, and weekend hours. You can commit to as many hours as you like and serve at the Hughes Main Library downtown or your local branch.

If this interests you, complete the Volunteer Application Form and submit it to a library staff member at any library location. The This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  will contact you for an interview.

Volunteers at the library must be at least 16 years old. Younger teens (age 13 and older) are invited to serve on the Teenville Advisory Board. For more information: click here, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or I'm ready to Volunteer.

Current Opportunities

Volunteers Needed! Our Friends Gift Shop at the Hughes Main Library needs volunteers to serve as shop attendants. The shop is open from 10a to 4p, Monday through Saturday, and volunteers work a three-hour shift. Must be a member of the Friends of the Library or willing to join.You must also provide references, be able to work without supervision and have good customer service skills. Training is provided.

Volunteers Needed! New opportunity. We need volunteers with an eye for detail who can scan newspapers for articles and notices about library programs. This can be done on any schedule. Training and all materials are provided. This is a good assignment for someone who needs a flexible schedule, can volunteer at the Hughes Main Library and has good eyesight. Familiarity with library programs and locations is helpful but not necessary.

Volunteers Needed! New opportunity. We need volunteers who can help us process discarded audio-visual materials by removing labels and crossing through other identifiers. Flexible schedule. Great opportunity for teens or for a small group of people who want to volunteer together. This can be either a one-time assignment or ongoing. Training is minimal and will be provided on-site.

Summer Volunteers Needed! New opportunity. We will need many volunteers to assist with summer reading registrations and other children’s events during the months of June and July. Activities will take place in all library locations. Most volunteer needs will occur during mornings and afternoons, Monday through Friday, and will be for one to three hours at a time. This is a great opportunity for teens age 16 and older and adults who enjoy interacting with children. Volunteers who can serve in different locations are especially needed. If you’ve got free time this summer, we can keep you busy!

Volunteers Needed! We are looking for volunteers who are willing to conduct tours of the library for school groups. Must have a demonstrated ability leading and engaging groups of children. Schedule is flexible, but volunteer must have some availability during regular public school hours. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring or retired school teachers. Training is provided.

Volunteers Needed! We have an ongoing need for volunteers at all locations to help with shelving books and "reading" shelves. Flexible schedule. Training is provided and an assessment test is required. Requires good eyesight and the ability to stand and push carts of books. If yo like to organize and straighten things this is the job for you!

Volunteers Needed! We have intermittent needs for volunteers with fluent foreign language skills or certification in American Sign Language who can serve as interpreters on an as-needed basis.

• Volunteers at the library must be at least 16 years old.
• Younger teens (age 13 and older) are invited to serve on the Teenville Advisory Board.

Volunteer Application Process

• Complete a Volunteer Application and submit it to any library branch.
• Upon receipt of the application, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to schedule an interview. At that point we will discuss your interests, talents and availability, as well as what opportunities are available at the time.
• Personal and employment references will be checked.
• Once an appropriate placement is found, the Volunteer Coordinator will call you to arrange a work schedule for you. Job-specific training will be provided on-site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What volunteer jobs exist at the library?

• Most of our volunteer jobs involve helping us process books and other library materials and get them back out on the shelves where patrons can access them. For those that can volunteer at the Hughes Main Library, there are also opportunities helping with children’s programs, assisting patrons in our computer lab area, researching records in our South Carolina room and staffing our Friend’s gift shop. We also have special events for which we need groups of volunteers.

Can I volunteer at my local branch?

• Yes, we routinely have needs for volunteers at the local branches.

I work full-time. Can I volunteer after work or on the weekends?

• Yes, many of our volunteer jobs can be done during those hours.

What sort of time commitment is involved?

• It’s flexible. Most volunteers work a regular schedule of one to five hours weekly depending on their assignment, but that’s not required. We can usually work out a volunteer schedule that meets both your needs and ours.

My teenager needs to earn volunteer service hours for school. Can he apply at the library?

• Yes, provided he is at least age 16. Younger teens (age 13 and older) who want to volunteer with the library might be interested in our Teenville Advisory Board. For more information, click here.

Do you accept court-ordered volunteers?

• Under some circumstances. Call the Volunteer Coordinator to discuss your needs and availability.

How do I apply to be a volunteer?

• The first step is to complete a volunteer application and return it to your library branch or directly to our Volunteer Coordinator, who will then call you to schedule an interview at your convenience. You will need to provide personal and/or employment references. Depending on the job you will be doing, you may need to pass a standard assessment test. We will provide on-the-job training after you are placed.