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Volunteering at the Austin Public Library

Procedures for Adult and Youth Volunteers

1. All individuals interested in volunteering are asked to complete an application. Applications are located at www.ci.austin.tx.us/library/libvol.htm or you can request a paper copy application.
2. The minimum age to volunteer with the library is 13 years of age; no exceptions
3. Our volunteer policy asks that you volunteer at least 2 hours per week; additional hours can be added with your supervisor's approval.
4. Once an application is received, the library volunteer coordinator will contact your preferred volunteer locations to inquire about any volunteer opportunities.
5. When a volunteer opportunity is located, a meeting is scheduled to meet at the library branch with your supervisor to review library volunteer polices and procedures.
6. A criminal background check is also required for all individuals age 13 and older NOTE - background checks can take up to 10 days or longer to process.
7. Once your background check successfully clears, you will be notified and can begin volunteering immediately.
8. If no openings, the option is to proceed to the next closest library location.

Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (512) 974.7443 or by

Thank you for choosing the Austin Public Library as your volunteer location.

Community Service Volunteers (CSR)

• Community Service individuals must plan ahead to complete your hours by the restitution due date. Please allow time for unexpected delays. Allow 3 or more weeks before your service hours are due to ensure the library has the necessary time to find a placement, complete a background check and for you to complete your required hours.
• The Austin Public Library will not place any person seeking service hours due to the following
  1. Violent Acts or Assaults
  2. Crime that involve minors or children
  3. Theft of any kind
  4. Felonies

1. Visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/library/libvol.htm to locate the volunteer application Please complete
   1. Adult or Youth application
   2. Community Service sheet
2. A Criminal Background Check is required of all volunteers 13 and older.
   NOTE - background checks can take up to 10 working days or longer to process and receive notification.
3. Community Service individuals must plan ahead to complete hours by restitution due date. Please allow time for unexpected delays. Allow 3 or more weeks before your service hours are due to ensure the library has the necessary time to find a placement, complete background check requirements and for you to complete your required service hours.
4. Individuals that have less than 40 hours of restitution will not be placed at a branch. Other opportunities will be located throughout the library.
5. Individuals that have 2 weeks or less to complete your service hours, please contact the United Way Volunteer Center at 472.6267 for assistance in locating an agency/opportunity that may have an immediate placement.
6. The Austin Public Library will send you a letter of completion once your hours have been verified by an APL employee.

Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (512) 974.7443 or by

Thank you for choosing the Austin Public Library as your volunteer location.

Back to The Volunteer Program