Volunteering

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Friends of the Library!

The Friends rely on volunteers to successfully support the Metropolitan Library System. As a volunteer, you can help in two ways:

Book Sale
Sort Site

The Friends Book Sale, annually held in February, is one of the largest in the nation. Each year, over 1,000 volunteers assist in making the event possible. Nearly $250,000 is raised during the Book Sale and proceeds are given in grants to support the Metropolitan Library System.

When is this volunteer opportunity?

The Friends Book Sale is held annually in February! The 2025 Book Sale will be Friday, February 21 through Sunday, February 23.

What do I do to sign up for and volunteer with the Book Sale?

Choose the way you’d like to help and the day and time that work for you.
Log in if you are a returning volunteer or complete the online volunteer application.

What can Book Sale Volunteers do?

Assist with moving in and setting up before the sale begins
Help customers by monitoring line flow, cashiering, holding purchases, and stocking books on tables
Work behind the scenes with fellow volunteers and perform other tasks as needed
Receive service hours for schools, clubs, and scholarships
Shop early before the Book Sale in February
Have fun

Click here to volunteer for Book Sale!

Sort Site volunteers get books ready for Book Sale!

When is this volunteer opportunity?

Sort Site volunteers are welcome year-round!

Volunteers choose a day of the week and volunteer throughout year, Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

How do I get started volunteering at the Sort Site?

Choose the way you’d like to help and the days that work for you
Complete the online volunteer application
Sort Site volunteers will then begin an approval process, including a background check, orientation, and training

What can I do as a Sort Site volunteer?

Help in the warehouse where books are received
Sort and box book donations and library withdrawals to be sold at the Book Sale
Post qualifying books for sale through Amazon or eBay and manage the mailing of books
Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow book lovers

Click Here to Sign Up

Frequently Asked Questions

If I want to volunteer with a group, how do we do that?

Each person interested in volunteering will need to select an opportunity and complete the online volunteer profile before volunteering. This ensures that we have the appropriate number of volunteers in each area for each shift.

How old do I need to be to volunteer?

Volunteers for the Friends must be 14 years of age or older for many book sale roles. Volunteers for the Friends at the Sort Site must be 18 years of age or older. Due to insurance requirements, there are no exceptions to this rule.

Can I bring my children with me to volunteer?

Unfortunately, due to insurance requirements, no. While volunteering for the Friends, you may not bring children 13 years of age and under unless they are being supervised by someone who is not volunteering.

I can't stand for long periods of time; is there still a place for me to volunteer?

Yes! For Book Sale, please choose either customer service or cashiering. These areas have jobs that are suitable for sitting.

For the Sort Site, please choose online sales or other computer-based and seated roles.

Can I just come out and help at the Sort Site or Book Sale?

No, you’ll need to sign up for an available opportunity and in some cases receive approval before volunteering. You can sign up here.

Love of books and reading inspired my volunteering with Friends, but making sure others have the opportunity to have a book of their own is why I help at both the sort site and sale.

Valerie Hernandez