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King County Library System welcomes and encourages volunteers. Volunteers enrich the capabilities of the Library System. Volunteers may donate their time in the community libraries or on system-wide special projects and events. Volunteer service is performed with guidance and support from the King County Library System. Benefits of Volunteering with KCLS

Volunteers contribute over 4,000 hours of assistance to KCLS every month!

KCLS has a new direct online application process. Learn about our types of volunteer opportunities and how to apply by clicking on the categories below. Once you have created a login, you can use it to apply to any of the six volunteer program opportunities. Please note that applying to volunteer at KCLS is the first step towards becoming a volunteer, which also includes an interview with a KCLS staff and clearing a Washington State Patrol criminal history check.

KCLS Volunteer Programs

Library Volunteers
Library volunteers help KCLS staff meet patron needs in a variety of ways. Some volunteer duties and responsibilities include: pull patron holds off the shelves, shelve holds for patrons to pick up, assist librarians with programs, help patrons use the self-check out and self-check in technology, and other support tasks.

Study Zone Volunteers
The Study Zone is a great place for students to study, do homework and get help with their questions. Volunteer tutors provide free homework help during Study Zone hours. Volunteers help in many subject areas, including Math, Science and test preparation.

Talk Time Volunteers
Talk Time Volunteers help people with their conversational English skills.

Traveling Library Center—Words on Wheels Volunteers
The Words on Wheels program, consisting of staff and volunteers, brings materials to those who can't get to the library.

TechTutor Volunteers
The TechTutor Volunteer Training Program provides you with the opportunity to teach others how to use personal computers and the Internet.

Citizenship Volunteers
Citizenship Volunteers help people study for the U.S Naturalization Test.

Benefits of Volunteering with KCLS

• Volunteers can take pride in helping KCLS provide outstanding library services to over one million residents, plus visitors. KCLS is one of the three highest circulating library systems in the country.
  
  
• While working in the KCLS environment, volunteers may learn more about KCLS services, improve their ability to use KCLS resources, learn to represent KCLS to their friends and neighbors, and enjoy a closer interaction with KLCS patrons and materials.
  
  
• Volunteers may gain or strengthen useful skills, such as teaching, positive communication, organization, public relations, teamwork, and leadership.
  
  
• All volunteers receive KCLS volunteer identification, anniversary pins for each year served, a certificate of appreciation and opportunities to attend System and local library recognition events.
  
  
• Eligible volunteers may ask for and receive documentation of hours served. KCLS limits letters of recommendation to a description of tasks performed.
  
  King County Library System is proud to be a certifying organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). Eligible volunteers may receive:
  
  • Personalized Certificate (with individual’s name)
  • Lapel Pin (bronze, silver, gold or lifetime depending on total volunteer hours)
  • Congratulatory Letter from the President of the United States

Kids (ages 5 to14), young adults (ages 15 to 25), and adults (age 26+) may earn award packages at the bronze, silver, and gold levels. Participation in the program is voluntary and volunteers must record their hours using the KCLS volunteer software and notify their KCLS volunteer supervisor when they have reached a milestone in a 12-month period. For more information.