Opportunities From: City of Garland TX

Teens can earn community service hours by volunteering at the South Garland Library! Help us prepare for children's programs and keep our Children's Area tidy.

Examples of typical duties:

Cleaning toys used in storytimesPrepping crafts for programsPulling books from shelves per librarian instructions

This volunteer opportunity is for ages 12-18 only. Volunteers will sign in for their shift at the Children's Desk.

➡️Due to limited shift availability, volunteers may sign up for no more than four shifts in a month. Additionally, we cannot fulfill court-ordered community service requirements. We appreciate your understanding.

➡️If you cannot attend your volunteer shift, please cancel it online or call us at 972-205-3934 to let us know. If you have three no-call no-show occurrences with the Garland libraries, we will delete your future shifts and you will no longer be permitted to volunteer at any of the library branches.

Teens can earn community service hours by volunteering at the North Garland Library! Help us keep our books organized and the children's area clean.

Duties include:

Wiping down toys and surfaces in the Children's Area Dusting shelves Preparing materials for library storytimes and programs

This volunteer opportunity is for ages 12-17 only. Volunteers will sign in for their shift at the Children's Desk. 

Due to limited shift availability, volunteers may sign up for no more than two shifts in a month. We appreciate your understanding.

ATTENTION: Starting on Monday, March 23, volunteering on the Reader Stairs will be limited to 3 hours per day. The rules written below are still in effect. 

Central Library is looking for teen volunteers to model proper usage of our new Reader Stairs. To discourage people (especially children) from climbing or jumping on the Reader Stairs, volunteers can find a seat on the stairs while reading a book, working on school assignments, or other quiet activities of your choosing. Snacks and covered drinks are allowed, but meals must be eaten in the upstairs lobby. Here's how it works:

Respond to this opportunity one time. This sign-up allows you to volunteer on the Reader Stairs at your own convenience. Sign in at the Children's Desk to get your volunteer lanyard. You must wear your volunteer lanyard at all times when you are signed in.Find an available space on the Reader Stairs.If you see a child climbing or jumping on the stairs, remind them that the Reader Stairs are for sitting.Sign out at the Children's Desk when your shift is done.

Volunteers are welcome to sign up in groups to sit together on the stairs, as long as they keep their volume at a reasonable level. Music or audio from phones must be played on headphones/earbuds.

This volunteer opportunity is for ages 12-18 only during Central Library's operating hours. Volunteers will sign in for their shift downstairs at the Children's Desk. UPDATE: Volunteers must sign out at least 30 minutes before closing. 

➡️PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept volunteers that are fulfilling court-mandated service hours.

Central Library Operating Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sunday: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Teen can earn community service hours by volunteering at the North Garland Library. Help us at our September STEAM Lab.  Kids will be designing and testing ziplines made from recycled materials.

Duties include:

Setting and talking down table and chairs.Assisting kids with trouble shooting projects.

This volunteer opportunity is for teens ages 12-17 only.  Volunteers will sign-in for their shift at the Children's Desk.

Makerspace Volunteer

Department: Garland Public Libraries
Division: Makerspace / Creative Services
Volunteer Classification: Adult Volunteer (18+)
Location: Garland Central Library & West Garland Library
Schedule: Flexible – Based on library needs and volunteer availability

Help Others Create, Build, and Explore

Garland Public Library is seeking skilled and community-minded adults to serve as Makerspace Volunteers. If you enjoy working with creative tools and technology — and love helping others learn — this is a meaningful way to give back.

Makerspace Volunteers work alongside library staff to support patrons using innovative equipment and creative tools in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.

This is a hands-on role ideal for adults who want to share their expertise while supporting community access to technology and creative expression.

What You’ll Do

Assist patrons with the safe and appropriate use of makerspace equipment

Provide basic instruction, demonstrations, and troubleshooting within your area of expertise

Support staff during open makerspace hours, workshops, and special programs

Help maintain cleanliness and organization of the makerspace

Promote a positive and respectful environment for all ages

Refer complex issues or policy questions to library staff

Volunteers do not supervise independently and work under the direction of library staff at all times.

Skills We’re Looking For

Volunteers should demonstrate experience in at least one of the following areas:

Computers, software, and printing

Sewing and embroidery machines

3D printing (setup and basic troubleshooting)

Laser cutting/engraving

Cricut or vinyl cutting machines

Fiber arts (knitting, crochet, embroidery)

Podcast recording and audio production

Video recording and editing

You do not need to know everything. Have the ability to learn new technologies. We will train you. 

Qualifications

Must be 18 years or older

Proven hands-on experience in at least one makerspace discipline

Strong communication and patience when working with patrons of varying skill levels

Comfortable interacting with teens, adults, and families

Dependable, professional, and team-oriented

Willing to complete the required City onboarding and training

Schedule & Commitment

Flexible scheduling based on your availability and library programming needs

Ideal for volunteers seeking a consistent part-time commitment

Regular attendance and advance notice of absences are expected

Screening & Training

All Makerspace Volunteer Applicants must:

Meet with Library staff for an interview

Complete City volunteer onboarding and library training

Successfully pass a City of Garland background check before placement

Attend orientation covering library policies, safety guidelines, and patron interaction expectations

Description:
Garland Public Libraries are expanding our volunteer program and seeking adult volunteers interested in supporting library services across the city.

Historically, the library’s volunteer program has focused on youth participation. Due to the program’s success and the growing need for support, we are now building a pool of adult volunteers who can be contacted as new opportunities become available.

This is not a single-position commitment. Instead, selected volunteers will be part of an interest pool and may choose to participate in opportunities that match their availability and interests. This flexible structure allows volunteers to serve without the pressure of a fixed schedule or long-term obligation.

Potential volunteer roles may include assisting with programs, supporting staff with light administrative tasks, helping with events, and contributing to special projects.

All selected volunteers will be required to complete a background check and participate in a brief interview to ensure alignment with the needs of the library and the interests of the volunteer.

Key Details:

Open to adults (18+) Flexible, as-needed opportunities No minimum hour requirement Background check required Interview required prior to placement

If you are interested in supporting your local library and contributing to your community in a flexible way, we encourage you to apply and join our volunteer interest pool.

Department: Garland Public Libraries

Division: Outreach and Engagement Services

Volunteer Classification: Adult Volunteer (18+)

Location: Various — based on outreach and programming needs

Schedule: Flexible – based on library needs and volunteer availability

Help Us Bring the Library to the Community

Garland Public Libraries is seeking community-minded adults to serve as Outreach Volunteers. If you enjoy connecting with people, supporting programs and helping others access library resources — this is a meaningful way to give back!

Outreach Volunteers work alongside library staff to support programs, events and services for the Garland community, including underserved and hard-to-reach populations. This is a people-centered role ideal for adults who want to make a difference while gaining hands-on experience in community outreach.

Volunteers will work under the direction of library staff at all times.

What You'll Do

•        Support staff during outreach events and programs at a variety of community locations

•        Assist with event setup, materials preparation and breakdown

•        Engage with community members in a friendly, welcoming and inclusive way

•        Help facilitate activities and programming under the direction of library staff

•        Promote awareness of library services and resources to event attendees

•        Refer questions and complex issues to library staff as needed

Skills We're Looking For

•        Genuine enjoyment of meeting and talking with new people

•        Warm, approachable, and easy to engage in conversation

•        Strong communication and interpersonal skills

•        Patience and flexibility when working with people of varying backgrounds and skill levels

•        Comfortable engaging with diverse populations, including seniors, non-English speakers, teens and families

•        Ability to work as part of a team and take direction from library staff

•        Dependable and professional

Qualifications

•        Must be 18 years or older

•        Customer service, community outreach or public-facing experience preferred

•        Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

•        Willing to complete required City onboarding and training

Schedule & Commitment

•        Flexible scheduling based on availability and library programming needs

•        Outreach events may include evenings and weekends

•        Regular attendance and advance notice of absences are expected

Screening & Training

All Adult Outreach Volunteer applicants must:

•        Meet with library staff for an interview

•        Complete City volunteer onboarding and library training

•        Successfully pass a City of Garland background check before placement

•        Attend orientation covering library policies, safety guidelines and patron interaction expectations