Newport Beach Library
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Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Newport Beach Public Library!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Newport Beach Public Library. We have many roles for adults and teens. Read the short role descriptions below and click the Apply button to start.
Literacy
The Mission of Project Adult Literacy (PAL) is to develop the literacy skills of adults to empower them to achieve greater success in their lives - at home, at work and in the community.
PAL employs two part-time staff, so we are always looking for volunteers. There are many ways volunteers can get involved including: tutoring, class instructor, office volunteer, social media & marketing volunteer and event volunteer. All volunteers are required to complete fingerprinting and a background check.
Volunteer Tutors/Class Instructors
Who: Age 24 or older.
Time: At least 1 hour per week for 1 year.
Training: 20‑minute online orientation + two 3‑hour group trainings. Plus 2 tutor meetings per year.
Checks: Fingerprinting and background check required.
Tasks: Meet one-on-one with a learner each week and help them reach literacy goals. Fill out short monthly or quarterly reports.
Office Volunteer/Social Media & Marketing Volunteer/Event Volunteer
All new adult learners must be assessed before starting the program. The assessment consists of a series of evaluations which should take approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete. Assessments are scheduled based only on your availability and is not a weekly commitment.
Who: Age 24 or older.
Time: Based on your availability (not weekly).
Training: 2‑hour in-person training.
Tasks: Filing, data entry, shelving, write short posts for social media, or help at events.
If you have any questions, please contact Project Adult Literacy at literacy@newportbeachca.gov or (949) 717-3874.
Library
Adults 18 and older are invited to volunteer at the Central Library to assist with the Homebound Delivery Service. Volunteer spots are limited and vary depending on library needs and availability.
Volunteers must commit to 20 hours of service per year and must attend volunteer training before starting their assignment. All volunteers are required to complete fingerprinting and a background check. Submitting an application does not guarantee placement into the program.
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served and as needed basis. We currently have a waitlist for Homebound Volunteers. You are welcome to apply and join the waitlist.
Homebound Program Volunteer
Who: Adults 18+ with reliable transportation.
Time: Deliver once a month. One year minimum. Usually 1–2 hours per month.
Training & Checks: Homebound training; fingerprinting and background check required.
Tasks: Call the patron to arrange delivery, drop off new items, return previous items to library.
Submit an Adult Volunteer Application
If you have any questions, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at mlutgen@newportbeachca.gov or (949) 717-3821.
Friends of the Library
Bookstore: Open Mon–Sat, 10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Volunteers help sort, price, and sell books.
Sales: First Friday & Saturday of Feb, Jun, Oct. Friday is for members; Saturday is for the public.
Triannual Book Sales
Every four months, on the first Friday and Saturday of February, June, and October, books not sold in the store are placed for sale in the Friends Meeting Room at the Central Library. Friday's sale day is for Members Only. All books remaining are sold by the bag on Saturday to the public.
Volunteer at the bookstore or the booksale!
Visit the Friends page or contact the Friends of the Library at nblibfriend@gmail.com or (949) 759-9667 to learn more.
Teen Volunteers
Who: Age 12–18 (7th–12th grade).
Time: Minimum 20 hours per year. Shifts usually 1–2 hours.
Training & Checks: Volunteers 15+ need fingerprinting and a background check.
Tasks: Book reviewer (write short reviews), library assistant (help with programs or crafts), or join YAAC (meet monthly and help plan).
We encourage teen volunteers to complete their own application, submit it to the library, and take the leading role in communicating with the library staff.
Submitting an application does not guarantee placement into the program.
Book Reviewer
Who: Teens who like to read and write. Time: Read and write short reviews at home. Hours count toward volunteer minimum.Tasks: Write short, conversational reviews with minimal errors.
Children’s Department Assistant
Who: Teens age 12–18 and in 7th-12th grade.
Time: Shifts 1–2 hours weekly; 20 hours per year minimum.
Tasks: Help with programs, crafts, shelving, and Summer Reading activities.
YAAC (Young Adult Advisory Council)
Time: 20 hours per year plus a monthly meeting.
Tasks: Help plan teen programs and give feedback to library staff.
To apply for Teen Volunteer opportunities, fill out the online Teen Volunteer application. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served and as needed basis.
If you have any questions, please contact our Teen Services team at teenservices@newportbeachca.gov.