Volunteering

Because of library closures and the Santa Clara County Department of Health mandate during COVID we are not taking any volunteers until further notice. Please check back with us at a later date or email us at library@losgatosca.gov 

Thank you.


Interested in Volunteering?

Here are a few things you need to know...

  • Volunteers must be 15+
  • We require our volunteers to commit to a time frame and schedule that their role requires
  • Potential volunteers need to fill out an application and be prepared to come in for a short interview
  • The library recruits for specific volunteer roles that are limited (please see available roles below), and when a role is fulfilled, the application for that role will be closed until there is a need for more volunteers
  • Most volunteer roles require the volunteer to commit to a 2 or 3 hour shift per week
  • All volunteers 18+ who are interviewed and selected need to be fingerprinted before starting any volunteer work
The various volunteer roles at the library include administrative library tasks, including clerical work and collection care and maintenance. Some roles require program assistance and support for crafts, classes, tech tutoring, and other activities that make our library a vibrant place. Most of the work the volunteers do requires enthusiasm working with people (children and adults), familiarity with computers and technology, attention to detail, being an independent worker, and a willingness to tackle large tasks with many small, repetitive steps.

Available Volunteer Positions:

There are no available volunteer positions at this time until further notice.

Library Volunteering Mission Statement:



The Los Gatos Library is a gathering place for the enrichment of community life. Volunteering at the library is an opportunity for community members to enrich their lives and our community, through service.

The Library is committed to the idea that involving volunteers in its operation will assist it in carrying out its mission for the community. We appreciate the energy and talent and dedication volunteers bring to the library.

Goals for Volunteers:

  • Gain a sense of personal achievement, self-esteem and satisfaction by learning a new skill, completing a project, or using existing skills in an organization that serves the whole community.
  • Become familiar with library resources or services, get a "behind the scenes" view of library services, feel connected to the the library.
  • Enhance academic experience through the completion of required service hours.

Limitations:  

Library volunteers supplement, but do not supplant, library staff. Legal issues pertaining to patron confidentiality and the right to privacy, as well as interpreting library policy, require intensive staff training and accountability. Librarians and library staff have extensive experience, specialized skills, and knowledge. Volunteers work limited, variable schedules. Hiring, training, monitoring and managing volunteers requires extensive staff time and energy. As such, volunteering at the library must be considered as a service the library offers, not a staffing solution.

Library Volunteers do not:

  • work at any public service desk
  • have access to private patron information
  • run specialized library programming (such as a tutoring program or a special storytime program)
  • select materials for purchase

Have more questions?   Email the Children's Librarian, Catherine Gildea, at cgildea@losgatosca.gov for questions about volunteering as a teen. Email the Adult Services Librarian, Grace Song, at gsong@losgatosca.gov for questions about volunteering as an adult.