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:

Frequently Asked Questions

The Friends Booksale, 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 Booksale and proceeds are given in grants to support the Metropolitan Library System.

holding area pickup point with two smiling volunteers

When is this volunteer opportunity?

The Friends Booksale is held annually in February!

Thank you to everyone that volunteered for the Fall Better Books Sale in October! We hope to see you back for the Booksale in February.

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

  • 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 Booksale 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 Booksale
  • Have fun

February Booksale Opportunities opening soon!

Sort Site volunteers get books ready for Booksale!

When is this volunteer opportunity?Carolyn Russell smiling as she sorts books

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 pm. on Wednesdays.

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 Booksale
  • Post qualifying books for sale through Amazon and manage the mailing of books
  • Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow book lovers

Click Here to Sign Up

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. 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 Booksale, please choose either customer service or cashiering in the Better Books Room area. These areas have jobs that are suitable for sitting.

 

For the Sort Site, please choose Amazon sales volunteering.

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

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