How to Volunteer
The Palos Verdes Library District welcomes volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering with the Palos Verdes Library District and are at least 14 years old, please complete the online volunteer application and indicate skills/interest and availability. Applicants will be contacted as volunteer opportunities become available.
Complete the Volunteer Application
For more information, please call (310) 377-9584, ext. 208, or email [email protected].
Volunteer Opportunities
Please note: Volunteer opportunities are limited and not all opportunities may be available at this time.
Computer Docents
Computer Docents work alongside a librarian to assist library patrons in using the Library's public computers. They assist with general questions on printing, accessing the internet, Microsoft Office, and general troubleshooting.
Internet Book Sales
Internet Book Sales consist of two main roles - listing and shipping. On the listing side, volunteers check donated books for book condition, research pricing, and list full item descriptions online for potential buyers. Once an item is purchased our shipping team packages books and uses a computer system to synchronize the shipping process. All profits benefit the Peninsula Library Friends Foundation support of the Library District.
Internet Book Sales Listing Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers to learn how to list donated books using Art of Books software. An interest in books and research are required for these positions. This is a fun and detailed process, utilizing research skills, attention to each book, and understanding of computer software. We are looking for volunteers who can make a commitment of consistency and time.
Internet Book Sales Shipping Team Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers who can commit to Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays to work with our shipping team to mail out books that were purchased. Duties include learning our download system, which requires some computer knowledge, gathering sold books from our inventory shelves, working in the mail room to create mailing labels, packing books with care, while making sure the correct book is sent to the recipient. Attention to small details are very important, along with the ability to lift and handle books with care.
Library Gift Shop
The Gift Shop serves as the nonprofit fundraising arm of the Peninsula Library Friends Foundation (PLFF). Proceeds from the shop directly support library programs, services, collections, and staffing. Gift Shop volunteers play a vital role in maintaining the shop's operating hours seven days a week by committing to a regular 2-3 hour shift each week. This is primarily a customer service and retail position, with responsibilities including assisting shoppers, processing sales through a cash register, and handling cash, credit card, and occasional check transactions. We are currently seeking volunteers to help cover shifts on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Local History Docents
The Local History Docents work in the Local History Room at the Peninsula Center Library, helping patrons access a wide variety of materials related to the Palos Verdes Peninsula and its past. They also work individually on projects geared to their interests, such as typing oral histories, scanning photographs, indexing materials, creating bibliographies, and encapsulating maps.
Passports
We process passport applications at all PVLD Library locations. Passports is a popular service, especially on the weekends, and it is often very busy with applicants eager to obtain a passport book and/or card. Volunteers assist by checking in appointments, reminding patrons about all necessary items, assisting with photocopying, and answering general questions. Volunteers may also assist with taking passport photos.
Technical Services
Technical Services volunteers assist with a variety of services including processing and shelving newspapers and magazines, repairing books, cleaning CDs and DVDs, and assisting with special projects.
TechKnows
TechKnows is a monthly tech-help program aimed at assisting adults and seniors with technology troubleshooting. The majority of the assistance to participants in need of tech help is provided by volunteers. Volunteers for this program will need to attend an informational training session where they will receive training on PVLD eResources and basic customer service skills to ensure friendly and safe interactions with patrons.
Used Book Sales
Our Used Book Sale, which is operated entirely by volunteers, has been a treasured community and library resource for many years. Our inventory is constantly being refreshed. We are seeking volunteers who enjoy working with books to sort, price, and shelve these donated books and materials as well as help to keep the shelves organized and well maintained. Shifts are flexible.
All profits benefit the Peninsula Library Friends Foundation in support of the Palos Verdes Library District.
Current Volunteers
Thank you for volunteering with the Palos Verdes Library District! All volunteer hours should be recorded via our online log.