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Volunteering at the ACPL

Volunteers are essential to the function of the ACPL. From the opening of the library in 1895, volunteers have played vital roles at the Allen County Public Library. Each year over 1000 individuals give of their time and talents to assist staff in the delivery of quality service to customers at the Main Library and all thirteen branches. The priority of the Volunteer Services department is to ensure a win-win situation for both volunteers and staff that will result in positive, satisfying experiences.

ACPL Volunteers

FAQs

  • A variety of volunteer opportunities are available at the library that may suit your interests and our needs

  • From weekly commitments, to assisting monthly, to one-time special events, or volunteering as a family unit.

  • If you are 13 years or older, you may apply to be a volunteer at the ACPL. Individuals under the age of 18 must obtain parental/guardian permission.

  • You can find our Volunteer Application here.

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    Volunteer applications will be kept on file and applicants are contacted when volunteer opportunities become available

  • If your interests and skills match our needs, an interview will be scheduled which will include filling out an application, discussing time commitments, and going over other aspects of volunteering. 

Enjoy reading aloud, and empowering others?

The Audio Reading Service broadcasts the live reading of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, and we broadcast the recorded readings of over 65 other publications such as Fort Wayne Business News, Prevention, People, Consumer Reports, and The New Yorker.

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Our target audience is listeners of all ages who have visual, physical, learning, or language challenges to reading traditional printed materials.

 

Available Opportunities:

  • What’s going on in Decatur? Or Auburn? Or Columbia City? Find out – along with our listeners, by reading Area News. We have an every-other Thursday, 8:00 am – 9:30 am opportunity available to read our area community newspapers from hard copy and from the tablet.
     

If your skills and passions match our needs, we'd love to have you join our audio reading team of ACPL volunteers! An interview and audition is required. Please contact the Audio Reading Service at (260) 421-1375, or audioreader@acpl.info with any questions.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Allen County Public Library

Volunteering at the Allen County Public Library is more than just giving your time – as a volunteer, you play a vital role in supporting literacy, learning, and connection by helping patrons of all ages discover the joy of books, explore cutting-edge technology, and access essential resources. Join us and be a part of the library’s mission to inspire lifelong learning and strengthen Allen County for generations to come.

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Available Opportunities:
 

  • The library is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help bring our upcoming “Dinosaurs, Fossils – Exposed” exhibit to life! You will welcome guests and guide them through the exhibit, sharing fun facts, answering questions, and conversing with visitors of all ages. We’ll provide the training and support you need to feel confident and prepared for this position. All we ask is that you give us 2-3 hours per week from May 1 – July 31. This position is open to adults only, and all successful applicants must pass a background screening. All accepted volunteers need to be available for training during the last week of April. If you are interested, fill out the volunteer application and include your availability so we can match you with days and times that the exhibit will be open. Step into the world of dinosaurs and help inspire the next generation of explorers!
     

  • Join us in keeping our library organized and accessible for everyone! Are you detail-oriented and love spending time in a library? We’re looking for volunteers to help with shelf reading at the Georgetown Branch! Shelf reading ensures our books and materials are correctly organized and easy for everyone to find. It also helps maintain a tidy and welcoming library space. No prior experience is needed—just a love for books and attention to detail! If you’re interested, please fill out a volunteer application and specify Shelf Reading at Georgetown.

Read Information Aloud for Others

Audio Reading Service volunteers read printed news and information, which is then broadcast for people with visual, physical, learning, or language challenges to reading traditional print. This service makes printed content accessible in an audio format for everyone, and the friendly voices of our volunteers keep listeners connected to their community.

 

Our volunteers read the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette live Monday-Saturday, and record over 85 other publications on weekdays, including Prevention, People, Consumer Reports, The New Yorker, and more. Broadcasts are available to our listeners via HD Radio and TV, as well as online streaming, on-demand, and select local programs are available as podcasts.

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If you love to read and have a good, clear voice, share your skills by becoming a volunteer reader!
Please specify Audio Reading Service or an opportunity listed below on your application.

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Available Opportunities:

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  • Read and record programs when a regular reader is absent by becoming a Substitute Recorded Reader. Subs receive a weekly email notification of upcoming opportunities to cover a program, and may select opportunities that fit your schedule and interests. Materials are read from hard copy and digital touchscreen tablet. Programs are either 30 minutes or one hour of recording, within a 90-minute recording session timeslot. We can work with your schedule, Monday-Friday between 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. Training will be provided. 
     

  • Become a Substitute Live Reader, reading the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette live on the air with an experienced partner. Subs receive a weekly email notification of upcoming opportunities to cover for a regular live reader’s absence. Each live broadcast opportunity is a 3-hour session that occurs on a weekday from 8:00 am - 11:00 am, or on a Saturday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. You may select an opportunity that fits your schedule. Training includes observing and participating in live broadcasts for 2-3 mornings in a row prior to your first scheduled sub reading. 

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If your skills and passions match our needs, we'd love to have you join our audio reading team of ACPL volunteers, weekdays between 8am-3pm. An interview and audition are required. Please contact the Audio Reading Service at (260) 421-1376, or audioreader@acpl.info with any questions.

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