Group of teen and adult volunteers

Volunteering

Embrace the spirit of community engagement by volunteering with us! Be a valued part of our mission to inspire lifelong learning and enrich lives while gaining meaningful experiences in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

View Volunteer Opportunities

Our Vision,
Mission & Values

Our Vision

We envision a thriving community that is multi-literate, engaged and welcoming to all.

Our Mission

We provide equitable access to lifelong learning and contribute to the wellbeing of all.

Our Values

  • Trust
    We are a trusted community resource for diverse information and perspectives where the needs and privacy of all are respected.
  • Equity
    We prioritize equity, access and inclusion in everything we do.
  • Joy of Discovery
    We spark and sustain a culture of creativity, innovation and self­-expression.
  • Future Readiness
    We support our community to address today's needs and tomorrow's potential.
  • Compassion
    We embrace the humanity in everyone and treat all with respect.
A staff person pulling books off a shelf at the John M. Harper Branch to fill holds
Main in a wheelchair volunteering at a library

Why Volunteer at WPL?

Our volunteers assist with programs and events, provide Collections support, help select books for Visiting Library Service customers and more.

  • Enhance and develop valuable skills in a positive work environment.
  • Embrace opportunities to connect with your community including library staff, fellow volunteers and library customers.
  • Contribute to our mission of providing resources for lifelong learning and creating welcoming spaces for all.
  • Discover the magic! Learn more about what happens behind-the-scenes at a public library.

Current Openings

  • Teen Events Team Volunteer Position

    Teen Events Team Volunteer

    Location: All Waterloo Public Library locations

    Times/Shifts: Volunteers will choose their shifts from a list of available shifts at various locations. Shifts will typically be 1 to 3 hours in length and will mostly be in the evenings and weekends during the school year from October to June. Shifts may include day shifts during summer and during school holidays. Some exceptions may apply. 

    Estimated Start Date: New Teen Events Team volunteers will be onboarded in October.

    Estimated End Date: Ongoing (Teen Events Team members can continue being a volunteer on the team through grades 9 to 12).

    Number of Positions: Up to 10

    What You’ll Do:

    • Provide excellent customer service during programs, taking time to greet customers and assist with crafts or other activities.
    • Assist with set-up and clean-up of programs or events. Some light lifting (such as chairs, other program materials, etc.) may be required.
    • Engage with children and adults alike while supporting learning of new skills and experiences.
    • Host programs for other teens including art events, crafting, game nights and more.
    • Potential to plan and organize community-minded initiatives.
    • Attend 1 to 2 meetings per year to brainstorm program ideas and connect with programmers and other volunteers.
    • Commit to a minimum of 4 hours of volunteer time in a 6 month period of time.

    Your Impact:

    • Create a welcoming and engaging environment for WPL customers.
    • Provide a teen perspective to WPL’s services ensuring that we are creating an environment that is welcoming to young people and where young people see themselves represented in the library. 

    We Are Looking For Someone Who Is:

    • Currently attending high school and in Grade 9 to 12.
    • Friendly and a great communicator.
    • Enthusiastic and committed to providing support and assistance to children and adults in programs.
    • Creative and eager to learn new things.
    • Professional, punctual and organized.
    • A team player and works well with others.

    Applications are due by Monday, September 29 at 9am.

    Apply Now

Looking for other volunteer opportunities?

Explore diverse volunteer opportunities beyond the library in the vibrant Waterloo Region. Connect with local organizations, contribute to meaningful causes, and make a positive impact on our community by discovering a range of rewarding volunteer experiences tailored to your interests.

Have questions about volunteering with us?

We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about volunteering with WPL. You can reach us at 519-886-1310 ext.186 or by emailing us at volunteer@wpl.ca.