Are you interested in helping at your local library? If you haven't applied to volunteer yet, what are you waiting for?
Goodlettsville branch is closed for renovations.
Volunteer at the Library
Happy National Volunteer Week 2025!
On April 15, our Volunteer Coordinator Nina NeSmith led an event at the Main Library to recognize and celebrate NPL's many dedicated volunteers. Please enjoy these photos from the party along with a deeper dive into the valuable role volunteers play at your library.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Between April 1, 2024, and April 1, 2025, 216 volunteers gave 9,469 hours of their time to support your library. That’s the equivalent of more than $257,000 in value — powering story times, shelving books, helping with events and making the magic happen behind the scenes.
Volunteers Are Everywhere
They’re helping patrons on public computers. Prepping materials in the back room. Pitching in at festivals. Volunteers touch almost every part of the library experience — and most people don’t even realize it.
Every Role Has a Purpose
No busywork here. Volunteers are thoughtfully matched to a role that suits their strengths, schedule and goals. It’s support that matters — for them and for NPL.
A Team You’ll Want to Join
Volunteers aren’t just helpers — they’re part of the team. They get training, connection and appreciation every step of the way. And they leave with real-world skills and a stronger bond to their community.
Think You’d Be a Good Fit?
You can start volunteering at age 13. Adults 18 and older just need a background check. Commit to six months or 50 hours and show up once a week. That’s all it takes to make a difference.
Volunteer Opportunities
Thinking of taking the plunge? Browse our list of available volunteer opportunities.
View individual volunteer opportunities
FAQs
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers assist the library with a wide variety of tasks. About half of the assignments involve working with our collection; shelving, pulling materials from the shelves to be delivered to patrons in other branches, and scanning the books already on the shelves to make sure they are in the right place. Volunteers also assist with clerical support, provide special event assistance, and help people use computers.
Prospective volunteers are screened for aptitudes, skills, availability, and preferences before placement. We try to connect everyone with something they will enjoy and in which they will excel. We do not accept all prospective volunteers.
What age do I have to be to volunteer?
You must be at least 13 years old to volunteer. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have permission from their parent or guardian. Adult volunteers must agree to a background check before starting their volunteer service.
Is there a minimum time commitment?
Yes, volunteers need to commit to a regular, weekly schedule for a minimum of 6 months. Due to the time involved in bringing in new volunteers, as well as the cost associated with background checks for volunteers, the library only allows volunteers to begin when they have committed to a schedule and agree to 50 hours of volunteer service.
If you cannot commit to 6 months of service to the library, or want to help help for shorter lengths of time than the library can accommodate, look for opportunities listed with Hands On Nashville.
Can I volunteer to read to kids?
Library staff are responsible for conducting programs at the library. Although there may be opportunities for volunteers to assist with these types of programs, library staff do the actual reading. The same is true of all other types of programs at the library.
Do I have to pay to park if I volunteer at Main Library?
You will be provided free parking at Main Library when volunteering.
Contact Us
Nina NeSmith
Nashville Public Library
615 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 862-5769
library.volunteerservices@nashville.gov