Volunteer at MCPL

Volunteers are a vital part of the library team. There are many critical operations which volunteers perform that allow the staff to assist library users. Generally, volunteers do not work directly with the public. 

 

Become A Volunteer 

Volunteers must be at least 13 years old.  

  • Call the branch where you wish to volunteer to see if positions are available. 
  • Fill out an application (PDF) and bring it to the branch where you wish to volunteer. 
  • Meet and interview with the library Volunteer Coordinator. 

We aim to match your skills, interests, experience, service preferences, and availability to our volunteer needs, placing you as soon as possible to meet our needs and yours. Both short-term and long-term assignments are available. Volunteer hours per week vary, depending on library needs and your available time. 

Volunteer advisory groups 

In addition to giving your time as an individual to your local branch, you can contribute your time to an advisory group. 

County Library Board 

The thirteen-member County Library Board inquires into all matters affecting the library system and makes recommendations to the County Executive either directly or through the MCPL Director. 

  • Twelve of the members are appointed by the County Executive and approved by the Council. 
  • The thirteenth member is appointed by the Board of Education. 
  • Each Board member is assigned two or three libraries and attends the meetings of those local Library Advisory Committees. 

Library Advisory Committees 

Each library has a Library Advisory Committee designated by the County Library Board to represent that library's service area. These committees: 

  • Advise the local library manager, the Library Board, and the County Executive concerning the library needs in the area that they represent; 
  • Suggest overall improvements to the County library system; 
  • Make recommendations concerning Board membership. 

LAC members serve up to two three-year terms. Membership must be approved by the Library Board. Apply for nomination to a Library Advisory Committee. 

Friends of the Library - Montgomery County, MD 

Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) and promotes lifelong learning in Montgomery County, MD. FOLMC provides supplemental funding, programs, and materials and equipment to MCPL to augment public funding. The organization also operates two used bookstores in Rockville and Wheaton, MD. 

Individuals, families, and corporations can learn more about how to support FOLMC.