Volunteer

The Orillia Public Library is fortunate to have volunteers who contribute their time and talent to enhance Library services in our community. Our volunteer opportunities are ongoing and we welcome applications. We also accept students looking to fulfill their volunteer hour requirements. Visit the Library for an application or email us for more information. (Volunteers ages 18 years of age and older require a criminal record check with a vulnerable sector screening.)

Here is a sampling of what our volunteers do:

Shelve Library collections
Bring books to people who are unable to visit the Library
Deliver books to local nursing and retirement homes
Work in our Library Bookstore
Assist with special events
And much, much more!

Current volunteer opportunities include:

Home Book Delivery

Deliver books as needed to customer who are confined to their home by illness or injury. Please email us if you would like more information.

Library Bookstore

Organize our book store shelves and assist book store shoppers with purchases Please email us if you would like more information.

Nursing and Retirement Home Book Delivery

Deliver books on a monthly basis to local nursing and retirement homes. Volunteers also sign out and keep track of deliveries to residents. Please email us if you would like more information.

SPICE (Seniors Partnering with Immigrants in Conversation Exchanges)

SPICE (Seniors Partnering with Immigrants in Conversation Exchanges) connects seniors looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity with immigrants who wish to practice their English language skills. One-on-one conversation exchanges provide newcomers with an opportunity for enhanced language learning in a friendly and informal environment. A conversation exchange can be as simple as sharing recipes or family stories, discussing politics, chatting about popular culture, or debating opinions over coffee. This is a fun and flexible program designed to foster friendship and understanding. Training and resources are provided for volunteers, and the commitment is flexible (suggested one hour per week).

Volunteers must be age 55 or older, be proficient in English (or French), be patient, appreciate diversity, complete Cultural Competency Training (provided) and obtain a criminal record check (existing Library volunteers who have already completed the check may not require a second record check). If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer with SPICE, please email us.

Teen Volunteers

The Orillia Public Library offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for youth during the summer and throughout the school year. To apply fill out a volunteer form, available in the teen section of the Library. Teen volunteers must have graduated from Grade 8. Please email us for more information.

Summer Volunteers:

Teen summer volunteers are a vital part of our library and we value the support they provide during our seven week summer reading program. Teen volunteers assist us with shelving and straightening Library materials and preparing for and helping to implement children's and youth programs.

Book and Game Reviewers:

We need teens to read and review our newest, hottest titles in the YA collection or to play and review our video games! Your reviews will appear on social media and help others find great new reads!

Teen Advisory Board:

Our Teen Advisory Board meets monthly throughout the school year to guide teen programs and encourage Library participation for youth.

Program Support and Outreach Squad:

Teen volunteers support children's, youth and family programs at the Library and in the community throughout the year.