Support the community we're all a part of by volunteering at BPL! We welcome applications from those 14 years of age or older. 

At this time, we are only accepting volunteer applications from students who are interested in virtual opportunities.

As a student, if you are interested in any of the volunteer roles listed below, please email volunteers@barrielibrary.ca and tell us which position you are most interested in so that we can send you a link to the appropriate online volunteer application.

We are actively looking for volunteers to fill the following library positions:

• BPL Leaders and Innovative Teens (formerly the Teen Advisory Board)
  This program will allow Teens to develop leadership skills by representing the Barrie Public Library at their schools, in library programs, and at community events. Volunteer hours will be provided to each BPL LIT member for every virtual meeting or activity attended.

• Teen Reviewers
  Teens have a new way to earn volunteer hours at the library – by writing reviews! This is a great opportunity for teens who love to write. Any book, movie, audiobook, graphic novel, or video game that is available at the library can be reviewed. Reviews must be 250-500 words in length. Approved reviews will be posted on the library’s website. Each completed review earns the reviewer 2 volunteer hours. 

Please review the following steps carefully before you begin:

Step 1 - Review the current opportunities to see if you are interested in volunteering with the Barrie Public Library. 

Step 2 – If you are interested, email Volunteers@barrielibrary.ca for the link to an application form.

Step 3 - Carefully review the email that is sent to you once your application is received.

Step 4 - Ask two people who are not family or close friends to complete a Volunteer Applicant Reference Check for you. Paper copies of the reference check form can be picked up at either branch if needed.

If your references are not received within 3 months, your application will be deleted from our system.

Step 5 - When your references are received, our Coordinator of Volunteer Resources will be in touch to schedule an interview. 

Step 6 - Once the interview is complete and your profile, interests, skills and experiences are evaluated, our Coordinator of Volunteer Resources will determine if you are a suitable candidate. If so, we’ll provide a letter for you to complete a police check if required for the position you’re applying for.

Step 7 - Sign the volunteer waiver and complete the online AODA training. Both documents will be provided at the interview if you are successful.

Step 8 - Once your police check is complete and returned to you (if one is required), contact our Coordinator of Volunteer Resources to set up your volunteer orientation and training.

We strive to provide a variety of volunteer positions, and the list is always changing. To see a list of positions we’re currently trying to fill, see the top of this page.  

• Barrie Dragon Boat Festival
• Café Customer Service Clerk
• Chess Club Assistant
• Children's Program Volunteer
• English Conversation Circle Facilitator
• French Reading Club Assistant
• Math Buddies
• Reading Buddies
• Tech Program Assistant
• Visiting Library Service

Additional volunteer opportunities in the Barrie area can be found by visiting our Information Barrie website