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

Barrie Public Library is committed to providing a safe environment for employees, volunteers and patrons. A policy is currently in place to ensure that all employees and volunteers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Prior to volunteering, all volunteers shall disclose their vaccination status. 

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

BPL LIT (Leaders and Innovative Teens)

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 meeting or activity attended. Meetings occur on the 3rd Monday of the month from 6pm-8pm and members can join virtually or in person.

To apply click here: BPL LIT - Volunteer Application

Café Customer Service Clerk

The BPL Café, located at our Downtown Branch, is a place for patrons and staff to purchase beverages and snacks, including coffee and tea, water and pop, granola bars, muffins and more. This position is ideal for anyone who enjoys providing friendly customer service and has 2-3 hours available each week. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older and be comfortable with basic math.

To apply click here: Café Customer Service - Volunteer Application

Children's Program Assistant

There are a variety of after school and weekend programs happening at each of our locations that currently require volunteer support.

Downtown Branch

• Mondays from 5:45pm-7:00pm - Ready Set Math - Help kids enhance their math skills with fun interactive games and activities  
• Tuesdays from 5:45pm-7:00pm - Inventor Club - Assist School age kids build their creations
• Thursdays from 5:45pm-7:00pm - Ready Set Read - Play literacy games and read with children
• Saturdays from 1:45pm-4pm - Pokémon Battle Club - Teach the rules of the game and play Pokémon against school aged kids
• Sundays from 1:45pm-4pm - Dungeons and Dragons Meetup - Help kids learn and play Dungeons and Dragons

Holly Branch

• Wednesdays from 5:45pm-7:00pm - Ready Set Read - Play literacy games and read with children

Painswick Branch

• Tuesdays from 3:15pm-5:45pm - We got Game! - Teach and play various board games with children
• Tuesdays from 5:45pm-7:00pm - Ready Set Read - Play literacy games and read with children
• Thursdays from 3:15pm-5:45pm - Big Screen Gaming - Play Roblox and other games with kids
• Sundays from 1:45pm-4pm - Learn Chess - Teach and play chess with children

In addition, we are also looking for adult volunteers to assist with our Play, Learn, Grow program.

Play, Learn, Grow is an opportunity for pre-school children to try out some STEAM based learning. We are in search of volunteers who can support the Monday and Friday morning programs at our Holly Branch, the Thursday morning program at our Downtown Branch or the Wednesday morning program at our Painswick Branch. From 9:30am-11am volunteers will enjoy interacting with children and their families at various activity stations throughout the library spaces. 

To apply click here: Children's Program Assistant - Volunteer Application

Visiting Library Service Delivery Drivers

Visiting Library Service (VLS) volunteers make it possible for Barrie Public Library (BPL) to extend its services to library patrons who are confined at home and unable to visit the library in person. They also deliver materials to participating health care institutions. Deliveries occur Wednesday-Friday from 9:30am-5pm. Each volunteer is able to choose shifts that work with their schedule, and serves as a link between our homebound patrons and BPL

To apply click here: VLS Delivery Driver - Volunteer Application

Teen Reviewers (Teens must go to school or live in Barrie)

Teens have a virtual 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. 

To apply as a Teen Reviewer ONLY click here: Teen Reviewer - Volunteer Application

If you have any questions prior to applying to become a volunteer, please email: volunteers@barrielibrary.ca

Before you begin, please read the details outlined below:

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 in applying for a position, please complete the volunteer application link associated with it. Complete the application form in it's entirety and hit "Submit Application"

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

**Teen Reviewer applicants only need to complete Steps 1, 2 and 3 as listed above**

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 1 month from the date you apply, your application may 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, you may be provided a letter for you to complete a police check if one is required for the position you’re applying for.

Step 7 - Sign the volunteer waiver, upload it to your volunteer profile and complete the required online training. Documents and links to training will be provided at the end of your interview.

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 position specific 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 Volunteers
• Community Outreach Volunteers
• English Conversation Circle Facilitators

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