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Volunteer

Want to Volunteer?

Volunteer opportunities in our libraries change regularly. See our Volunteer at the Library form for current opportunities and to apply.

There are also opportunities available with the Library's Friends groups and the Wisconsin Book Festival, and we have some great internships too! See below for details.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Friends of the Madison Public Library

Volunteer at the Friends' Book Store, library book sales, or helping with special projects at Central Library, or contact your local library to find out more about their Friends group and volunteer options.

Current volunteer openings:

Volunteer at the Friends of the Madison Public Library Bookstore: Central Library has a used, volunteer-ran bookstore on the first floor. It's open during all library hours, with all proceeds benefiting library programs and resources. Volunteers are needed to help with 2- to 3-hour shifts, providing customer service, cashiering, and restocking shelves. You can choose a regular weekly shift (if available) or volunteer as a substitute when your schedule permits. Fill out a volunteer application today.

Wisconsin Book Festival

The library needs volunteers like you to help put on the Wisconsin Book Festival in September and October of each year.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with this four-day festival, check out the "Get Involved" page on the Wisconsin Book Festival website.

Internships

Madison Public Library works with internship students from many different disciplines.  Current internship opportunities include:

Library Studies Internship for Graduate Students
Want to gain valuable experience working in an urban public library? Madison Public Library accepts 1-5 practicum students per semester from the UW-Madison Information School as well as distance education programs in Library Studies if students are based in Madison, WI. Contact your school's advisor or the library for more information.

AASPIRE Internship for College Students
This college-level internship offers students the opportunity to gain 8 weeks of summer experience working in a variety of different city agencies, including Madison Public Library.  Applications are taken February and March of each year, with placement occurring May-August. For more information or to apply during the application window, visit the AASPIRE Internships page.

Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship for High School Students
The Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program allows high school students the opportunity to learn about careers in city government through a paid summer internship.  Applications are taken each spring through Common Wealth Development, with summer placements June-August. For more information or to apply during the application window, visit the Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program page.

For more information on internships, or to discuss other internship opportunities, please contact Library Administration, administration@madisonpubliclibrary.org or 608-266-6363.