Volunteering
Want to give back, learn new skills or get community work experience? Check out our teen, adult and senior volunteer opportunities! Email us at volunteer@yourlibrary.ca with any questions or inquiries.
Please note that book shelving, sorting, and check-ins/check-outs are staff responsibilities, and volunteers are unable to assist in these roles.
Please contact the Friends of the Library if you are interested in volunteering to help with book sales and library advocacy opportunities
- Be able to attend an interview and orientation
- Provide us with 2 references
- Complete a Criminal Records Check
Tech Buddies (open to volunteers who are 50+)
Tech Buddies volunteers provide hands-on help with technology learning to seniors at various seniors’ facilities in Richmond. Volunteers should be tech-savvy and comfortable teaching technology basics on phones, tablets, or laptops. Additional languages are an asset.
Helpful Resources During COVID-19
- Be able to attend an interview and orientation
- Provide us with 2 references
- Complete a Criminal Records Check
Chess Club for Kids
Wednesdays 3:45 – 4:45pm at Brighouse and 4:00-5pm at Cambie
Work with community presenters assisting children in grades 1-7 at chess learning programs. Intermediate chess skills required.
Code Club for Kids
Wednesdays 3:30 – 5:00pm at Brighouse
Volunteers will assist preteens in coding on either Scratch, Python, our Raspberry Pis, or more. This is an opportunity to test your leadership skills as you empower children in our self-motivated learning environment. This opportunity is currently full.
Le Club Français
Tuesdays 4:00 – 4:45pm at Brighouse (7 week sessions offered in the winter, spring and fall).
One-on-one French reading practice with children in grades 1-3. Reading and communication skills at secondary level French required.
Minecraft Club
Wednesdays 3:45 – 4:45pm at Brighouse
Inspire children’s creativity by playing Minecraft and sharing knowledge. Experience with Minecraft required. This opportunity is currently full.
Read to a Dog
Wednesdays, November 6, 20, 27, and December 4, from 4:00-5:00pm (4 sessions. No session on November 13).
Provide one-on-one reading with children in grades 1-3, while they take turns reading to a trained therapy dog. This program is designed for reluctant readers and children lacking confidence. Must love dogs! Reading and communication skills at a secondary level required.
Reading Buddies
Thursdays 4:00 – 4:45pm at Brighouse (7 week sessions offered in the winter, spring and fall).
Provide one-on-one reading with children in grades 1-3. Reading and communication skills at secondary school level required.
SketchUp Makers
Sundays 11:00 – 12:00pm at Brighouse
Empower students interested in learning 3D modelling with SketchUp Makers. Familiarity with SketchUp preferred, but will train the right volunteers. This opportunity is currently full.
Helpful Resources During COVID-19
- Be at least 14 years of age
- Be able to attend an interview and orientation
- Provide us with 2 references
- Complete a Criminal Records Check
Computer Basics for Seniors
Sunday 2:30-4:00pm
Working with RPL staff, volunteers will assist seniors and adults with learning computer skills. Strong computer skills and intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required. Mandarin or Cantonese language skills are an asset. This opportunity is currently full.
English Corner Program
Fridays 10:00am – 12:00pm
Volunteers will take on a leadership role and assist the program facilitator with conversations, interact with the group, lead small discussions, and provide assistance to the program host with set up, take down, and other duties to help the program flow.
Friendship Corner Program
Sundays 10:00am – 12:00pm
Share conversation with newcomers who are learning English and help them find community resources. Friendly personality, knowledge of Richmond and strong English skills required.
Helpful Resources During COVID-19