Volunteer

When you volunteer at Bentonville Public Library, you give an extraordinary gift to our shared community.

BPL Volunteers will:

  • Work in a positive environment
  • Meet new and interesting people
  • Gain a feeling of accomplishment
  • Learn about the library and all of its resources

Volunteer opportunities for all ages.

Find the program that is right for you!

Junior Partners

Eligibility

  • Between 8-12 years of age
  • Familiar with alphabetizing
  • Able to follow directions
  • Able to physically move books from cart to shelf
  • Be punctual based on the schedule set up with the volunteer coordinator
  • Must be willing to abide by all Library and City of Bentonville rules and policies
  • Please consider carefully whether this time commitment will fit your schedule, we will depend on you
  • Parents MUST accompany child while volunteering

Accompanying Adult

  • Over 18 years of age
  • Familiar with alphabetizing
  • Able to follow directions
  • Able to physically move books from cart to shelf
  • Be punctual based on the schedule set up with the volunteer coordinator
  • Must be willing to abide by all Library and City of Bentonville rules and policies
  • All adult volunteer applicants over 18 years of age are subject to a background check

Benefits

  • Spend quality time with parent/guardian while learning the importance of giving back to the community
  • Satisfaction from promoting literacy
  • Spend a few hours volunteering in a positive environment
  • Keep the Library an attractive and enjoyable place to visit in Benton County
  • Develop additional communication and interpersonal skills

 Volunteer Duties

  • Shelving books, DVDs, CDs and other Library items
  • Maintaining shelf order
  • Review books for damage
  • Straighten and dust book shelves
  • Assist with craft projects when needed
  • Resurfacing/cleaning DVDs
  • Special projects when required

How to Apply

Please complete the online volunteer application.  Or, applications are available at the Bentonville Library.  Upon receipt of a complete application, library staff will contact you to discuss volunteer opportunities and schedule an appointment. 

Connect with Us

For more information you can reach out through our contact form here.

Teens

Eligibility

  • 13 to 18 years of age
  • Self-motivated and reliable
  • Able to follow directions
  • Able to physically move books from cart to shelf
  • Must be willing to abide by all Library and City of Bentonville rules and policies
  • Teens who want to make a difference in their community and promote literacy
  • Please consider carefully whether this time commitment will fit your schedule, we will depend on you
  • Court-ordered community service not applicable.

Benefits

  • Learn job-related skills
  • Develop additional communication and interpersonal skills
  • Volunteer experience can be added to scholarship, college and job applications
  • Opportunity to apply for a position on our Teen Advisory Board
  • Opportunity to apply for library affiliate group's scholarships
  • Satisfaction from promoting literacy and reading in your community

 Volunteer Duties

  • Returning materials to shelves
  • Maintaining shelf order
  • Craft preparation
  • Assisting with set-up/clean-up of Children's programs
  • Manage the Summer Reading Club desk
  • Participating in the Teen Summer Reading Club
  • Other duties as needed

How to Apply

BPL's teen volunteer schedule is currently full.  If you would like to be added to the waitlist and notified of future opportunities, please complete the online volunteer application.  You will receive an email when volunteer opportunities become available. 

Connect with Us

For more information you can reach out through our contact form here.

Adults

Eligibility

  • Over 18 years of age
  • Familiar with alphabetizing
  • Able to follow directions
  • Able to physically move books from cart to shelf
  • Be punctual based on the schedule set up with the volunteer coordinator
  • Must be willing to abide by all Library and City of Bentonville rules and policies
  • Please consider carefully whether this time commitment will fit your schedule, we will depend on you
  • Court-ordered community service not applicable

Benefits

  • Satisfaction from giving support to the community and promoting literacy
  • Spend a few hours volunteering in a positive environment
  • Keep the Library an attractive and enjoyable place to visit in Benton County
  • Develop additional communication and interpersonal skills

Volunteer Duties

  • Shelving books, DVDs, CDs and other Library items
  • Maintaining shelf order
  • Review books for damage
  • Book repair, which includes spine repair, rebinding and taping
  • Straighten and dust book shelves
  • Assist with craft projects when needed
  • Resurfacing/cleaning DVDs
  • Special projects when required

How to Apply

Please complete the online volunteer application.  Or, applications are available at the Bentonville Library.  Upon receipt of a complete application, library staff will contact you to discuss volunteer opportunities and schedule an appointment.  All adult volunteer applicants over 18 years of age are subject to a background check.

Connect with Us

For more information you can reach out through our contact form here.

Organizations/Groups

Team volunteering is an enjoyable and effective way for people to benefit their community and help make a difference!

Eligibility

Organizations or Groups who want to make an impact in their community.

Benefits

  • Improve morale and leadership
  • Increase communication and bonding
  • Satisfaction from promoting reading and literacy in your community.

Whether you are coworkers, friends or family, volunteering together is a great way to make a positive impact in the Library and further develop team-building skills that can be utilized in the workplace.

How to Apply

You can apply through our contact form here. The Organization / Group Leader must complete an group volunteer application.

Corporate Grant Programs

The Bentonville Library Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports our library.  The Foundation is eligible for charitable contributions if your corporation has a volunteer donation program such as Volunteerism Always Pays (VAP).  Please submit your corporate paperwork payable to the Bentonville Library Foundation.  The grant will be used solely for the direct benefit of Bentonville Public Library.

We look forward to working with you.

 

Thank You!

When you volunteer at Bentonville Public Library, you give an extraordinary gift to our shared community.  Please note, Bentonville Public Library does not accept court ordered community service applicants.