Adults and teens are welcome to volunteer at the Library.  To join us, please fill out the Library’s application form, or you may contact the Library's Volunteer Coordinator at 310-618-5950.  Children under 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian to volunteer, and anyone over 18 years old must be fingerprinted and background checked by the Torrance Police Department prior to starting work.  The Library tracks service hours and can fill out forms required for service clubs or college applications verifying hours worked.  The Library does not accept court-ordered volunteers. Court-ordered volunteers should contact the Volunteer Center, South Bay .

All volunteers, regardless of age, must submit an application form which may be obtained at any Torrance Library location, or complete the application online at the City's Volunteer webpage.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION

Volunteers are needed to sort, evaluate and prepare books for our sales, list higher value books on the Internet, and many other tasks. Many of our volunteers meet on Monday and Wednesday mornings, and, once trained, can also perform their tasks on other days. 

Here’s a sample of ways you can help: 

• Sort books into subject categories
• Box books ready for book sale
• Manage specific subject areas (e.g., history, children’s, art)
• Screen books for suitability for listing on the Internet
• Research higher value books and list online
• Process online orders and pack and ship
• Staff the quarterly book sales
• Restock the Friends books in the lobby
• Help with the newsletter and/or marketing
• Assist with the website and other online adventures

HOMEWORK HELPER VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION

Homework Helper volunteers are available at the Katy Geissert, Henderson, North Torrance, Southeast, and Walteria Libraries during select hours to help students successfully complete their homework assignments. Please check with the library to determine when and where the Homework Helpers are scheduled, and bring a specific homework assignment or project. The Homework Helpers are typically high school volunteers in grades 10-12, and as such may not have the skills needed to help peers or more advanced students. In these instances, please use Live Homework Help.

Teens interested in being a Homework Helper can apply online.  

WOW VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION

The Torrance Public Library is seeking adult volunteers to deliver library materials to Torrance residents who are unable to visit library facilities. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, possess a valid California Driver License and automobile insurance, and have the use of a personal vehicle. Volunteers must also be willing to commit to an ongoing delivery schedule for at least six months, and be sensitive to the needs of, and communicate effectively with, older adults and individuals with disabilities. Training will be provided on library procedures and materials selection.

Each volunteer will be assigned to an individual (patron) who is unable to visit the library, who has registered for the Words On Wheels (WOW) home delivery service. The volunteer will meet with the WOW Coordinator to review the patron's reading interests profile, to learn about library procedures and materials selection, and to apply for a special library card. The volunteer, in consultation with the patron, will select materials (books, audiobooks, music recordings) and arrange a delivery and pick-up schedule.

This volunteer opportunity is vital to the library's mission to provide access to information in a variety of formats for those with disabilities. For further information, please contact the Words on Wheels Coordinator at (310) 618-5950. Fuel and mileage expenses are not reimbursable by the City, but may qualify as an income tax deduction.