Prince William Public Libraries

• Acquire new skills and gain valuable experience.
• Expand your social horizons.
• Serve in your community.
• Keep up with the latest books and other items added to our collection.
• Be appreciated for donating your time and talents.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old to apply.
• Must be available to work a minimum of two hours per week.
• Due to the training required for volunteer positions, a commitment of six months is appreciated.
• Must complete an application.
• Applicants who match the library’s current needs will be contacted for an interview.
• Reference reviews are conducted on all selected applicants over 18.

Volunteer Positions

• Circulation Volunteer: Assists library staff and patrons by checking in and shelving materials and assisting with collection maintenance. Does not perform work at the service desk.
• Service Desk Volunteer: Assists patrons on and off the service desk.
• Programming Volunteer: Assists with library programming.
• Technology Services Volunteer: Assists patrons with library equipment, tech spaces, and digital resources.
• Special Project Volunteer: Assists with special projects, including newspaper indexing, transcribing, scanning, and organizing files.

How to Apply

• Click here to complete an application. The application is for regular volunteers only.

Are you a student aged 13 or older? Prince William Public Libraries has a wide range of student volunteer activities. All student volunteers must complete the application in the branch of their choice.

For more information on volunteer opportunities with Prince William Public Libraries, please contact our Volunteer Office at 703-792-6100 or [email protected]. Student volunteers should contact the branch directly for additional information.

Thank you for your interest in an internship at Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL). Internships are available to current degree-seeking students who have an interest in providing quality library services to the Prince William community.

PWPL offers internships in three departments: Public Services, Materials Services, and the Office of Programming and Events. An interview and reference check will be conducted prior to internship placement. Internships are unpaid and do not guarantee future employment. At the end of the internship term, the intern will receive a certificate of completed hours and supporting documentation for academic credit as needed.

Public Librarianship

Interns will learn the various aspects of public librarianship within a library branch, from circulation to adult and youth services. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in collection maintenance, the creation of displays and passive programs, in person and virtual programming assistance, and other special projects. This internship will take place at one of the following branches: Bull Run Library, Central Library, or Chinn Park Library, with the potential to spend some time at other branch locations.

Office of Programming and Events

The Office of Programming and Events (OPE) offers current MLIS candidates the opportunity to intern with the department. One candidate will be selected per term. The selected OPE intern will receive experience in collection maintenance, program planning and implementation, participating in library outreach, shadowing at the public service desks, including reference and circulation, tracking relevant statistics and creating reports, and participation in relevant staff meetings and training opportunities. Hours will be determined with the OPE site manager.

Materials Services Division

The Materials Services Division (MSD) offers current MLIS candidates the opportunity to intern with the department. One candidate will be selected per term, and they will work at the Administrative Services Center under the direction of the MSD Division Chief. Interns will have the opportunity to learn various aspects of library support services. They can focus on cataloging or selecting, and they will also learn other functions, including physical processing, acquisitions, budget management, statistical analysis, and interlibrary loan.

Applications will be accepted for each term until all positions are filled.

Application Requirements:

• Resume
• Three professional or personal references
• Transcript showing current enrollment in an accredited Graduate program
• Required number of hours (if applicable) to be earned

Expectations:

Internships are offered in the fall and spring terms as follows.

• Spring 2025 (January 13-April 25) – deadline to apply: December 31, 2024
• Fall 2025 (Aug 25 - Dec 12) – deadline to apply:  August 8, 2025

Qualifications:

Current enrollment in Library Science at an American Library Association (ALA) accredited school, such as Master of Library Science (MLS), Master of Arts, Master of Librarianship, Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS).

Click here to complete an application for the internship program.