Volunteers make a difference

National Volunteer Week is observed annually during the third week of April. Hundreds of volunteers are making a difference in their communities by supporting learning, literacy, and enrichment at Hennepin County Library.

In 2023, adult and teen volunteers gave more than 18,000 hours of service to their libraries.

To our 523 volunteers, thank you!

Homework Help

Homework Help volunteers provided assistance to more than 2,300 students in 2023, offering drop-in tutoring services at 17 library locations. These 181 volunteers helped youth develop the skills they need to graduate and be successful beyond school. Nearly 90% of students served live in households that speak languages other than English and 99% of students reported feeling more confident in their schoolwork due to attending Homework Help at the library.

Volunteers are needed for Homework Help this fall. Learn more about Homework Help tutoring opportunities and make a difference in the lives of students in your community.

Let’s Read!

Hennepin County Library now offers a K-5 literacy program known as Let’s Read. The program offers free in-person reading support for students at six pilot library sites. Students and trained volunteer tutors meet weekly one on one to work on grade-level reading skills. More than 57 volunteers have been recruited to inspire elementary students to become lifelong readers.

Additional volunteers to tutor with Let’s Read! for the summer months and start of the school year in the fall. HCL provides an easy-to-follow curriculum that includes all the materials to teach an effective lesson. No teaching experience required. Learn more about Let’s Read tutoring opportunities and help inspire elementary school students to become lifelong readers.

Best Buy Teen Tech Center

After a season of pandemic-related closures, the Best Buy Teen Tech Center recording studio at Minneapolis Central Library reopened with a strong response from youth. One volunteer mentor relayed a story of a teen who was building their skills as a recording artist. The volunteer mentor leveraged their degree in music production to help the teen learn about studio operations and advanced audio engineering techniques. After one session, the Teen Tech Center member became reflective and shared their appreciation for the library as a safe, productive space to spend time out of school.

Volunteer opportunities are currently available. Learn more about the Best Buy Teen Tech Center and consider becoming a role model in technology and multimedia.

The library has a variety of other volunteer opportunities for adults and teens. Support your library’s daily operations, programs and services by joining Hennepin County Library’s volunteer program.