Volunteer Opportunities
On-Site Volunteering in Our Warehouse
We welcome individuals (ages 13+) and groups of up to 20 people to sort, sticker, and box books during our scheduled shifts. Browse, batch, and box books for distribution to organizations serving children and families in need. You’ll enjoy reminiscing with other volunteers about your favorite childhood books as you dig through hundreds of books and prepare them for young readers to discover.
Volunteers will be assigned tasks upon arrival and will work among other volunteers.
Questions? Visit our FAQ section.
Bringing a group? Please use the group request form below.
Off-Site Book Distribution
Individuals (18+) can volunteer to represent the Kids’ Book Bank at community events. You will support a staff member or Kids’ Book Bank Volunteer Ambassador at these events, assisting kids and families in choosing free books to take home.
Most of our off-site opportunities are in the summer. Please check back here for availability and to sign up.
FAQs About Volunteering
If your question is not answered here, or if you need more information, give us a call at 216.417.1803 or email volunteer@kidsbookbank.org.
Is there an age requirement to volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers must be 13 or older, and those ages 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Volunteers for off-site distribution events must be 18 or older.
Once a month we host a family shift for children ages 8 to 12 years old and their adults.
For questions, or for suggestions on how younger children can get involved, please contact volunteer@kidsbookbank.org.
How long is a volunteer shift?
Book sorting and packing shifts last two hours. Off-site volunteering hours may vary and are listed on the sign-up form.
When can I volunteer?
We have scheduled shifts Tuesday through Saturday—every day that we are open! There is at least one shift per day, with two shifts certain days. For a comprehensive schedule of upcoming shift dates and times, or to sign-up, please visit our volunteer sign-up form.
How do I sign up for shift?
To sign yourself up, please visit our volunteer sign-up form.
For groups, please submit a group request form.
Can I volunteer with a group?
Absolutely! Group volunteer shifts are a great team-building experience. To request a volunteer shift for your group, please complete the group volunteer request form, and one of our staff members will get back to you.
Where are you located?
The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank is located in MidTown. We are one street north of Chester Ave., between E. 36th and E. 40th Streets at 3635 Perkins Ave. You can find detailed directions here.
Where should I park?
There is ample free parking in the lot adjacent to our building. Drive to the back of the lot, and you’ll enter through the door to the left of Loading Dock B. See our detailed directions for a helpful photo.
What will I be doing during my volunteer shift?
Having lots of fun and meeting wonderful people! You can also expect to handle hundreds of books as you check them for condition, sort them by reading level, and box them for distribution to our partner organizations.
A brief training is provided at the start of every shift.
Sorting and packing books requires standing for extended periods of time. Some tasks may be completed while seated.
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Sorting books can be dusty work, so please keep that in mind. You’ll be working in a warehouse environment, and it can get warm in the summer and cool in the winter, so please plan accordingly.
Is there anything I should bring with me?
KIDS’ BOOKS! We are always in need of book donations. Ask your friends/coworkers/neighbors if they have any gently-used children’s books they’d like to donate, and bring them with you when you come.
We have water available, but many volunteers bring their own water bottles.