Volunteer

We Can’t Do It Without You

Volunteers fuel our operation. From sorting and packing, to running a book drive, to passing out books directly to kids, there are meaningful opportunities for individuals and groups of all ages to make an impact.

Scroll down to see the ways you can get involved!

Two smiling young women seated at a table of books at the Cleveland Kids' Book Bank warehouse

Sort & Pack Books

Prepare Books for Distribution

We welcome individuals (ages 13+) and groups of up to 10 people to sort and box books during our pre-scheduled shifts. Browse, batch, and box books for distribution to organizations serving children and families in need.

Volunteers have their own dedicated work stations (6 feet from other work stations) outfitted with cleaned and sanitized tools including tape gun, scissors, etc. Volunteers will work from their own gaylord (huge box of unsorted books) during the shift.

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.

Questions? Visit our FAQ section.

Sign-Up to Volunteer
Book Sorting How-To Manual

Coming with a group? Please use the group request form below.

Group Request Form

Watch our volunteer reintroduction presentation to learn about our new book sorting processes.

Two volunteers sort books from a gaylord in the Cleveland Kids' Book Bank warehouse

Stock Little Free Libraries

Filling Little Free Libraries is a Great Family Activity

  • Use your own books or pick up some from our warehouse, Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
  • Select 5-10 Little Free Libraries to fill.
  • Plan your route using our Little Free Library map.
  • Return extra books and/or damaged books removed from Little Free Libraries to us.
LFL Volunteer Info
LFL Discussion Guide

Run a Book Drive

Book Collection Is a Breeze

We distribute up to 40,000 books per month, and our need for good-quality children’s books is endless.

Our Book Drive Tool Kit makes it easy to run a book drive to collect children’s books at your workplace, school, church, organization, or even in your neighborhood!

We especially need books for early childhood through 3rd grade and books showing diversity.

Book Drive Toolkit
Cleveland Kids' Book Bank book drive collection bin
Request More Info

FAQs About Volunteering

Thank You For Your Interest

Below are some common questions (and answers!) about volunteering at the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank.

If your question is not answered here, or if you need more information, give us a call at 216.417.1803 or email colleen@kidsbookbank.org.

Is there an age requirement to volunteer?

Yes. Volunteers must be 13 or older. Volunteers ages 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

For questions, or for suggestions on how younger children can get involved, please contact Colleen Watt. (Hint! Stocking Little Free Libraries or running a book drive is a great family activity!)

How long is a volunteer shift?

Book sorting and packing shifts last two hours.

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. (Please note: Shifts may be limited due to the pandemic.)

How do I sign up for shift?

To sign yourself up (or a group of six or fewer people), please visit our volunteer sign-up form. Each shift is capped at 10 participants to ensure social distancing, so if you don’t see an available slot right away, keep scrolling! Shifts are normally posted several months in advance.

For groups of more than eight, please submit a group request form.

Can I volunteer with a group?

Yes, though during the pandemic, group opportunities are limited. To request a volunteer shift for your group, please submit a 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, 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. 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.

Volunteers will have their own dedicated work stations, 6 feet from others.

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.