Volunteer Opportunities
On-Site Volunteering in Our Warehouse
General Book Sorting
We welcome individuals 13 and up (ages 13-15 with an adult) 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.
Family Shifts
These special shifts are once a month on Saturday mornings for ages 8-12 and their adults. We are excited to share this opportunity for young volunteers to become involved in our mission. The shift will include stickering books, decorating/doing a craft, and other fun projects.
Evenings With the Associate Board
Volunteers aged 21+ can sign up for our Associate Board-hosted BYOB after-hours volunteer shifts. Meet and network with other professionals while you sort and volunteer in the warehouse.
Group Volunteering
Bringing a group of more than five people? Please use the GROUP REQUEST FORM.
Someone will reach out and assist you with scheduling your group event. We can accommodate groups of up to 20 individuals.
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. Family shifts are 9:30am to 11:00am.
When can I volunteer?
We have scheduled shifts Tuesday through Saturday. There is at least one shift per day, with two shifts certain days and evening shifts on some weekdays. For a comprehensive schedule of upcoming shift dates and times, or to sign-up, please visit our volunteer calendar.
How do I sign up for shift?
To sign yourself up, please visit our volunteer calendar to register and sign up.
For groups of six or more, 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 of six or more people, please complete the group volunteer request form, and one of our staff members will get back to you.
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.
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 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 and snacks available. Many volunteers bring their own water bottles.