WELCOME TO COMMUNITY, LIBRARY, SENIORS & SCOUTS
Community & Library Services Department
Our volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining the Huntington Beach Public Library and Cultural Center's esteemed status as a cultural and educational hub, highlighting their valued contribution to community betterment. This department serves as a cornerstone of community enrichment through its innovative and traditional library services, fostering transformation and growth.
The Senior Center in Central Park is an essential component of the Community & Library Services Department, offering vital socialization, recreation, and support services to older adults, reflecting a commitment to enriching lives and meeting diverse community needs.
HUNTINGTON BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The Library offers volunteer programs for Adults, Teens, Friends of the Library, Friends of the Children's Library, OCC Genealogical Society and the Veterans Resource Center. HBPL has volunteer opportunities in multiple locations including:
Central Library | (714) 842-4481 | library@hbpl.org
Banning Branch | (714) 375-5005
Helen Murphy Branch | (714) 375-5006
Main Street Branch | (714) 375-5071
Oak View Branch | (714) 375-5068 | oakviewlibrary.frontdesk@surfcity-hb.org
Adult volunteers support the Library within multiple disciplines:
The Circulation Department offers opportunities in shelving and processing holds. Volunteers assist in organizing, shelving, and maintaining materials. Volunteers process books for customer hold shelf pickup, file hold slips and other circulation desk tasks. Basic knowledge of alphabetical and numerical filing is required.
Volunteer Computer Coaching provides one-on-one assistance to patrons in basic computer skills and internet use, including helping with email setup, resume formatting, and word processing. Opportunities also exist to design and teach computer classes.
Homework Club volunteers assist elementary and junior high students with homework assignments and study skills under the supervision of the Homework Club Coordinator.
The OCC Genealogy program seeks volunteers to assist with family research and provide guidance on the library's genealogical collection.
Huntington Beach Public Library provides both Adult and Family Literacy Services for the Huntington Beach community. The Adult Literacy Program seeks volunteers to help adults improve reading, writing, and speaking skills through English tutor training workshops. The Family Literacy Program at Oak View Branch Library seeks volunteers to assist parents in learning English and achieving various goals such as reading with their children and improving job skills.
Teen volunteers support the Library within multiple disciplines:
Library Events Photographers is an opportunity for teens where volunteers capture photos for social media, advertisements, and marketing materials.
PressTeen volunteers work on a teen-led digital newspaper focused on promoting literacy in the Huntington Beach community. The newspaper provides a platform for teens to express themselves through fiction, nonfiction, poetry, reviews, and other relevant topics.
Seed Library volunteers label and package donated seeds, replenishing the library's seed supply for circulation in the community.
LEGO Kids Club volunteers suggest or create engineering challenges for kids, supervise activities, and assist with cleanup.
Teen Maker Coaches volunteer program assists library visitors with Makerspace technology and equipment, requiring no prior experience as training is provided.
Teens Teach is a program that promotes and teaches leadership skills. The program allows volunteer teens to lead activities or events at the library, encouraging them to share their skills or host educational experiences.
Teen Advisory Group (TAG) volunteers create, develop, and lead library programs and events for teens, collaborating with the Teen Services Librarian.
Life Skills for Teens is a monthly volunteer program series aimed at high school students, offering opportunities to learn important life skills for college, career, or adulthood.
Scout Projects volunteers support the Library within multiple disciplines:
Scouts Projects at HBPL offer a wide array of opportunities throughout the City of Huntington Beach. Program Managers work with young members of society in fulfilling their civic duties, giving back to their communities, and completing their badge, Eagle or Gold Scout requirement. Examples of volunteer opportunities that may match scout skills and interests include landscaping, carpentry, construction and refurbishments.
Friend of the Library (FOTL) volunteers support the Library within multiple disciplines:
Friends of the Library (FOTL) is an all-volunteer membership that participates in fundraising projects essential for the library's collection and programming. Opportunities include membership, staffing the Friends Gift Shop, and assisting with used book sales. The programs serves at multiple Huntington Beach libraries, offers and supports a number of volunteer opportunities.
Volunteering at FOTL offers numerous benefits, including staying active and productive, developing friendships, learning new skills, and reducing stress. Volunteers also have the opportunity to participate in social activities like events and luncheons. Each year, volunteers are honored at a springtime luncheon, further fostering a sense of community and appreciation for their contributions
Learn more about how FOTL supports Huntington Beach Public Library
Friends of the Children's Library (FOTCL) volunteers support the Library within multiple disciplines:
The Friends of the Children's Library (FOTCL) is a volunteer group committed to fostering children's interest in reading and the library. They organize engaging events such as the annual Author Festival and The Taste of Huntington Beach, aiming to promote literacy and cultural enrichment among children. FOTCL's goals include supporting library programs for children, raising funds for children's library initiatives, expanding services to increase children's use of library resources and enhance community awareness of the Children's Library Department. Volunteers are welcomed to contribute to realizing these objectives in various capacities tailored to their interests and skills.
Learn more about how FOTCL supports Huntington Beach Public Library
OCC Genealogical Society volunteers support the Library within multiple disciplines:
Based in Huntington Beach with over 400 members, the Orange County California Genealogical Society (OCCGS), established in 1963, is a non-profit organization. Dedicated to genealogy and related historical, biographical, and heraldic data, the OCCGS aims to foster interest and provide instruction in genealogical research. OCCGS maintains and expands the Genealogy Collection at the Huntington Beach Central Library, which now boasts over 23,000 volumes. The OCCGS seeks new volunteers. Training is provided for all positions, onsite and remote. Access to the OCCGS Genealogy Collection, is available person at the Huntington Beach Central Library and online.
Learn more about how OCC Genealogical Society supports Huntington Beach Public Library
The Veterans Resource Center volunteers support the Library within multiple disciplines:
Our Veterans Resource Center continues to build and strengthen a movement that empowers veterans by serving as a valuable connection for men and women seeking assistance after serving our nation. Located inside Huntington Beach's Central Library, Veterans Resource Center is staffed by skilled volunteers who provide support in various areas such as applying for benefits, obtaining military records, finding employment, securing housing, and addressing other needs of veterans.
Learn more about how the Veterans Resource Center supports Huntington Beach Public Library
Included here is a list of volunteer opportunities that may match your skills and interests:
1. Chess Club (Oak View)
2. Circulation/Shelving
3. Computer Coach
4. Friends Gift Shop
5. Friends Used Book Sale
6. The Homework Club
7. Literacy (Central)
8. Literacy (Oak View)
9. Makerspace (Central)
10. Math Club (Central)
11. Scout Projects
12. S.T.A.R. (Story Telling and Reading)
13. Events & Programming (Seasonal)
14. Summer Reading Partners (Oak View)
15. The Veterans Resource Center
16. Youth Sports Coaches
Contact the HBPL Volunteer Program Manager:
Christine Ivison | Central Library| (714) 375 - 5128 | Christine.Ivison@surfcity-hb.org
THE SENIOR CENTER AT CENTRAL PARK VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The Senior Center in a central Park is vital part of the Community & Library Services Department. Our goal is to ensure we are providing the best programs and services to meet the needs and enrich the lives of older adults. Our program provides a means of support and recreation for seniors in the community to enhance quality of life for older adults and promote independence, dignity and purpose.
Volunteers are an integral part of the Senior Center. They provide services and support senior activities through classes, events, nutrition and meal delivery, transportation, and so much more.
Transportation volunteers support the Senior Center within multiple disciplines:
Surf City Seniors on the Go provides transportation Monday thru Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to Huntington Beach residents 60+ for basic transportation needs within Huntington Beach. Drivers use city vehicles to transport seniors to their appointments in Huntington Beach and surrounding hospitals. Volunteers usually drive a morning or afternoon shift of 4 hours.
Drivers: Drive seniors in city vehicles to medical appointments, shopping, classes and activities. Four hour shifts are typical.
Grocery Escort: Escorts accompany and assist participating seniors during group shopping trips on set days of the month.
Office Assistant: First point of contact for customer service, over the phone or in person, to those seeking information about transportation services.
Home Delivered Meals volunteers support the Senior Center within multiple disciplines:
Volunteers within the Home Delivered Meals (HDM) program work together to provide three nutritious meals each weekday to between 100 and 125 Huntington Beach homebound older adults who qualify for the program. Meals for this program are provided and delivered daily by Meals On Wheels OC (MOWOC).
Packers: load pre-packed meals into portable coolers for delivery. Any weekday, 8:00 a.m-9:30 a.m.
Drivers: Deliver meals to homebound seniors using your own vehicle. Any weekday, 9:00 a.m-11:30 a.m.
Assistants: Help in office with receiving, cleaning, and prepping route items for the following day. Any weekday, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Office Support / Customer Service volunteers support the Senior Center within multiple disciplines:
With excellent customer service, volunteers make community members feel welcomed and valued at our facility as they sign up for classes, activities, workshops, travel and other events.
CONCIERGE/DOCENT: Meet and greet! Assist with check-in and registration of new members. Provide tours, directions and information to visitors.
RECREATION DESK: Support office staff, answer the phone, help with check-in, and provide excellent customer service.
WELLNESS PAVILION: Welcome, register, and check in members and visitors to the fitness center. Answer phone calls and in-person questions.
OUTLOOK NEWSLETTER: Prepare the HBCOA Outlook On Active Aging newsletter for mailing on the fourth Thursday of the month from 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Senior Cafe' Lunch volunteers support the Senior Center within multiple disciplines:
The City of Huntington Beach and Meals on Wheels Orange County (MOWOC) partner to provide a nutritious lunch to seniors 60+. MOWOC has one or more on-site employees to facilitate the lunch program at the Senior Center in Central Park. In addition to the nutritional lunch, guests appreciate the opportunity for socialization.
Receptionist: Welcome and check in lunch guests to the Senior Café
Server: Serve, help clean up lunch and socialize with older adult participants
Social Services Support volunteers support the Senior Center within multiple disciplines:
FRIENDLY VISITORS: Friendly Visitors work with the Care Management Team to provide social support during home visits and/or making phone calls to homebound seniors.
TECH COACH: Answer technology-related questions and teach computer, tablet, or smart phone skills to older adults during one-on-one appointments. Schedule is flexible, based on volunteer availability.
Classes and Activities volunteers support the Senior Center within multiple disciplines:
VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTOR: Interested in becoming a volunteer instructor? Staff reviews all class proposals; instructors must be able to demonstrate experience and/or education in the proposed subject matter.
WEDNESDAY WALKERS: Help lead groups of walkers on designated paths through Central Park. Leaders are needed for all pace groups. Program meets every Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m.
HANDYCRAFRERS: A volunteer group that meets on Fridays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. to knit or crochet various items. Donated yarn is used for projects crafted for sale with proceeds benefiting Senior Services.
Events volunteers support the Senior Center within multiple disciplines:
Volunteers help at events and fundraisers, such as the HBCOA Grandparents Day event, Active Living Expo, dances and outdoor concerts.
Included here is a list of volunteer opportunities that may match your skills and interests:
1. Transportation Drivers
2. Home Delivered Meals
3. Office Support/ Customer Service
4. Newsletter Assembly
5. Senior Café Lunch
6. Social Services Support
7. Classes and Activities
8. Event Support
Contact the Senior Center's Volunteer Program Manager:
Caryn Kawamoto | Senior Center | (714) 374 - 1544 | Caryn.Kawamoto@surfcity-hb.org
To learn more about the operation and other services provided by the City's Department of Community and Library Services: Visit our page
