Would you like to be an ambassador for the National Library? Join our team of volunteers as they enrich our services and programs by providing a high-quality visitor experience.  

As a volunteer, you will:

• Join a community of passionate and like-minded people. 
• Continually learn about the work of our cultural institution. 
• Listen to guest speakers from the Library over morning tea at monthly volunteer meetings. 
• Gain and develop skills in public speaking.  
• Receive a free Friends of the National Library membership after 6 months of volunteering, which allows you discounts to the Bookshop and Bookplate café. Find out more about the benefits of being a Friends member.  
• Receive free parking whilst you're at the Library on a volunteer shift.  

Volunteer roles 

Volunteers can participate in the following front-of-house activities.  

Greeting: Volunteers greet visitors in the Library foyer, assist them in finding their way around the building and provide visitor information. A meet and greet shift goes from 11am to 2pm each day.  

Tours guiding: Volunteer tour guides provide a welcoming and informative experience for visitors. Tour guides share information regarding the National Library’s history, architecture, collecting activities and services in an engaging way. Daily tours are held at 11am and go for 30 minutes.  

Who can volunteer? 

To volunteer, prospective candidates must:

• Be at least 18 years old  
• Be willing to obtain Working with Vulnerable People and AFP checks before commencing. All associated expenses will be covered by the National Library.
• Sign a Volunteer Agreement form 
• Complete our onsite induction program and 2 online training modules. Onsite induction will go over 2 half-days, followed by shadowing a few tours run by our experienced volunteer guides. The online modules take approximately 1 hour to work through in total and should be completed within 2 weeks of finishing the induction program.  

What skills do volunteers need? 

• A passion for sharing stories from the Library’s collection, and a willingness to commit to the Library’s mission and values
• Good public speaking and visitor service skills 
• A friendly and welcoming manner
• Ability to commit to one meet and greet or tour guiding shift per fortnight. Volunteers nominate their preferred shifts to suit their schedules.