Volunteer With Us
Bright Star Books runs on the energy and dedication of community volunteers. Whether you have an hour or a whole day, your time makes a real difference for children in Greater Akron.
We offer multiple volunteer opportunities for people of ALL AGES to get involved in the book sorting, packing, and delivery process. And remember, the more the merrier! Feel free to bring family and friends.
Our volunteers help students find reading level-appropriate books at our Free Book Fairs, pick up book donations throughout the community, and help us sort and pack books to get them ready for their new young owners.
If volunteering with Bright Star Books sounds interesting to you, please do not hesitate to contact Kait Laux, our Program Coordinator, for more information, at [email protected].
You can also find opportunities on our VolunteerMatch page.
Why Volunteer?
Book drives are the lifeblood of Bright Star Books — and our donation sorting is done entirely by volunteers. Your hands-on help is what allows us to move thousands of books into the hands of children who need them most.
At our Free Book Fairs, volunteers are there to help every child find the books they will be most excited about and — we hope — read over and over. It's one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.
Since 2014, our community of volunteers has helped us give out more than 30,000 books to limited-resource children in the Greater Akron region. Every hour you give multiplies our impact.
Ways to Volunteer
There are many ways to give your time and make a direct impact on children in Greater Akron.
Book Sorting
Help us sort and organize donated books at BSB Headquarters. Volunteers assess book condition, organize by age range, and prepare collections for distribution. This is our most frequent volunteer need.
Book Fairs & Events
Assist at our Free Book Fairs and community events throughout Greater Akron. Help children find books they'll love, assist families, and represent BSB in the community.
Story Times
Read aloud to young children at our Story Time events. Help create a joyful, engaging experience that builds a love of reading from the very earliest age.
Book Drive Support
Help coordinate and support community book drives — from setting up collection boxes to picking up donations and spreading the word in your neighborhood, school, or workplace.
Community Outreach
Help us connect with partner organizations, spread awareness about BSB's mission, and build relationships with the Greater Akron community.
Administrative Support
Support BSB's operations with behind-the-scenes help — data entry, communications, social media, grant research, and other organizational tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience?
No experience is necessary for most volunteer roles. We'll provide all the training and guidance you need. A love of books and children is all that's required.
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Volunteers under 18 may need a parent or guardian to accompany them depending on the activity.
Can groups volunteer together?
Absolutely! We welcome corporate groups, school clubs, faith communities, and other organizations. Group volunteering is a great way to make a big impact together. Contact us to arrange a group session.
How do I sign up?
Reach out to us at [email protected] or use the contact form on our Contact page. Let us know your availability and areas of interest and we'll get you connected.
Where does volunteering take place?
Most volunteer activities take place at BSB Headquarters (1357 Home Avenue, Akron, OH 44310) or at community event locations throughout Greater Akron.
Ready to Get Started?
Reach out to us and we'll connect you with the right volunteer opportunity. Every hour you give helps put books in the hands of children who need them most.