Don't miss the Volunteer Fair on January 17
A new year is a natural time for fresh starts and new connections. For many, volunteering is the first step toward building new skills and discovering new opportunities. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, London Public Library is making it easier to get started volunteering by bring city-wide opportunities and people together at the Volunteer Fair, hosted at Central Library from 10 am to 2 pm.
The Volunteer Fair offers a chance for those highschool-aged and up, including adults and seniors, to meet representatives from dozens of organizations across London, all in one place. Whether you’re looking to gain experience, share your talents, meet new people, or support a cause you care about, the event makes it easy to explore what volunteering can look like for you.
More than 40 organizations will be on hand, representing a wide range of community needs, including health care, literacy, social services, arts and culture, environmental action, and youth programming. Participating organizations include the Friends of the Library, Museum London, Reforest London, Boys & Girls Club, Northwest London Resource Centre, Ark Aid Mission, Children’s Health Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and more. Find the full list here.
Reflecting on last year’s Volunteer Fair, participating organizations highlighted the impact of bringing people and organizations together in one shared space:
“It was such an inspiring and meaningful gathering for the community,” said Maheshi from Sustainable Fashion Week, emphasizing the connections formed with both volunteers and other organizations.
For Rosemary from Single Women in Motherhood (SWIM), the fair was also an opportunity to reach new audiences and build partnerships. “We received a lot of interest from people keen to get involved in the work that Single Women in Motherhood does,” she said. She also noted the value of connecting with other organizations offering services that could benefit the families they support.
Following the Volunteer Fair, participants can continue their skill building and career exploration journey through upcoming Library programs that help turn experience into opportunity.
Teens can explore the link between volunteering and employment through From Volunteering to Employment, led by Nikita Miller, Executive Director of Young London, while adults and teens can access one-on-one support at the Library’s Resume Clinics, presented in partnership with Goodwill Industries.
By bringing together volunteer opportunities, skill-building programs, and career support, the Volunteer Fair reflects the Library’s commitment to lifelong learning and community connection. Whether you’re exploring volunteering for the first time or looking to build on existing experience, the Volunteer Fair is a great place to start.
There will be a summer edition of the Volunteer Fair, scheduled for July 11, 2026, at Central Library from 11am until 1pm. Watch for details here.