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The Tucson Festival of Books is dependent on volunteers to stage the festival. We could not have a positive impact on the community without the dedication of the 2,000+ people who assist in making the Festival friendly and welcoming to all of our guests. We are grateful for your support ... We love our volunteers!

Please note: New this year, the Tucson Festival of Books will implement the University of Arizona's clear bag policy for admission to author venues. 

All volunteers are expected to understand and communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy.

Scroll through available volunteer opportunities in each of these areas and click on the volunteer job name in orange to see job descriptions and shift availability.

  • Festival Weekend (Saturday or Sunday)
  • Pre-Festival positions (January until festival weekend in March)
  • Post-Festival activities (Monday post-festival as needed!)

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED FOR A JOB IN 2026

  • Please log into your portal first!
  • Then reload to this form to sign up for additional jobs.
  • You can find portal log-in details in your welcome email/s.

Choose jobs

Festival Weekend

Author Transportation / Drivers (41 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 21 minimum, 75 maximum

● Transport authors to/from airport/hotels/UA Campus
…Maximum availability is ideal; As much time as can be given is appreciated.
…Enjoy possible exclusive 1-on-1 time with author/s while you drive!
…Author assignments are first come / first served.
…More availability & earlier registration = better chances to drive a requested author.
…A Volunteer Liaison will contact you to coordinate assignment(s)
● Must have a clean, reliable, air-conditioned vehicle with
…Enough room to comfortably carry all passengers
…Sufficient cargo space for luggage
● Must provide a copy of the following:
…Valid, unexpired driver’s license for dates of Festival
…proof of in-force insurance for dates of Festival
● Helps to use diplomacy to deal with varying temperaments
** Understand and Communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy

Book Signing (6 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

● Prepare author signing areas
● Greet authors and visitors
● Ensure that authors have everything they need, including water and working pens
● Help ensure the following:
… attendees have post-its with the signee's name on the page to be signed
… book limits are observed
… help maintain traffic flow in book signing areas.
● Assist with other tasks as needed
● May involve walking up to ½ mile to/from book signing area
● May be required to stand in the sun for the duration of shift(s)
● Must be able to deal effectively with varying temperaments
*Understand and communicate the University of Arizona Clear Bag Policy

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 18

Food Court Host (14 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

● Be a friendly face of the festival
● Help maintain safe & clean food court area(s)
● Facilitate assistance to those in need of aid
● Be generally knowledgeable about the festival layout and be familiar with the TFOB app
→ Answer questions of festival goers
→ Assist attendees with locating programs/activities
● Must be able to:
→ Stand/walk for duration of shift(s)
→ Withstand outdoor weather conditions in a tented area for duration of shift(s)
→ Understand & communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy

NOTE: ** You may be assigned to Science City Cafe which includes stage support role for presenters

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER:
● 18, independently
● 14, if volunteering as follows:
→ with an adult
→ with a group in a pre-arranged time slot

Giant Crossword Puzzles (9 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

● Staff and assist festival goers to solve giant crossword puzzle
● Actively engage festival attendees in puzzle activity
● Must be able to:
→ Work with a wide variety of people
→ Walk up to ½ mile each way to/from assigned activity
→ Possibly, being in the sun and/or standing for duration of shift(s)
→ Understand and communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 18, 14 with Adult

Info Booth (20 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

NOTE: Please do not proceed to an info booth until you receive
a booth assignment from Info Squad Liaisons in Volunteer HQ

Assist attendees with locating programs/activities
● Provide maps, directions & information
● May be asked to be a “roamer”, to provide additional Info support in high-traffic areas.
● Help coordinate assistance for those in need of aid
● Requires complete understanding of current Festival protocols:
→ Lost Person (child or adult) procedures > refer immediately to Booth Captain
→ First Amendment Basics
→ Lost & Found procedures
→ Medical incident procedures
→ Transportation procedures for the elderly/disabled
→ Active shooter instructions
→ Understand and Communication the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy
● Must be familiar with and comfortable using these TFOB info resources (training provided):
→ Information Notebooks, including familiarity with ALL policies listed within
→ TFOB apps (both android and apple versions)
→ Current TFOB Map
→ Use of posted QR Codes
→ Festival Program (AZ Daily Star insert)
→ Radio (walkie-talkie) procedures
● Must be able to:
→ Walk up to ½ mile each way to/from assigned location
→ Deal effectively with people of varying temperaments, as a positive, cheerful face of the Festival.

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 18

Line Monitor - Author Events (57 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

Training provided at pre-festival walk-throughs
● Assist outside Author Event Venues and in Book Signing areas as follows:
→ Direct attendees to the appropriate queues as they line up for events and/or signings
→ Reroute lines as needed to avoid congestion and keep things safe
● Provide directions, answer questions, interact with attendees and other volunteers
● Act as a Festival Ambassador
→ Remain flexible and patient while responding to changing situations
→ Respond to questions pleasantly to facilitate a positive experience for all
● Requires walking to/from assigned venues.
● Requires standing for duration of shift
● Could require being in sunlight/weather
● Must be able to commit for the entire half-day shift
Understand and Communicate effectively about the University of Arizona Clear Bag Policy
→ Ensure participants are informed of the updated venue protocols in a respectful manner.

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 18, unless with a group in a pre-approved shift.

Line Monitor - Entrance Scanners (11 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

Assist outside Author Event Venues as follows:
● Quickly and efficiently scan credential badges and event fast passes
→ Must be willing to download TFOB app on personal phone to use for scanning
→ Please download app prior to walk-throughs to use in training
● Recommend becoming familiar with maps/venue locations prior to walk-through
● Assist with line management when not scanning
→ Direct attendees to the appropriate queues as they line up for events
→ Reroute lines as needed to avoid congestion and keep things safe
● Provide directions, answer questions, interact with attendees and other volunteers
● Act as a Festival Ambassador
→ Remain flexible and patient while responding to changing situations
→ Respond to questions pleasantly to facilitate a positive experience for all
● Requires walking to/from assigned venues.
● Requires standing for duration of shift
● Could require being in sunlight/weather
● Must be able to commit for the entire half-day shift
*Understand and communicate the University of Arizona Clear Bag Policy

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 18, unless volunteering with a group in a pre-approved shift

Operations Troubleshooters (37 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE A PLUS!
COMFORT WITH LARGE EVENT OPERATION MANAGEMENT AN ABSOLUTE!

● Act as the eyes & ears of the Festival
● Facilitate any & all actions to keep the Festival running smoothly
● Situations encountered might include:
→ medical * facilities * sanitation * security *
→ lost children * any matter requiring action *
● Having prior experience as a Festival volunteer is helpful, but not required
● Knowledge of the Festival layout is essential
● An orientation to this position and mall layout will be scheduled
● Must be able to deal effectively with varying temperaments
● Requires extensive walking and exposure to sun during entire shift
* Understand and Communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 18

Sign Removal (2 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

● Help remove signs from designated festival venues
● Deliver items removed to designated work area
● Sort items delivered to work areas

● Job conditions/skills:
→ Work outdoors; subject to seasonal sun/heat
→ Walk a lot; to U of A Mall venues

● Job conditions/skills:
→ Use basic tools
→ Must have no physical limitations

● *Must understand and Communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 18, 14 with an adult or pre-approved group

Stage Support / Entertainment (25 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

You will be assigned to one of these stages: Entertainment Stages (Main, Food Court, Canyon), Culinary, Science City Cafe or a Children/Teen Stage as an assistant.

● If assigned to a Children/Teen Stage, perform tasks as requested by Stage Manager
● If assigned to Entertainment, Culinary or Science Cafe, act as the stage manager
→ Facilitate a smooth transition on and off stage
→ Help resolve any issues, as required, with equipment or support
→ Use provided time cards to inform acts of remaining time and ensure they end on time
→ Fill out a survey for each act (provided), assessing performance, crowd reaction, etc.
● Assist with crowd control before, during & after performance(s)
● May be required to lift boxes/equipment
● May involve walking up to ½ mile each way to/from assigned activity
● May require being in the sun and/or standing for duration of shift(s)
***Understand and Communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 14 with an Adult or a group in pre-approved time slot/s.

Surprise Me (36 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

PLEASE DO NOT SELECT THIS JOB UNLESS YOU ARE
ABLE & WILLING TO TAKE ON ANY VOLUNTEER ROLE.

● Assignment may be anywhere in the Festival, including the Children/Teen area
→ may serve in one or more capacities, as needed;
→ flexibility is a must
→ You may have to wait until we can find a placement.
● Shift times may be adjusted based upon actual assignment
● May be requested to "troubleshoot" if necessary
● May be required to
→ Walk up to ½ mile each way to/from assignment
→ Stand for the entire duration of shift(s)
→ Be outside for the entire shift
*** Understand and communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 18

Take-down / Clean-up (36 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

Join UArizona's Facility Management Team to:
● Take-down/gather Festival assets and transfer to pickup locations, as directed
● General clean-up of UA Mall
● May involve physical activity (walking, ladders, lifting, etc.)
*Understand and Communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER:
> 14, if with an adult
> 18, as an individual

Venue Monitors (Children/Teen) (34 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

● Be on time/dependable to help make the day run smoothly
● Help ensure room is ready before presentation and cleared after
● Help manage audience before, during, and after presentation
● Complete attendance count and a brief evaluation for each program
● Requires skills to help resolve any minor issues that may arise
● Attend the walk-thru and orientation for volunteers
● Enjoy presentation/s while you volunteer (may need to stand)
→ possibly have an opportunity to choose which presentation you would enjoy monitoring
● Have fun being a part of a significant element of the Tucson Festival of Books!

**Understand and Communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 18

Venue Monitors (not Children/Teen) (10 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

Additional training provided at training walk-throughs
● Assist inside Author Events venues: may be indoors or in tents
● Assist with set up and clean-up between events
● Manage traffic flow inside the venue and seating of attendees before, during & after each event
● Fill each seat in the venue and no more
● Respond to speaker and moderator requests for assistance
● Fulfill assigned administrative tasks (provided in venue binder)
● Need to be flexible, patient, and maintain composure in interactions with others
● Volunteers will need to walk to/from assigned venues
● May be required to stand for part or all of the shift
● Must be willing to commit to the entire half-day shift
● Understand and Communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 18, unless volunteering a group pre-approved for a specific shift.

Pre-Festival

Exhibitor Access Control (7 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

MUST BE ABLE TO WORK INDEPENDENTLY WITH INSTRUCTIONS
● Direct vendors to appropriate sites in the Festival area
● Verify vehicles are authorized to enter the Festival area
● Ensure vehicles enter and exit as designated through approved entry points
● *Understand and Communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 18

Exhibitor Load-In Assistance (19 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

Work independently with instructions to:
● Direct vendors to assigned sites in the Festival area
● Help offload exhibitor vehicles
● Guide vendors to parking area after they've unloaded
● Help to ensure vehicles enter/exit via designated routes
● Knowledge of the Festival layout is essential
● An orientation to this position and mall will follow scheduled Walk-Throughs
● Must have no physical limitations
● May be able help with medium/heavy lifting (individually and/or in teams)
● Must be able to deal effectively with varying temperaments
● Requires extensive walking and exposure to sun during entire shift
*Understand and Communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 18
(Would consider minimum 14 for a group with adult supervisor)

Pre-Festival Banner Installation (5 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

PLEASE DO NOT SELECT THIS JOB IF YOU HAVE PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
Location: U of A Mall
● Work in teams to install banners on exhibitor booths
● Job conditions/skills
→ Work outdoors for 6 hour shifts; subject to seasonal sun/heat
…..* Volunteers are expected/needed for entire 6-hour work period
→ Walk a lot; to all areas of the U of A Mall
→ Carry materials/supplies (up to 20 pounds)
→ Use of basic tools (pliers, wire cutters)
→ Work on a 6 or 8-ft ladder
→ Climb ladders to install banners
● AGAIN, NO PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
● *Understand and communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 18

Pre-Festival Sign Setup (4 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

● Assist in various tasks related to Festival signage
→ Deliver signs to multiple booths, stages, venues
→ Install signs in designated indoor and outdoor locations

● Job conditions/skills:
→ Work outdoors for 6-hour shifts; subject to seasonal sun/heat
…..* Volunteers are expected/needed for entire 6-hour work period
→ Walk a lot to all areas of UofA mall
→ Carry materials/supplies (up to 20 pounds)
→ Use of basic tools (pliers, wire cutters)
→ Must be able to work on a 6- or 8-ft ladder
→ Must be able to climb ladders for installation of high signs

*Understand and communicate the University of Arizona Clear Bag Policy

MUST HAVE NO PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 18

Post-Festival

Sign Management Inventory (14 slots available)
Shifts available
Job description

LOCATION: U of A Mall (Designated Work Area for Signs)

● Post-Festival job allows for maximum Festival Participation

● Prepare signs/banners/flags for inventory & Storage

SIGNS
. > Discard dated signs; sort reusable signs; organize for transport

BANNERS
. > Remove booth numbers and designated labels
. > Clean and inspect for damage; repair when possible
. > Roll, sort banners and prepare for transport

FLAGS
. > Inspect for damage; inventory parts; pack for transport

● Job conditions/skills -- Must be able to:
→ Work outdoors - shaded area, subject to seasonal heat
→ Stand to work
→ Use adhesive remover & cleaning products
→ Use scissors, wire cutters

* Understand and Communicate the University of Arizona’s Clear Bag Policy

MINIMUM AGE TO VOLUNTEER: 16

Review job selections

Your information

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Volunteers get one free t-shirt for helping out at the Festival.
Please indicate which training session you will most likely be able to attend. Attending a training session is highly encouraged, but not mandatory.
Let the Festival use your name in promotional materials.
JPG or PNG images only.
Select an option if you are an employee of or a member of one of these organizations.

Demographic Information (Optional)

The following demographic fields request data that, when aggregated, will help Tucson Festival of Books respond accurately to information requested by grantors, sponsors, our insurance agency, etc. Your individual responses are optional and will be held in strictest confidence and will never be shared in a way that would allow the data to be identified with any individual. Thank you for providing this information to the level of your comfort.

Please select a gender option.
Please enter the year you were born (using 4 digits) or leave blank.
Please select a race/ethnicity option.

Please indicate any communities you are a part of (check as many as apply).

Service Animal Information

As with any job, when working as a Festival volunteer, service animals are welcome.
You are strongly encouraged to leave non-service animals at home as they can distract from volunteer duties.
Please review the University of Arizona's Animals on Campus Policy.
Email volunteers@tucsonfestivalofbooks.org with questions.

Waiver

Waiver*
If you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must accept these terms and conditions on your behalf.

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