Call for Volunteers

IBBY Canada is honoured to be hosting the 40th IBBY World Congress on August 6-9 2026, in Ottawa at Carleton University. We look forward to welcoming the world of children’s books to Canada with over 400 national and international IBBY friends, writers, librarians, illustrators, publishers and colleagues visiting Ottawa, for four days of connection, culture, celebration—and exploration of the Congress theme of “Listening to Each Other’s Voices.”

We are seeking enthusiastic, reliable volunteers to help create a warm, welcoming, and well-organized Congress experience. Volunteers may support:

•    Registration and attendee welcome
•    Sale of merchandise
•    Hospitality and wayfinding
•    Book and exhibit areas
•    Special events and receptions

Volunteers are asked to:

•    Follow the Congress code of conduct
•    Attend a volunteer orientation session
•    Fulfill assigned shifts 
•    Represent IBBY Canada with professionalism and warmth
 
Volunteer Benefits

As a thank you for your time and energy, volunteers will receive:

•    Invitation to pre-Congress Children in Crisis event on August 5th
•    Thank you to sponsors and volunteers 
•    Delegate package
•    Volunteer bandana and hat
•    Stand-by access to Congress sessions
•    Lunches and coffees during shifts
•    The chance to meet and learn from leaders in children's literature from around the world.

Interested in volunteering?

We'd love to hear from you. Contact:

Co-chairs Josiane Polidori & Joanne Larocque-Poirier: vicepresident2@ibby-canada.org