Volunteer Opportunities for Teens Ages 12-17
(Those ages 18+ will need to apply to volunteer at the library as an adult. Applications for adult volunteers are accepted year-round. Click here to learn more.)
Teen Volunteer Application DEADLINE for the end of the 2025-2026 School Year: Monday, January 26, 2026
Want to have fun while helping the library? Want to gain valuable work experience while you earn volunteer hours for the Silver Cord Program? Teens ages 12-17 can volunteer at the Urbandale Public Library during the school year! Applications are due no later than Monday, January 26, by midnight via e-mail to jstolz@urbandale.org (or by library close at 8:30 PM if dropping off a physical copy). Please note returning volunteers (from Summer) must apply as well unless you already applied at the beginning of the school year.
Available shifts:
- Teens selected to volunteer will have the opportunity to volunteer MOST (but not all) Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 4 - 5 PM, sanitizing and cleaning toys, prepping for crafts and STEM activities (cutting, tracing, measuring ingredients, sorting items, etc.), setting up for programs, etc.
- Some Wednesday or Thursday evenings, and Saturdays, there will be opportunities to volunteer at library programs helping youth and families to do crafts or STEM activities.
- Other dates and times will sometimes be available, such as during the day over Spring Break.
- You chose among available shifts that work for you!
What we’ll ask of you:
- All volunteers must complete an application, which parents must sign before volunteers can begin volunteering. Print it out, or ask for a printed copy at the library’s front desk.
- Teens will be asked to volunteer at least 6 hours total per quarter (February - May), keeping in mind that most shifts are one-hour shifts.
- Teens must register for notifications through Remind (https://www.remind.com/join/beack7) to learn about upcoming shifts and communicate scheduling changes or issues with library staff. This is an app used by schools and organizations that allows youth to receive official messages via smartphone app, email, or the web. Parents are encouraged to sign up as well.
- We will send out a Google Form with available shifts. You sign up for the ones you want to work.
- Teens must read the duties and expectations page and agree to uphold them to the best of their abilities.
- Teens who turn in their application will be called for a short phone interview in which they will be asked questions to assess the candidate’s demeanor, dependability, and understanding of the library’s requirements (Teens who have volunteered previously are exempt from interview requirement unless otherwise notified, but must turn in an application).
Upcoming Orientation Sessions
Volunteers new to school year volunteering must attend one orientation / training session before you are able to volunteer. Choose to attend either Tuesday, February 10, at 4:30 PM or Saturday, February 14, at 11:00 AM. Orientation usually lasts approximately 30-45 minutes.
Application Due Date
All applications must be received no later than Monday, January 26. Turn them in at the library front desk by 8:30 PM, or email to jstolz@urbandle.org by midnight. We are only able to manage up to 20 volunteers in the Winter / Spring session, so make sure to return your application in a timely manner.