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Teen Volunteers

Teen Volunteers

Volunteer Opportunities for Teens Ages 12-17

The teen application window is only open at the beginning of the school year (September) and before summer (April).

 

The deadline to apply to volunteer in Summer 2026 has passed. Please check back in September for 2026-2027 school year teen volunteer opportunities.

 

For those who have already applied for Summer 2026: 

 

What you'll be doing:
  • Helping set up (moving tables, chairs, protective tarps, and tablecloths, setting out supplies, etc.) and run fun library youth events, such as helping families with crafts, STEM activities, etc.
  • Cutting out / preparing arts and crafts and STEM activities 
  • Cleaning and sanitizing toys and materials used for storytimes and programs
  • Other: See “Teen Volunteer Duties and Expectations” for more examples.  

 

What we need from our volunteers:
  • Good attitudes are a must! Not every minute will be fun for you, but you’ll be making Summer more fun for library visitors!
  • We will work around your other summer commitments and plans if you provide an accurate list of times you are available. However, if you have very narrow availability, such as nights and weekends only, it may be difficult for us to work you into the volunteer schedule.  
  • All volunteers must complete an application. Parents and applicants must sign the application before volunteers can begin volunteering. Teens 13 and up must pass a background check.
  • Teens will be asked to volunteer at least 12 hours total between June and July. Shifts are typically somewhere between 1 to 3 hours, and anywhere from 1-3 shifts per week is typical. How many shifts per week you are scheduled for depends on your availability and your ability to complete tasks with a positive attitude.
  • Teens must register for notifications through Remind (https://www.remind.com/join/beack7) learn about upcoming shifts, and communicate scheduling changes or issues with library staff. Remind is accessible as an app, a web-based platform, or through e-mail. Parents are encouraged to sign up to receive notifications as well.
  • Teens must read the Teen Volunteer Duties and Expectations and agree to uphold them to the best of their abilities.

 

Before Volunteering Begins:

ALL teen volunteers new to Summer volunteering at the library (including returning school year volunteers) must attend a 45-minute training session in May before they can volunteer. Orientation dates are Saturday, May 16th at 1:00 PM or Tuesday, May 19th at 5:00 PM. (The Saturday session was originally planned for Saturday, May 23, but was moved up a week to avoid the holiday weekend.)

All new volunteers will be contacted via e-mail to arrange a time for a short phone interview (10-15 minutes) and must complete the phone interview before orientation.

 

Teen Volunteer Documents

Questions? Email jstolz@urbandale.org

(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.)