Countdown to Summer Reading 2025 - Day 6 (Teen Volunteers)

A familiar sight every Summer, Teen Volunteers (or volunteens, as we call them) will be joining staff at the Library for the next two months. Teen volunteers are an important part of any of our Summer Reading Programs, but what do they do and what do they NOT do?

They DO staff the Summer Reading Table!

Primarily, the teen volunteers sit at the Summer Reading Table to sign up patrons, pass out reading challenges, answer questions, and help winners get their prizes.

They DO help Staff run Summer Reading Programs!

Teens also help us run some of the Summer Reading Programs. They might sit in on Storytime, help Ms. Darbie run the kids crafts, set up and clean up after events, prep craft items, and so much more. Honestly, we couldn't do all of the fun stuff we do without their help.

They DO learn important library skills!

Some volunteens are interested in learning how to shelve, check out items, and other library skills. When we can we try to impart as much of this information as possible.

They DON'T help patrons with non-summer problems, primarily.

If you ask a Teen Volunteer for help, and they can't, please don't be shocked or upset!

There are a lot of different things that teen volunteers are simply NOT allowed to help you with. Some things are strictly the purview of paid staff members. For example, Teen Volunteers cannot handle money for the library.

Sometimes, teens are working on a time-sensitive project for staff and can't stop to help. Other times, they simply don't know how to help. Many of them are first time volunteers who are still learning their way around the library, so may not be able to find everything.

If you have questions about Summer Reading stuff, please stop by the Summer Reading Table. For all other needs, please approach library staff at the circulation desk or when you see us around the library!