Earn Volunteer Hours at the Library

Did you know that teens can volunteer at the Library? Whether you’re in need of hours for school, or just interested in getting more involved in your community, the Library offers three different ways for teens to earn hours. Read on to learn more about our volunteer opportunities!

 READ & REVIEW

(Open to teens in grades 6-12)

• Earn service hours through reading! Our Read & Review program helps the library promote its new Young Adult (YA) books on our Wordpress. Read any new YA title published within the last two years, then submit your review through our online form. A Teen Librarian will review your submission and may ask you to make corrections. Teens can earn up to two hours of credit per review, depending on how well they’re written, and up to ten hours per academic semester.

VOLUNTEEN PROGRAM

(Open to teens ages 14-18)

• The VolunTeen program is a great way to earn community service hours and gain valuable experience for future job opportunities. VolunTeen duties vary from library to library but may include helping with library programs, collection maintenance, office work, shelving, and sorting materials in the Circulation department. VolunTeens are expected to be able to work independently, rather than in a group setting, and follow a weekly work schedule.

• The application process and demand for VolunTeens varies between libraries. Some locations do not have a VolunTeen program. All VolunTeens, however, are required to attend a mandatory orientation meeting. Check with your local library for more details.

• Interested? Download and complete a VolunTeen application and return it to your preferred library location.

TEEN ADVISORY BOARD

(Open to teens ages 12 and older.)

• The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is a way for you to have a voice at the library, participate in programs with other teens, and help others in your community. TAB programs include promoting library services, helping librarians to develop teen programs and strong YA collections, helping with annual charity drives, and developing youth-led service projects.

• TAB groups meet once a month in all parts of Henrico County. Our five TAB groups are:
• North Side TAB: Libbie Mill, North Park Libraries
• East End TAB: Fairfield Library
• West End TAB: Tuckahoe, Gayton Libraries
• Northwest TAB: Twin Hickory, Glen Allen Libraries
• Varina TAB: Sandston, Varina Libraries

Contact your library to ask about joining or download and complete a TAB application and return it to your preferred library location. Want to learn more about the types of things TAB does? Check out these recent projects created by TAB volunteers!

• Virtual Scavenger Hunt
  • Teens collaborated to create a virtual program geared toward younger learners, but designed to be fun for everyone! Participants can learn about Virginia plants, animals, insects, and landmarks to help complete the missing pieces of the Outdoor Field Guide! 

• Not Your Mama’s Cookbook: A Cookbook for Teens
  • This by-teens-for-teens cookbook includes a wide range of recipes. From French toast to Chapati, readers are sure to find a dish that satisfies their palette. You’ll find plenty of inspiration for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between.