Student Volunteer Page

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Howard County Library welcomes students who want to volunteer. Teen volunteers develop new skills and gain practical experience as well as learn about the Library's mission and vision. We are looking for students who are mature, dependable, polite, and love the Library.

Volunteer Opportunities 
Examples include:

• Customer Service Aide - The main tasks for these volunteers are shelving books and shelf-reading sections to maintain order. Although responsibilities are not limited to shelving and shelf-reading, they are the main tasks. Other possible tasks include: checking in materials, shifting collections and sorting deliveries, and boxing donations. Training occurs while on the job.
• Summer Reading Club Volunteer - Encourage children to participate in the Summer Reading Club. Greet children, help them register for the Summer Reading Club, and distribute prizes. Orientations are held in May at each branch.
• Teen Advisory Board Member – Assist Teen Specialists by recommending books, music and movies; develop and plan events for teen customers; and create additional initiatives that benefit teens. See source for each branch's dates and times.
• First Look Committee Member – Read, discuss, and review pre-published and newly published books. The feedback of committee members is considered when purchasing new materials for the teen collection. Dates and times listed in source.
• Teen ‘Zine Contributor – Attend monthly meetings and create original content (including reviews, short stories, poetry, visual artwork, video, and music) for the Library’s teen blog.

Qualifications and Skills:
Student volunteers typically must be able to commit to a minimum of two hours per week for at least three months. Student volunteers must be at least 13 years old to volunteer at the Library. Anyone under 16 must have parental permission.

Key skills include:

• Flexibility - willingness to perform a variety of projects and tasks.
• Communication and listening skills - willingness to ask questions if tasks are unclear.
• Dependability - willingness to complete assigned tasks and fulfill volunteer commitment.
• Ability to follow instructions, work independently, and focus on fairly detailed tasks.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team with other volunteers and staff members.
• Respect for diverse lifestyles, cultures, religions, and values.

Service Learning Hours may be available for high school students who volunteer. Students are responsible for checking with their school to verify that their hours will qualify. If you have any questions pertaining to Howard County Library's volunteer program, please call the Volunteer Coordinator.

Application Process and Orientation
A limited number of volunteer positions are available for teens each year. Students are advised to apply early in the school year, by completing a volunteer application. The volunteer coordinator will interview applicants and provide an orientation to the Library.

Volunteer Center of Howard County - This web site provides more information about other volunteer opportunities for teens in Howard County.


Summer Reading Volunteer Program
Younger students can help in a number of ways during the summer:

• Encourage children to participate in the Summer Reading Club.
• Greet children and help them register for the Summer Reading Club.
• Distribute prizes.
• Assist with children's classes by preparing materials and supporting the children's instructors.

Summer Reading Volunteer applications are accepted in all Library branches from April 1 through April 15. Applicants will be contacted and scheduled for an orientation at the location of their first choice. The number of positions at each branch is limited, and varies from branch to branch.


Qualifications for Summer Reading Volunteers

• Must be at least 13 years old.
• Must enjoy working with children.
• Possess a friendly and outgoing disposition.
• Follow directions.
• Exhibit independence.
• Respect for diverse lifestyles, cultures, religions, and values.
• Willing to complete assigned tasks and fulfill volunteer commitment.