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TaskTask DetailsAge of TeenAverage Time For Task1-Time or Repeatable TaskLibrary Work CategoryRequired SupervisionTraining RequirementOn-Site or Off-Site TaskTeen Interaction (Patron, Staff, etc.)Special Skills RequiredExtra InformationAffiliated Library System
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Write book reviewsWe post book reviews on a blog, the teen page on our website, and mini-reviews in the stacks. Teens can write reviews for volunteer credit as long as they give us permission to post them (anonymously or under their own name). Middle school, High school, Older teens30-60 minutesRepeat-ableCollections, DisplaysTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesNoNoBasic writing skillsWe let teens email us reviews, leave paper reviews or even record a review into a staff person's phone to be transcribed later. Berkeley Public Library
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Summer Reading ChallengeSign up children and teens for the Summer Reading Challenge.
Interview children about books they have read, award prizes: we have a 3 level system so children get prizes at each level.
Input data on spreadsheet of people who sign up for the program and those who finish.
Other tasks involve making buttons as prizes, helping with crafts for displays, etc. 		High schoolteens work in 3-4 hour shifts.Repeat-ableProgrammingTeens should have someone nearby to ask questions as they come up30-60 minutesYesYesSan Leandro Public Library
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Button BuilderVolunteer will construct lapel buttons for giveaways to the publicMiddle school, High school, Older teensBetween 1-2 hoursRepeat-ableOutreachTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesYesYes, but only if there are multiple teen volunteers working together, otherwise its a 1 person jobNoWe provide the volunteer with all the needed suppliesSan Jose Public Library
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Data entryMiddle school, High school, Older teenslonger than 60 minutesRepeat-ableTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesYesNoSan Jose Public Library
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Homework ClubTeens helping younger children with their homework.High schoollonger than 60 minutesRepeat-ableProgrammingTeens should have someone nearby to ask questions as they come up30-60 minutesYesYesAble to speak English and have basic writing and math skills.San Jose Public Library
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Re-stickering/Re-covering booksHigh school, Older teens30-60 minutesRepeat-ableCollectionsI would suggest on teens 1st go round with doing this task to keep checking in with the re-stickering. It behooves you to make sure they match up all of the barcodes + call numbers correctly (it's no fun tracking down after the fact) When it comes to recovering, I have them do 2-3 and then show me...depending on the quality, you can tell which teens can do this project and which ones you want to find something else for Less than 30 minutesYesNoAttention to detail, attention to detail, attention to detail. Paying attentionIt does take a time commitment from the librarian to go out and look for ratty books that need new call numbers and barcodes,, collect the books, print new call number labels and print replacement barcodes, but it pays off because it offers the teens something different besides shelving and it helps to keep the collection looking newCastro Valley Library
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Game ZoneTeens come in, grab our box of board games, puzzles, card games and takes it out to the children's area. They ask kids that are hanging out if they want to play games. Candyland and Chutes and Ladders has been a hit. One teen loved learning how to play Yahtzee and then taught it to older kids.Middle school, High school, Older teensAny length of time. Our teens often do 2 hours.Repeat-ableProgrammingTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesNoYesA willingness to talk to people. However, I often call kids over to play and then the teen takes it from there. Other teens are more extroverted and don't mind asking the kids to play. Both ways work perfectly.I loved seeing the kids come out of their shell with the teens, and vice versa. Something about the teens getting to teach and show younger kids things, even just how to play a board game is fantastic. I had a teen come in that just needed 9 hours before school started. He loved doing this task so much over the course of 4 days that he did more than 9 hours and left really loving the library. Win Win!!! Oh, and kids get to hang out and have fun at the library, another Win Win!!!!
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ShelvingShelving books and materials in YA or Juv including fiction and nonfiction, DVDs, CDs and filing Holds. Books should be alphabetized or put in Dewey order on the cart first, then shelved. Task may include de-newing (removing stickers), facing out, and shelf-reading). Middle school, High school, Older teens30-60 minutesRepeat-ableCollectionsDepends on the individual.30-60 minutesYesYesMust be detail-oriented and able to organize in alpha-numeric order. This task may not be appropriate for students with dyslexia or delayed development.Training and practice required. Customize to fit the skill set and developmental level of each student. Some teens love to shelve, others hate it. Some enjoy it for 15-30 minutes then lose steam, others can continue for two hours. I have had to post the alphabet for middle school students (I often hear them singing the alphabet song as they are shelving). Many prefer shelving fiction (alpha) over nonfiction (numeric). Volunteers who are doing community service reluctantly may ignore instructions and just try to empty the cart as easily and quickly as possible; those volunteers should be given a different task.Belvedere Tiburon Library
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Cleaning Toddler BooksWiping down board books with antibacterial cloths and wiping them dry.Middle school15-30 minutesRepeat-ableCollectionsTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesYesNoBelvedere Tiburon Library
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Post-it Window ArtThemed or seasonal window displays using Post-It super sticky notes to create pixel art pictures or murals.Middle school, High school, Older teens0-15 minutesRepeat-ableDisplays, TechnologyThis task should be done alongside staffLess than 30 minutesYesCan be done individually but good for groups.Following a grid, putting sticky notes in straight lines, creativity, some math, measuring, and organizational skills.Good group activity, especially for artistically-inclined volunteers. Creates sense of pride especially if it can be viewed by the public from outside. Volunteers can use a template or grid/pixel art found online or create image on grid paper from scratch. Must measure and clean windows! Belvedere Tiburon Library
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Book DisplaysSeasonal and themed displays.Middle school, High school, Older teens15-30 minutesRepeat-ableCollections, DisplaysTeens should have someone nearby to ask questions as they come upLess than 30 minutesYesNoCreativityBelvedere Tiburon Library
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Special Events VolunteerHelping at general, all-ages events. Serving food, cleaning up, setting up and decorating, greeting and head count.Middle school, High school30-60 minutesRepeat-ableFacilities, ProgrammingTeens should have someone nearby to ask questions as they come upLess than 30 minutesYesYesCooperation, team work.Belvedere Tiburon Library
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Cutting scratch paperUse paper cutter or guillotine to cut uniformly sized paper notes.High school, Older teens15-30 minutesRepeat-ableFacilitiesThis task should be done alongside staffLess than 30 minutesYesNoAttention to detail, not being distracted, careful tool use. Ability to follow ruled guidelines to cut paper uniformly. Many volunteers are horrible at this task and end up making a box of confetti that has to be recycled. Only give this task to really good, focused, careful volunteers. Make sure they understand the danger of using the blade and show how NOT to handle it to avoid injuries.Belvedere Tiburon Library
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MailingsFolding paper, stuffing envelopesMiddle school, High school, Older teens30-60 minutesRepeat-ableOutreach, FundraisingTeens should have someone nearby to ask questions as they come upLess than 30 minutesYesYesCareful paper handling, attention to detail, following instructions.Belvedere Tiburon Library
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Laminating signs and displaysUsing heat laminating machine to make signsHigh school, Older teens30-60 minutesRepeat-ableDisplaysTeens should have someone nearby to ask questions as they come upLess than 30 minutesYesNoAttention to detail, ability to understand written and verbal instructions, patience.Belvedere Tiburon Library
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Book reviewsWriting book reviews in print or online, for use in the library or as a co-reviewer for publications like VOYA.High school, Older teenslonger than 60 minutesRepeat-ableCollections, ReferenceTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesNoNoInterest in YA literature, good writing skills, desire to share opinions with others.If submitting reviews for publication, teens will need to complete application and follow guidelines for print or online reviews.Belvedere Tiburon Library
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Coding and Robotics ClubsAssisting librarians with implementation of coding and technology clubs.Middle school, High school, Older teenslonger than 60 minutesRepeat-ableProgramming, TechnologyThis task should be done alongside staff30-60 minutesYesYesDepends on the program or activity.You may want to differentiate between teens who are working as volunteers and teens who are participating.Belvedere Tiburon Library
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Scanning and photocopyingUsing technology to archive or copy documents.High school30-60 minutes1-timeReference, Administration or FoundationTeens should have someone nearby to ask questions as they come upLess than 30 minutesYesNoAttention to detail, organizational skills, use of equipment.Belvedere Tiburon Library
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Making buttonsSelecting and cutting images for button-making programs or making buttons as prizes or promotion.Middle school30-60 minutesRepeat-ableProgrammingTeens should have someone nearby to ask questions as they come upLess than 30 minutesYesNoCreativity, use of tools and equipment.Belvedere Tiburon Library
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CleaningStudents help disinfect tables, clean the white board, vacuum, and dust books/shelves.Middle school, High school, Older teens30-60 minutesRepeat-ableFacilitiesTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesYesNoI always check with students if they are okay with this task in case there are allergies to cleaning supplies. We also supply gloves if they are needed.The King's Academy
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Shelving & Shelf ReadingHigh school, Older teenslonger than 60 minutesRepeat-ableCollectionsTeens should have someone nearby to ask questions as they come up30-60 minutesYesNoAlphabetization skills are a must! : ) We like library aides to shelve books on their sides so we can check their work. Once we feel like they are shelving accurately we permit them to shelve normally. The King's Academy
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Materials ProcessingWe train our library aides to hinge tape & cover books with laminate (if paperbacks) or jackets (if hardcover)High school, Older teenslonger than 60 minutesRepeat-ableCollectionsTeens should have someone nearby to ask questions as they come upMore than an hourYesNoAttention to detail is a mustThe King's Academy
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Organize/inventory/curate special collectionsWe have two new collections this year--Games & Hobby Kits. For the both collections, we are hoping our library aide will ensure that all bits and pieces are present in the game/kit and that they are neatly displayed. Suggestions for more games/kit ideas are considered.Middle school, High school, Older teens30-60 minutesRepeat-ableCollections, DisplaysTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesYesNoA passion for excellence. Liking arts & crafts and/or board games a plus.The King's Academy
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Running the Question of the Week board & contributing to the Encouragement BoardEvery week, a new question is posed to the students. They can answer the question on sticky notes posted around the area. This question is changed weekly by the library aide. New this year, we have an Encouragement Board where students, including the library aide, can post encouraging notes to others in the student body (things like "You got this!"). Students can then take the notes they need to help them through the week/day.High school, Older teens0-15 minutesRepeat-ableProgramming, DisplaysTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesYesNoThe King's Academy
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Learning Library Science SkillsIf desired, I will help mentor students interested in going into the Library Science field. I have, in the past, gone over how to develop a collection, how build a lesson, how to run a program, how to catalog, etc. Older teensDepends on what topic the teen is interested inRepeat-ableCollections, Programming, Reference, Displays, Outreach, TechnologyThis task should be done alongside staffMore than an hourYesYesThe King's Academy
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eBook HelpeBook Help volunteers are available twice a week for one hour to assist patrons with using the library's eBook collections. High school30-60 minutesRepeat-ableProgramming, TechnologyTeens should have someone nearby to ask questions as they come up30-60 minutesYesYesGood communication skills, as teens will be working directly with patrons.
Good grasp of technology is a plus as well (especially in using eReaders or tablets).		Teens are required to attend a one-hour training session prior to starting as an eBook volunteer. We go over the library's eBook databases, talk about the different apps, and practice downloading eBooks, as well as creating new accounts so the volunteers can see potential problems in advance.

Teens run the program independently, but it's good to have staff around that can help with difficult questions, if they come up.		Dublin Library
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Program VolunteersAssisting with programs, and helping with program preparation as neededHigh schoollonger than 60 minutesRepeat-ableProgrammingThis task should be done alongside staffLess than 30 minutesYesYesStrong communication skills, ability to take direction well, decent craft skills are often desirable, but not necessary.Most of our program volunteers help with family board game night once a month (the teens learn how to play at least one of our board games, and then invite families in to come play a game). Program volunteers also assist with random craft programs and preparation, are room monitors for movies, etc.Dublin Library
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Virtual VolunteersWriting book, movie, or local event reviews for our teen area binder, and/or posting to our library blog's Teen Book Talk feature. High school30-60 minutesRepeat-ableCollections, DisplaysTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesNoNoStrong writing skills.Virtual Volunteers earn one hour of community service for every accepted review they turn in. No requirements in terms of number of completed reviews. Writing samples are required to be accepted into the program.Dublin Library
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Pull grubby books for possible weedingTypically children's and teen collection. Have them pull books that have faded spine labels, broken spines, or just look gross. High school30-60 minutesRepeat-ableCollectionsTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesYesNoThe volunteers pull the books but the reference librarians review when time permits.Palo Alto City Library
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Friday Fun VolunteerCalls our Bingo for kids, puts out board games and plays with youthHigh schoollonger than 60 minutesRepeat-ableProgrammingTeens should have someone nearby to ask questions as they come upLess than 30 minutesYesYesOutgoing and responsible.Palo Alto City Library
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Teen Writing Club MentorsFacilitate our teen writing club by helping come up with prompts and leading the group of teens and tweens with activities.High school, Older teensThe program last 1.5 hoursRepeat-ableProgrammingThis task should be done alongside staff30-60 minutesYesYesOutgoing, committed, enjoys writingThe teens run the program, we meet twice a month. I have a basic setup and format that I taught them, but they come up with the prompts/activities. I sit in as a participant but give them lead of the group. I only intercept if something is not working or is confusing to the group, but for the most part I am a participant. Palo Alto City Library
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Decorate the Teen AreaCreate a theme for a display wall in the teen area.High schoollonger than 60 minutesRepeat-ableDisplaysTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesYesYesArtistic talent is a plusTeens love to be creative. It also gives them ownership of their area when they can create a theme / decorations for it.SCCLD Saratoga Library
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Teen Leader Reader (Reading Buddies)Teens volunteer for 1 hour a week for 10 weeks to work on reading skills with elementary school youth. Training takes ~1 hour and can be accomplished as a group.High school30-60 minutesRepeat-ableProgramming, LiteracyTeens can do this independently30-60 minutesNoYesNo. But you may want to vet teens as you train them.San Mateo County Libraries
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Street TeamConduct outreach in the community. Usually are armed with flyers and may require short training to practice answering questions.Middle school, High school, Older teenslonger than 60 minutesRepeat-ableOutreachTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesNoYesSan Mateo County Libraries
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Create and run video game tournamentsMiddle school, High school, Older teenslonger than 60 minutesRepeat-ableProgrammingTeens should have someone nearby to ask questions as they come upLess than 30 minutesNoYesSan Mateo County Libraries
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Make personalized bookmarks/giveawaysMiddle school, High school, Older teenslonger than 60 minutesRepeat-ableDisplays, OutreachTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesNoNoSan Mateo County Libraries
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I've had teen workers help with collection developmentI've had teen workers help with collection development -- taking a first pass at B&T carts, reading reviews, and recommending items for purchase. Having them do the first whack at the carts saves me time and reveals their interest in things I might have skippedHigh school30-60 minutesRepeat-ableCollectionsTeens can do this independentlyLess than 30 minutesNoNoBerkeley Public Library
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Shelf Reading & CleaningEnsuring titles are in correct shelf order as well as dusting/cleaning shelvesMiddle school, High school60 minutes once a week & we have a "staff" of 10 volunteers assigned by areas of Youth & Teen sectionsRepeat-ableCollectionsTeens can do this independently15-30 minutesYesVolunteers are instructed to lead patrons to library staff if they are approached while workingNoLivermore Public Library
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Dusting ShelvesRemoving books from shelves and dusting behind them, then returning books.Middle school, High school, Older teens30-60 minutesRepeat-ableFacilitiesTeens can do this independentlyLess than 15 minutesYesNoNopeSan Jose Public Library
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Library pick up and clean upTeens pick up left behind books from tables and other areas of the library. They push in chairs and see to general tidiness.Middle school, High school, Older teens15-30 minutesRepeat-ableFacilitiesTeens can do this independentlyLess than 15 minutesYesNoA nice task to give at the end of a volunteer shift when there is still time left but not enough for an 'involved' task.Santa Clara County
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Puppet Show VolunteersAssist Childrens Librarians at storytime by animating puppets. Puppets usually 'dance' along to a song and then give hugs or high fives to the children at the end of storytime.High school15-30 minutesRepeat-ableProgrammingThis task should be done alongside staffLess than 15 minutesNoYesGenerally this task is given to teen volunteers who want to interact with others, and feel comfortable in the spotlight. Our volunteers are hidden by a puppet stage but there is still an element of putting on a show. Santa Clara County
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