If you are a teen wanting to give back to your community, learn more about the Library, or hang out and connect with other teens while participating in some amazing teen programs, then you’re in the right place! Programs include Library Youth Ambassadors, Teens Give Back, and general library programs. All volunteers must be 14 or older unless accompanied by an adult who is also an APL volunteer.
Looking for Teen Court hours? Teen Court volunteers must work directly with a Public Services Coordinator to set up a schedule for their court-ordered service. We only accept court-ordered volunteers through the City of Arlington Municipal Teen Court. Teen Court volunteers are not eligible for special projects or Teens Give Back.
Long term teen volunteers who plan to work with the Arlington Public Library for an extended period of time. They may or may not have an hourly requirement, and plan to volunteer indefinitely.
All long-term volunteers are required to:
• Complete the volunteer interest form
• Attend a volunteer interest meeting
• Complete the volunteer application (includes a background check)
• Attend volunteer orientation and training
Long term volunteers will generally coordinate with the Public Services Coordinator or the Resident Librarian at a specific branch. They may have a set schedule or may come seasonally, depending on the need.
Short-term teen volunteers are volunteers who have an hourly requirement of more than 15 hours per semester and require them to be completed by a specific deadline.
• Complete the volunteer interest form
• Attend a volunteer interest meeting
• Complete the volunteer application (includes a background check)
• Attend volunteer orientation and training
To ensure that volunteers have enough time to complete their service hour requirements, all short-term volunteers must apply to volunteer by the deadlines listed below:
Short-term volunteers will generally coordinate with the Public Services Coordinator or Resident Librarian at a specific branch, but may also be asked to volunteer in other areas as needed.
Special Projects & Events teen volunteers are volunteers who need 14 service hours or less per semester. They are required to submit a Special Project form to volunteer.
They help fill gaps in volunteer coverage during times of high need and are accepted on an as-needed basis.
These volunteers:
• Are not required to complete the full volunteer application process
• May help with special projects such as large library programs. These will be on select dates and locations.
• If volunteering for a special project, will submit a signed Special Project form to Arlington Public Library prior to participation. Volunteers can only participate in one special project per calendar year.
Special Projects & Events teen volunteers will not be accepted to any other library tasks, nor will they be allowed to do walk-in volunteer service. All service hours for these volunteer opportunities will be scheduled a month ahead of time by an Arlington Public Library staff member.
Still need more hours? Teens between the ages of 13 and 18 (at select locations, dates, and times) can participate in Teens Give Back, which is available at select times and locations throughout the year. No Special Project Form or volunteer requirement is required. Students may get their service hours signed off by a library staff member. Please see dates on the calendar.
