Summer Reading is a program that gets kids and teens excited about reading during the summer and encourages them to become lifelong library users. Summer Reading volunteers register kids for the game and award prizes. Volunteers may also help with projects, recordkeeping and more. Volunteers do not read to kids, check out books to patrons or shelve books.
Benefits
- Make friends and hang out while working at the library
- Earn volunteer hours for school
- Gain valuable skills for your resume or college application
Minimum qualifications
- Entering 6th grade or higher in the next school year
- Available to work a two-hour weekly shift for eight to nine weeks between June 16 and August 31
- Enjoy working with other people and creating a welcome environment for kids and adults from many cultures and backgrounds
- Responsible and dependable
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Preferred qualifications
- Prior Summer Reading volunteer experience
- Fluency in one of the following languages: Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese or Somali.
- In-depth knowledge or lived experience with Indigenous communities, Black communities or both. This experience is demonstrated by knowledge of traditions, values and customs.
Did you meet the minimum qualifications above? Congratulations! Follow the next steps to apply for a volunteer position.
Next steps
- Complete the application online or pick up a paper application at any library location. Choose as many library locations as you can for your best chance to volunteer! We have limited spaces and if you are able to volunteer at multiple locations you have a higher chance of getting a volunteer position.
- Check your email. Volunteer Services will send you more information on becoming a volunteer. (If you don’t provide an email address, we will contact you by postal mail.)
- If your application is approved, Volunteer Services will contact you. You will then sign up for your required training.
- Set up your schedule and start date with staff at the library where you will be volunteering, and attend training.
- Get ready for an awesome summer of volunteering two or more hours a week all summer long!
Application process
- The initial application window will be open from April 15 to May 15. Applying during this time period is the best chance to get a spot at your preferred library location.
- We will begin matching and notifying volunteers the week after the initial application window closes.
- The volunteer application will be available after that date but volunteer spots may be even more limited.
- Volunteers with preferred qualifications may be placed first based on the needs of the library location. This is a youth-focused program and youth volunteers will be prioritized over adults. The remaining spots will be filled on a first come first serve basis, so we encourage you to turn in your application as soon as possible. It is possible that we may not be able to place all volunteers that apply.
Please keep in mind, you may not be able to volunteer if:
- Your application is missing contact information
- Your handwriting is hard to read
- You can’t make the required time commitment
- There’s no parent/guardian permission (if under 18)
- All spots for your preferred location(s) have been filled
Questions? Contact Volunteer Services by email at libvols@multcolib.org or by phone at 503.988.5731.