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Teen Services

VolunTeens

How To Become A VolunTeen @ GPL

VolunTeen Projects & Requirements

  • Attend a volunteer orientation first.
    • Do not submit projects until you have attended an orientation.
    • Credit will not be awarded unless you have attended an orientation.
  • Earn Community service hours for the projects you complete and submit. 
  • Each submission will be reviewed by a VolunTeen Supervisor and your earned hours will be recorded in the Library's VolunTeen Time Clock database. 
    • You will receive an email confirmation when hours are credited.
  • Have fun, be creative, and use your imagination.
  • Be clear, concise, and use PG language.
  • Projects may be posted on the library webpage, eNewsletter, and/or library social media accounts with your permission.
  • Please Note: Hours earned are subject to change at the discretion of VolunTeen Supervisor. Projects that go above and beyond may earn more hours and projects that do not meet minimum requirements may have time deducted from hours earned.

VolunTeen Activites

VolunTeen Project

Project Description

Hours Earned

Teen Task Force

Greenburgh Teen Task Force encourages and empowers teen civic engagement. All interested  Teens are welcome to attend! Projects include raising awareness of food insecurity, food drives, Greenburgh Community Garden, Voter Registration Drives, and more. More information regarding Teen Task Force coming soon!

Hourly
Create A Trailer

Pick a library book, eBook, audiobook, movie, video game, manga and/or series, etc.
Create a trailer that would make someone want to check it out—just like a real movie trailer! It should be no longer than 2 minutes in length.

 3 Hours
Shelf reading/Edging

Edging books and other materials in the library. Reading book shelves to make sure they are in the correct order. This detail is available when the library requires it so please check the Volunteer Calendar for availability.

 Hourly

Teen Tutorials

Pick an online library resource, app, website, database, etc. Create a "how-to" or "tips and tricks" guide. It can be written or filmed!

 2 Hours
Homework Help Center VolunTeen

Provide in-person afterschool homework help for grades 1-6 on Tuesdays 5-7 PM as part of the GPL Learning Lab Homework Help Center. Sign up to volunteer on the Teen Volunteer Calendar.

Volunteer Tasks May Include:
Helping with set up, break down, signing in attendees, helping students in grades 1-6 with homework, studying, and projects. 

Staff Person(s) To Report To: 

  • Roberta, Homework Help Center Coordinator
  • Sarah Northshield, Librarian at Greenburgh Public Library
 Hourly
Craft Kits Submit kit project idea FIRST. Make up a collection of 15 ready-made craft bags with instructions based on your creative idea! Approved projects ONLY. (some library craft materials may be available to use) Hourly

Help With A Library Program

 Be a program helper and support librarians with children's, teen, or adult programs held in person at the library. Volunteer emails go out only when help is requested. It's first come, first serve. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are a must. Hourly
Teen Advisory Board Meeting Attend and participate in a Virtual Teen Advisory Board Meeting -- visit the library's online calendar to register so we can send you the Zoom Virtual Meeting link. Hourly
Develop and Run Teen Library Programs

Do you have a specific interest that would make a great teen library program?! Submit your idea to gplteenvolunteers@greenburghlibrary.org. If your idea is approved, we'll help you put it together, market it, and run it!

 To Be Determined
Propose Your Project

Submit a project or program proposal that you would like to do to gplteenvolunteers@greenburghlibrary.org.
We will contact you to discuss the possibility of you doing this project for Community Service Hours. Please wait until your project has been approved.

 To Be Determined

VolunTeen Guidelines

  • Eligibility 
    • A VolunTeen must be between the ages of 12 and 19 to apply, qualify, and  gain community service hours as a volunteer at GPL. They must also complete the Teen Volunteer Application linked here.
  • In Case of Emergency
  • Contact With Your Supervisor
    • All communication about volunteering at GPL will be conducted through email so be sure to check your email frequently for updates, volunteer hour opportunities, and shift assignments!
    • If you change your email let us know.
  • Lateness
    • Being late for volunteer hours is not acceptable. Being a VolunTeen means people are depending on you whether you are assisting running events at the library, organizing, or completing projects.
    • Be here on time or call ahead if you anticipate being late, are unable to attend, or in case of emergency.
  • Dress
    • Please dress appropriately for a public library. Shorts are okay but please do not wear swimsuits, bare bellies, bare feet, hats, or anything that would be inappropriate for school.
    • The library has a fluctuating temperatures so you may want to bring extra layers of clothing in case of extreme temperature differences. 
  • Volunteer Duties
    • Volunteering at GPL is scheduled in advance only, no drop-in volunteering please.
    • A VolunTeen may have a range of responsibilities and tasks that he or she will be assigned that may include: helping with events (advance preparation, set up, breaking down etc.), edging books, shelf reading, and more.
    • A VolunTeen is not responsible for helping patrons find books, answering reference questions, or doing clerical or page duties done by paid staff.
  • Keeping Track of Volunteer Time
    • A Volunteen is responsible for keeping track of all service hours and dates completed on the designated “VolunTeen Time Clock” Computer.
    • When a volunteer completes their required hours it is the responsibility of the volunteer to inform the Volunteer Supervisor whether they are finished volunteering or want to continue.
  • Volunteer Badges
    • VolunTeens must wear GPL Volunteer Badges at all times when volunteering at or for the library.
  • Mobile Devices
    • Please no use of cell phones (even texting), MP3 players, tablets, or other personal or electronic devices, headphones, or ear buds, during volunteering unless you ask and are given permission in advance.
  • Ask For Help
    • Library staff is here to help you! If you have questions ASK! (We don’t bite)
  • Recognition
    • Proof of service forms and letters must be requested by the volunteer, to their supervisor, well in advance of the due date.
    • Forms can be completed, letters written, and certificates issued as proof of service if a VolunTeen needs one for school/honor society/religious group, etc.
  • Internships
    • Please note that internships at the Greenburgh Public Library are not part of the Teen Volunteer Program.
    • For information about becoming a Teen Intern, including position availability, please email GPL Teen Volunteers.