Summer Reading volunteer program

Do you want to inspire people to read this summer? Volunteer with the Summer Reading program! As a volunteer, you will help people:

•  Sign up for the game
• Award prizes
• Talk with people about books and more. 

All volunteers need to fill out an application, which will be available on this page and at all library locations on April 15. Volunteer shifts begin on June 16 and end on August 31. Learn more about Summer Reading Volunteering.

Apply for Summer Reading volunteering!

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 while working at the library 
• Earn volunteer hours for school 
• Gain valuable skills for your resume or college application 

Minimum qualifications 

• Entering grade 6 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, including talking to kids and adults 
• 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,  Black communities or both. This experience can be 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 

1. Complete the application on the next page or online at Volunteer Services. 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. 
2. 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.) 
3. If your application is approved, Volunteer Services will contact you. You will then sign up for your required training. 
4. Set up your schedule and start date with staff at the library where you will be volunteering and attend training. 
5. 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. 
• The week of May 16, volunteers will begin being matched to library locations. Volunteers will be notified about their placements the week of May 16. 
• 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 or guardian permission (if under 18) 
• All spots for your preferred location(s) have been filled