Teen Volunteering at the Hunterdon County Library

Participating branches (Headquarters and North County) are looking for individuals ages 12-18 who are interested in serving their community while working to build a thriving teen presence at the library.

Jobs will range from helping with programs for children, and preparing craft projects, to working with librarians to perform tasks that will improve library spaces and services to patrons of all ages.

Teens can volunteer in a variety of ways at the Hunterdon County Library:

Regular Shifts

Regular volunteers hold a weekly shift at the library, helping maintain the space and assisting library staff in preparing materials for programs. Shifts are once a week for an hour at either Headquarters or the North County Branch.

Teen Volunteer Application (first two pages required)

Summer: apply May 5 - June 9 for shifts late June through late August.

School year: apply August 18 - October 1 for shifts September through early June. 

Questions? contact Jordan Hutchins (jhutchins@hclibrary.us) for Headquarters or Emily Witkowski (ewitkowski@hclibrary.us) for the North County Branch.

Special Events

Can't commit to a regular shift but are still interested in volunteering? Sign up for our email list for special events.

Volunteers for special events may help with check in, craft tables for kids, set up and clean up, etc. You will be emailed intermittently with opportunities at the library. Follow the directions in the email to reserve your spot as a volunteer. Most events will be in summer.

Questions? contact Emily Witkowski (ewitkowski@hclibrary.us)

Teen Advisory Board

The Hunterdon County Library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB) serves as the voice of our young adult community. TAB assists the Teen Department in leading programs, creating displays and booklists, and brainstorming events for children and teens. We meet once a month during the school year to coordinate our activities. Participation at other events is expected.

Teen Volunteer Application (all three pages required) 

Questions? contact Sarah Pike (spike@hclibrary.us)

Reading Buddies

Reading Buddies is a program where kids in grades K-3 are paired with a teen volunteer over a four week period to practice reading. It is held several times throughout the year at the North County and South County Branches. Volunteer "Big Buddies" are required to attend five meeting dates, including an orientation. Details are available on the current application. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but spots are only assigned closer to program dates. Previous applicants do not need to apply again, and should be receiving emails each time a new session is open.

Reading Buddies Application

Questions? contact Sarah Pike (spike@hclibrary.us)

Frequently Asked Questions

I only need X hours of volunteer credit. Can you accommodate me?

Please fill out the Special Events volunteer form and we will contact you when short-term opportunities arise.

Can I get a recommendation letter?

Recommendation letters can be requested by current and previous volunteers at anytime but are not guaranteed. Please contact your volunteer coordinator.

How do I verify my hours?

We recommend you keep track of your volunteer hours yourself, but we are happy to verify your hours for school or other organization. Please contact your volunteer coordinator.

Can I get leadership hours?

Volunteer leadership hours are available through our Teen Advisory Board and Reading Buddies program. 

Are you a certifying organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award?

No, we are not a certifying organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award but are happy to confirm those volunteer hours with schools or other organizations that need official confirmation.

Can I volunteer with a friend?

We do not accommodate regular volunteer shifts with friends. Volunteers are expected to work independently on task during their shift. If you would like to volunteer with a friend, we encourage you to fill out the Special Events volunteer form and coordinate independently.

Can I make up a missed shift?

Volunteers may be excused from a volunteer shift with prior notice. Due to scheduling reasons, we typically cannot accommodate making up a missed shift. Talk to your volunteer coordinator if you have any concerns. 

I play a sport / am involved in an intensive school program (like the musical). Am I able to change or shift my schedule at all during the year?

We know our volunteers have busy schedules, and we are willing to be flexible with as much advanced notice as possible.