Teen Volunteering

Anoka County Library welcomes teens to apply to volunteer at the library. There are a few different ways teens can get service hours:

If you are looking for a one-time or short-term commitment to fulfill school or other requirements, please do not fill out the volunteer application. We encourage you to attend one of our Teen Service Opportunities instead. Visit our Event Calendar for "one time" service opportunities that do not require an application or training period.

Weekly volunteering at the library requires a minimum 3 month commitment. Before volunteering at any library location on a regular basis, teens must complete a short interview, a background check, and orientation session. We do not offer same-day or even same-week assignments. Shifts are typically 1-2 hours per week for regular volunteers.

• If you are interested in being a Reading Mentor to 1st, 2nd, or 3rd graders, please visit our Reading Bridge Mentor page to learn more and apply. This opportunity requires a minimum 8-10 week commitment, meeting with an elementary student once a week at the library for an hour. 
• If you are interested in assisting with materials at the library (shelving books, pulling books for people to check out, scanning the collection with an RFID scanner, dusting shelves, etc.), please fill out the volunteer application for the branch location you're interested in and indicate "Materials Assistant" as the position on your application. 
• In the summer, in addition to Reading Mentors and Materials Assistants, teens can apply to be a Volunteen and help with a variety of tasks. Typical Volunteen Tasks include:
  • Tell patrons about the summer reading program and assist them in downloading the Beanstack Tracker app
  • Assist library staff in preparations, set up, and clean up for programs and events
  • Research and implement ideas for crafts, escape rooms, STEM events, and other programs
  • Assist with keeping materials shelved, in order, and tidy, pull items to fill hold requests, etc.