Teen Summer Volunteers Grades 9-12

Thank you for your interest in volunteering! These teams help us with a variety of services throughout the Library.

  • Apply online May 1 through May 15.
  • Applicants are notified by the end of May if they have been accepted.

Requirements

Volunteers must:

  • have their own valid District card

  • be entering grades 9-12 in the Fall

  • attend a mandatory volunteer orientation at the Library on Tuesday, June 4 at 2:00p.m. (contact nlarocque@palatinelibrary.org if you have a conflict).

  • attend your scheduled programs or volunteer opportunities 

Your Information

Select a Team

Thank you for your interest in the Palatine Library District's Teen Summer Volunteer Program! The program is from June 4 through August 4. Each team provides teens with at least 8 hours of volunteer hours this summer. We strongly encourage teens to fill out applications independently, but it’s OK to ask an adult for help OR contact the library with any questions you may have. 

Questions? Please email Natalie LaRocque at nlarocque@palatinelibrary.org

Up to 2 hours per week. A great team for those looking for flexibility around their summer schedule. Volunteers write book reviews to be posted in a Recommended Reads binder that all Library members can view. Reviewers may also opt to record a video book review for the Library’s TikTok account. Reviews are submitted to your team leader via email. Each book review equals 1 hour of volunteer time.
2 hours per week, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Wishing you had your very own book cart? Train with staff in our Member Services department to learn how to shelve holds and other items. Volunteers need to take a shelving test before starting their duties. Teens select a day of the week, Monday through Friday, that works best for them and then volunteer that day of the week for the summer (June 4 through August 2).
2 hours per week. 10:00 – 12:00 p.m., June 5, June 12, June 26 and July 3. Step into a world where creativity meets the nature of seasons! Here, you’ll have the chance to create seasonal decorations for spring, summer, fall, and winter for the Library staff lounge.
Up to 2 hours per week. Calling all crafters and artists! Volunteers create fun and encouraging cards to send to kids who are staying in Chicagoland hospitals as well as bookmarks for members to pick up at the Youth and Teen Desk. Teens can pick up a packet of cards and bookmarks from their team leader and return them to the Library when they are finished. A great team for those looking for flexibility around their summer schedule. A completed packet of 4 cards and 6 bookmarks equals 2 hours of volunteer credit.
Mondays, July 22, 29, and August 5 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. (Get Ready) and Wednesdays June 26 and July 10, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Reading Buddies). Perfect for students who like working with young children and are interested in teaching. Volunteers help with two sets of programs. Get Ready for Kindergarten helps 4 and 5-year-olds practice skills they will need in kindergarten. Reading Buddies is designed to give kids who are struggling with reading the chance to practice reading to a therapy dog and boost their literacy skills. This team will set up and take down the programs with Library staff, staff activity stations, and prepare station materials. 
The Youth and Teen Department is the busiest area of the Library each summer! Volunteers on this team assist with preparing materials for upcoming crafts and programs. Many tasks from cutting paper shapes to counting, cleaning, and organizing materials are needed. Opportunities are based on volunteer availability and our program schedule. Team members will be able to come to the Library for prep sessions on a variety of dates and times throughout the summer. Great for teens who prefer a flexible summer schedule.
Wednesdays, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3 and Saturday, July 6. Help the Library prepare decorations for their entry for Palatine’s 4th of July Hometown Fest Parade! Work with our artistic staff to come up with ideas and create something celebrating the Library’s 100th Anniversary. Teens are encouraged to walk in the parade on Saturday, July 6 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
This team works with kids and other Library members at our summer programs. Tasks can range from helping set up a room and assist at an event, to helping in classes in the Workshop. Volunteers sign up to help at programs through their team leader. Great for teens who like variety and working with people.

Please mark your top 3 favorite teams below with 1 being the team you are most interested in. We cannot guarantee placement on your first-choice team, but we always try our best.

If choosing Cartvaders, which days of the week work best for you?

Have you volunteered at the Library in the past?
Why do you want to volunteer at the Library?
Are you able to attend the orientation session at the Library on Tuesday, June 4 at 2:00 p.m.?

Signatures

I hereby apply to volunteer at Palatine Public Library District. 

By signing this form, I affirm that: 

  • While volunteering, I am representing the Library and will act with professionalism and respect  towards staff, the public, and other teens.. 

  • I will follow a mutually acceptable volunteer schedule. 

  • I will notify the volunteer team leader promptly if I am unable to volunteer as scheduled. 

  • I will perform my assigned tasks in a professional manner. 

  • I understand that if I fail to comply with these standards, I may be dismissed from the volunteer program. 

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