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Baltimore County Public Library welcomes students for
completing service learning hours or year-round volunteering
or for the
Summer Reading Volunteer Program
Year-round Volunteering or for Service Learning Hours:
Baltimore County Public Library branches have provided a variety of challenging and rewarding volunteer opportunities for mature, dependable students.
Minimum age for volunteers is 14 years old or in the 8th grade. Exceptions may be made for people under age 14 who volunteer as part of a group, e.g. scout troops, or as part of the Summer Reading Club.
All assignments offer flexible scheduling and a chance to play an important role in providing library services. Volunteers in our branches assist the staff by shelving materials (returning books, CDs and DVDs to the shelves), shelf reading (scanning the shelves and arranging branch materials which may not be in their proper place), answering telephones, shifting the book collection, and assisting with special branch programs. Training in the different tasks depends on the volume of the workload in the branch and the number of hours the student is volunteering.
Service Learning Hours:
Students should check with their school to be certain that the library is an acceptable choice for fulfilling the required volunteer (service learning) hours.
Next contact the branch where you would like to volunteer and ask to speak to the Volunteer Coordinator to find out if they can give you the hours you need. Also review the special instructions for students about volunteering during the Summer Reading Club only.
A minimum of 10 hours must be worked during the Summer Reading Club to receive credit for service learning hours. Student volunteers must bring in a Service Learning Hour form, usually available from your school's guidance counselor, at the end of their volunteer service to receive credit. These forms are not available from the library.
How to Be a Year-Round Volunteer:
Students interested in volunteering should fill out the online Volunteer Application form ( opens in new window) or print it out and take it to any BCPL branch. You may also get a paper application at any BCPL branch. Please consult the map of Baltimore County branches to find the branch nearest you.
Keep in mind that the amount of volunteer applications often outpaces the number of volunteer needed. Periodically BCPL branches review the volunteer applications and set up interviews with students. It is the student's responsibility to check with the school to be certain that the library is an acceptable choice for fulfilling his or her volunteer (service learning) hours.
If you are selected to volunteer (and you are under the age of 18), you and your parent or guardian must complete a Parental Permission form and a Consent to Medical Treatment form before you may begin volunteering. BCPL will provide you with these forms if a volunteer position is offered to you.
Acceptance of any volunteer is based on each branch’s need at the time and the volunteer’s demonstrated ability to do the work required. The branch does not guarantee there will be work at all times and is under no obligation to accept any volunteer.
If you have any questions pertaining to our volunteer program, please feel free to call the branch in which you would like to volunteer and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator.
Interested in Volunteering for the Summer Reading Club? Call your branch during the month of March for information about how to apply for the Summer Reading Volunteer Program
Branches are no longer accepting applications to be a 2013 Summer Reading Club volunteer
DO NOT use the online Volunteer Application form
Volunteers are an important part of Baltimore County Public Library's Summer Reading Club. They help the Club by registering children for the program, giving out game boards, stickers and prizes.
The branches need outgoing, friendly and professional young adults who are currently in grades 6 through 10 at the time they sign up to volunteer. Volunteers must be able to work a minimum of 10 hours during the 8-week Summer Reading Club season. The length of each work day is determined by each branch based on an assigned work time schedule. Drop-in volunteering is not available.
A Summer Reading Club volunteer is expected to
After being accepted as a volunteer, all volunteers must attend both the Summer Reading Club Volunteer Orientation meeting (a parent needs to attend Orientation with the volunteer) and the Summer Reading Club Volunteer Training session before actually volunteering. Check with your branch for the dates when these required meetings will be held.
A minimum of 10 hours must be worked during the Summer Reading Club to receive credit for service learning hours. Student volunteers must bring in a Service Learning Hour form, usually available from your school's guidance counselor, at the end of their volunteer service to receive credit. These forms are not available from the library.
How to Apply:
Branches are no longer accepting applications to be a 2013 Summer Reading Club volunteers!
In early April, our branches begin accepting applications for Summer Reading Club volunteers. Branches can only accept a limited number of volunteers. A branch's Summer Reading Volunteer Program often fills up very quickly. In the past, many volunteer slots have been completely filled on the first day that applications were accepted.
Map showing Baltimore County branch locations
Baltimore County Public Library phone numbers, hours and addresses
When available the Volunteer Packet and application forms must be picked up in person at the branch at which you would like to volunteer. The application form must be filled out and returned to the same branch. DO NOT use the online Volunteer Application form to apply. |
