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Student Volunteers
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Baltimore County Public Library welcomes students who need service learning hours.
The library is looking for mature, dependable students who can follow directions and who have a history of being punctual and polite. The minimum age for volunteers at the library is 14 years old or in the 8th grade. The following exceptions may be made: students under age 14 who volunteer as part of a group, e.g. scout troops, or as part of the Summer Reading Volunteers. BCPL will not accept any volunteers under the age fo 14 or anyone who is in grades below the eighth grade except for group projects or for the Summer Reading Program.
Acceptance of any volunteer is based on the library’s need at the time and the volunteer’s demonstrated ability to do the work required. The library does not guarantee there will be work at all times and is under no obligation to accept any volunteer. In addition, if the library no longer needs the services of the volunteer or the volunteer is not performing at an acceptable level, the library may terminate the volunteer. The volunteer also has the right to terminate his/her service to BCPL at any time.
The main tasks of student volunteers are shelving materials (returning books, CDs and DVDs to the shelves) and shelf reading (scanning the shelves for library materials, which may not be in the proper place). Some other possible tasks might include clearing book carts, shifting the book collection and sorting delivery items. Training in the different tasks depends on how efficient the students are at shelving, the volume of the workload in the library and the number of hours the student is volunteering.
Students interested in volunteering should fill out the Volunteer Application form. You may submit your application online using the link below or print it out and take it any BCPL branch. You may also get a paper application at any BCPL branch. If you are selected to become a 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. To apply to become a library volunteer please consult the map of Baltimore County Libraries to find the branch nearest you, then complete and submit a Volunteer Application form.
Please keep in mind that the amount of volunteer applications submitted often out paces the number of volunteer positions available. Periodically BCPL reviews the volunteer applications and sets 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 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 Summer Reading Program?
During April of each year, middle school students may apply by telephoning the local library in which they wish to volunteer. This program often fills up quickly so it is best to call your branch during the month of March to find out the exact date when the library will start accepting Summer Reading Program Volunteer Applications, which is usually around the first week in April. Once you find out the exact start date, you should visit the library in person or call on that day. There is a special application for Summer Reading volunteers, which is not available online. You will be given more information about the application process for the Summer Reading Program when you call. #cd# |
