Is your junior high or high school student looking for volunteer opportunities this summer? Consider applying at your favorite Johnson County Library branch!
The Library relies on teen volunteers in the summer for various tasks like shelving holds materials, helping with game nights and library programs, distributing summer reading challenge books and other duties.
The list of opportunities can be accessed online and include options for just a day, the summer or all year round! Check out the volunteer portal to see open volunteer opportunities, locations, job descriptions and minimum age requirements.
Ongoing opportunities include the option to read advanced copies of books and share reviews and recommendations for fellow library users.
Friends of the Library Sorting Center
Donation Drop-off volunteers accept book donations at the Friends of Johnson County Library Sorting Center (8279 Melrose Dr., Overland Park, KS). The Donation Drop-off Volunteer Lead Volunteers lift boxes up to 40 lbs. on/off dolly carts, stand for long periods of time, and move between inside and outdoors to assist with donation drop offs. Volunteers must be a minimum age of 14, commit to a minimum of 1 volunteer shift per month from December through May. A volunteer interview is required for this position.
Friends of the Library Booksales
The Friends of Johnson County Library host Book Sales in the The Book Nook! every Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers are needed to help with counting books and greeting customers. Minimum age is 15, you must sign a confidentiality agreement, attend a training on how to use Square, a point of sale, register for a cashier shift at least once a month for 6 months. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator to start the process to become a trained cashier volunteer.
Genealogy Memory Lab
The Memory Lab is equipment that helps community members transform their photos, 8mm film, and 35mm slides into digital formats. Volunteers will be trained in utilizing the equipment to help individual users transform their media to a digital format. Volunteers must have basic computer skills and must enjoy working with technology and helping people of all ages learn to use the equipment. Patience with people and equipment is critical.
Volunteers (minimum age of 15) are currently needed for Monday mornings (9AM-12:30PM), Tuesday afternoons (12:30-4PM), and as a Floater willing to cover morning or afternoon when another volunteer is out. Spots fill up, so keep checking for openings!
Swift Volunteering
This is the perfect option for anyone 15+ who wants to volunteer but cannot commit to a long-term opportunity! One-time volunteer opportunities may include preparing mailings, setting up for events, greeting and ushering programs, or helping with book sales. By joining this group, you will receive emails letting you know about new one-time volunteer opportunities. You will be able register for whichever opportunities interest you.
Teen Book Reviewer
Read and review teen books and review them for the Library’s teen website for volunteer credit! Every review published on the website earns the reviewer two hours (one for reading the book, one for writing the review). Instructions and training will be given to all reviewers, no previous experience necessary.
What teen volunteers say about their experience:
- ”I enjoyed the opportunity to interact with many kids and children. It was fun to be able to help them find a book and talk with them!”
- “I loved shelving books, the organization, and being a great help to the staff.”
- “It was really fun having some time to myself to work on a specific project, and to know that I was helping make crafts for kids to have tons of fun with!”
- “I got to learn more about the library and how it worked. It was enjoyable and I felt helpful but never got stressed out. Everyone was super nice which made it a lot easier too.”
- “I enjoyed the friendly staff and lists of tasks. I always knew what to expect coming in for my shift.“
- “I enjoyed getting to know the people at the library better and learning more about what goes on behind the scenes at the library.”
