Opportunities From: One Albuquerque Volunteers

2026 Summer Reading Program Teen Volunteer (Ages 13-18) Unearth a Story! – May 30th, 2026 to July 26th, 2026 -- Main Library


What do SRP volunteers do?

Teen volunteers are a vital part of our summer programming. Volunteers help with all types of work, from signing up participants, to stamping Summer Reading Logs, and handing out weekly prizes. They may also be asked to help with the day-to-day business of the library, as well as contributing their own special skills on an as-needed basis. Volunteers should be prepared to attend a mandatory orientation and to work a minimum of one shift per week for the duration of the library’s Summer Reading Program which runs from May 30th through July 26th.

Special events are where our volunteers will really shine. Volunteers may help with offering and/or assisting during arts & crafts or story time programs, helping with setting up and tearing down, and with generating publicity by sharing information about our events. Teen volunteers play an important role at the Library during the busy summer schedule.  

What do I need to become a SRP volunteer?

All volunteers must be able to attend an orientation session in order to be considered for the SRP volunteer program. If you cannot attend the orientation date, please contact the volunteer coordinator at (505)768-5136.

City policy requires background checks for anyone aged 13+ before being considered to volunteer for the Library. There is no cost to the applicant. Background checks must clear before volunteers attend orientation in order to volunteer during the program.

All volunteers must complete orientation before Summer Reading begins! Main Library's orientation date is: May 23rd, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Contact Main Library with questions:
(505)768-5136 or MainChildrensRoom@cabq.gov

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Albuquerque Public Library!
We are excited to work with you!

Volunteer With Us: Help Prepare for Our Weekly Pet Food Distributions

Do you love supporting animals?
Do you want to help us tackle food insecurity and hunger in our community?
Do you believe that families should not have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets?

If so, we invite you to join our volunteer team.

Each week, we prepare and pack pet food, treats, and toys for our two community distributions — one at 500 Wisconsin and one at the International District Library. Volunteers help sort donations, portion pet food into family-sized packages, organize supplies, assemble distribution kits, and prepare materials so that our events run smoothly and efficiently.

This is hands-on, meaningful work that directly supports families and their companion animals. Your time helps ensure that pets stay fed, families stay supported, and our distributions remain consistent and welcoming.

Whether you can serve once a week or once a month, your participation makes a real difference.

Thank you for considering volunteering your time at Westgate Library in Albuquerque!

Do you need to earn service hours for school, or for a special project? Do you want to gain work experience? Do you love Libraries and want to learn a little bit more about how they work?

Volunteers play an important role in assisting the Library to offer our services to the community on a continuing basis—and our teen volunteers are no exception!

Teen volunteers are selected based upon their qualifications, enthusiasm, and the needs of the Library at any given time.

 

What are some of the volunteering opportunities?

A sample of teen volunteer assignments is listed below. Not all opportunities are available at all times or at all branch locations. For a full list and descriptions, please ask at the Front Desk.

Shelf readerSpecial Programs AssistantBook Displays

While we appreciate every person who wishes to volunteer at the Library, opportunities are sometimes limited. Please be aware that we may not have a volunteer position available at this time that suits your interests and abilities. If you are accepted as a volunteer, we may ask you to alter your duties to meet the changing needs of the Library. Additionally, if your work is no longer necessary or proves unsatisfactory, you may be released.

 

What are some of the necessary skills or abilities?

The skills we prefer our teen volunteers have experience with depends on the assignment. Here is a sample of skills we look for:

Good attention to detailKnowledge of alphabetical orderAbility to learn the Dewey Decimal SystemAbility to match bar code and titleAbility to follow oral and written instructionsAbility to work independentlyAbility to ask questions when clarification is neededAbility to become familiar with all sections of the branch

Please note that not all skills are necessary for all volunteer assignments.

 

Have an idea for a Library community activity?

Our teen volunteers have great ideas for community activities (especially for youth)! Besides the opportunities listed above, if you have another idea for an activity you think your branch Library could benefit from that you could volunteer for, let us know. At various branches, we have activities like chess club, storytimes for younger children, science programs, book clubs (in various languages)—the list goes on! You are welcome to talk to the Youth Volunteer Coordinator at your local Library to discuss what's possible.

 

AgreementAs a Library youth volunteer, you agree:To follow staff directions.To arrive on time and check in with staff upon my arrival.To inform the Branch as soon as possible if I am unable to volunteer during my regular schedule.

 

The Library agrees:To provide you with a safe work environment.To provide supervision and training by a member of the Library staff.To address your requests and concerns.

 

What else do I need?

A criminal background check will be required. City policy requires anyone who wishes to volunteer at the Library to consent to the performance of a background investigation by an outside agency. There is no cost to you.

You will also be asked to complete a short interview with the branch's Volunteer Coordinator.

 

**Please note: Based on the New Mexico Child Labor Laws, youth ages 13-15 may only volunteer for up to 4 hours per week during the academic school year; and, when school is out, for up to 20 hours per week.**

IMPORTANT: Once you have read all of the above, please contact Josh R. at 505-768-4462 to discuss opportunities and availability.

Thank you for considering the Library for your volunteer service!

Description

Thank you for considering volunteering your time at the Main and Genealogy Library in Albuquerque!

Do you need to earn service hours for school, or for a special project? Do you want to gain work experience? Do you love Libraries and want to learn a little bit more about how they work?

Volunteers play an important role in assisting the Library to offer our services to the community on a continuing basis—and our teen volunteers are no exception!

Teen volunteers are selected based upon their qualifications, enthusiasm, and the needs of the Library at any given time.

 

What are some of the volunteering opportunities?

A sample of teen volunteer assignments is listed below. Not all opportunities are available at all times or at all branch locations. For a full list and descriptions, please ask at the Reference Desk.

Shelf reader Special Programs Assistant Book Displays

While we appreciate every person who wishes to volunteer at the Library, opportunities are sometimes limited. Please be aware that we may not have a volunteer position available at this time that suits your interests and abilities. If you are accepted as a volunteer, we may ask you to alter your duties to meet the changing needs of the Library. Additionally, if your work is no longer necessary or proves unsatisfactory, you may be released.

 

What are some of the necessary skills or abilities?

The skills we prefer our teen volunteers have experience with depends on the assignment. Here is a sample of skills we look for:

Good attention to detail Knowledge of alphabetical order Ability to learn the Dewey Decimal System Ability to match bar code and title Ability to follow oral and written instructions Ability to work independently Ability to ask questions when clarification is needed Ability to become familiar with all sections of the branch

Please note that not all skills are necessary for all volunteer assignments.

 

Have an idea for a Library community activity?

Our teen volunteers have great ideas for community activities (especially for youth)! Besides the opportunities listed above, if you have another idea for an activity you think your branch Library could benefit from that you could volunteer for, let us know. At various branches, we have activities like chess club, storytimes for younger children, science programs, book clubs (in various languages)—the list goes on! You are welcome to talk to the Youth Volunteer Coordinator at your local Library to discuss what's possible.

 

Agreement As a Library youth volunteer, you agree: To follow staff directions. To arrive on time and check in with staff upon my arrival. To inform the Branch as soon as possible if I am unable to volunteer during my regular schedule.

 

The Library agrees: To provide you with a safe work environment. To provide supervision and training by a member of the Library staff. To address your requests and concerns.

 

What else do I need?

A criminal background check will be required. City policy requires anyone who wishes to volunteer at the Library to consent to the performance of a background investigation by an outside agency. There is no cost to you.

You will also be asked to complete a short interview with the branch's Volunteer Coordinator.

 

**Please note: Based on the New Mexico Child Labor Laws, youth ages 12-15 may only volunteer for up to 4 hours per week during the academic school year; and, when school is out, for up to 20 hours per week.**  
Thank you for considering the Library for your volunteer service!

Thank you for considering volunteering your time at the South Valley Library in Albuquerque!

Do you need to earn service hours for school, or for a special project? Do you want to gain work experience? Do you love Libraries and want to learn a little bit more about how they work?

Volunteers play an important role in assisting the Library to offer our services to the community on a continuing basis—and our teen volunteers are no exception!

Teen volunteers are selected based upon their qualifications, enthusiasm, and the needs of the Library at any given time.

 

What are some of the volunteering opportunities?

A sample of teen volunteer assignments is listed below. Not all opportunities are available at all times or at all branch locations. For a full list and descriptions, please ask at the Reference Desk.

Shelf reader Special Programs Assistant Book Displays

While we appreciate every person who wishes to volunteer at the Library, opportunities are sometimes limited. Please be aware that we may not have a volunteer position available at this time that suits your interests and abilities. If you are accepted as a volunteer, we may ask you to alter your duties to meet the changing needs of the Library. Additionally, if your work is no longer necessary or proves unsatisfactory, you may be released.

 

What are some of the necessary skills or abilities?

The skills we prefer our teen volunteers have experience with depends on the assignment. Here is a sample of skills we look for:

Good attention to detail Knowledge of alphabetical order Ability to learn the Dewey Decimal System Ability to match bar code and title Ability to follow oral and written instructions Ability to work independently Ability to ask questions when clarification is needed Ability to become familiar with all sections of the branch

Please note that not all skills are necessary for all volunteer assignments.

 

As a Library youth volunteer, you agree: To follow staff directions. To arrive on time and check in with staff upon my arrival. To inform the Branch as soon as possible if I am unable to volunteer during my regular schedule.

 

The Library agrees: To provide you with a safe work environment. To provide supervision and training by a member of the Library staff. To address your requests and concerns.

 

What else do I need?

A criminal background check will be required. City policy requires anyone who wishes to volunteer at the Library to consent to the performance of a background investigation by an outside agency. There is no cost to you.

You will also be asked to complete a short interview with the branch's Volunteer Coordinator and a brief shelving test.

 

IMPORTANT: Once you have read all of the above, please contact Rachel or Ashley at 505-877-5170 to discuss opportunities and availability. 

 

**Please note: Based on the New Mexico Child Labor Laws, youth ages 13-15 may only volunteer for up to 4 hours per week during the academic school year; and, when school is out, for up to 20 hours per week.**