Teen Library Volunteer (MN)

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:

1. To follow staff directions.
2. To arrive on time and check in with staff upon my arrival.
3. To inform the Branch as soon as possible if I am unable to volunteer during my regular schedule.

The Library agrees:

1. To provide you with a safe work environment.
2. To provide supervision and training by a member of the Library staff.
3. 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!