Note for Parents and Caregivers:
The teen volunteer experience encourages responsibility and time management, among other skills. When teens initiate contact with us to inquire about volunteer opportunities, it helps to reinforce these skills.
Available Volunteer Opportunities
Gingerbread Cookie Decorating:
For teens in grades 8-12. Our children’s Gingerbread Cookie Decorating program is happening on Thursday, December 12! We are looking for teen volunteers in grades 8-12 to help with the set up, clean up, and helping out during the event! Volunteers will need to be at the Library between 4:30-8:30pm. To apply, please fill out the Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Volunteer Application.
NEW! Reading Buddies:
For teens in high school. We are looking for patient teen volunteers to act as reading buddies for our learning readers! This program will launch later this year. Every Tuesday, kids who are learning to read and trying to build confidence will have the chance to partner with a high schooler and read them a story. Volunteers will need to be at the Library between 3:30-5pm on Tuesdays when this program occurs. To apply, please fill out the Reading Buddies Application.
Teen Book Reviewer:
For teens in grades 6 and up. The library has a collection of honest book reviews written by Medford teens called “Should I Read This?” Teens can contribute up to 4 book reviews per year and receive hours* for reading the book and writing the review. Book reviews must be written about books available in the Teen Section of the library. Reviews can be submitted for approval through our Teen Book Review Form. *Maximum of 6 hours per book
Bookmark Designer:
For teens in grades 6 and up. If you’re artistic, have great graphic design skills, and/or you want to showcase a cause that’s important to you, you can help us out by designing and creating bookmarks for the Teen Section! All designers will receive volunteer hours for their work sketching or drafting designs, finalizing their product, and preparing the bookmarks for printing. To sign up, please fill out the Teen Bookmark Designer Application.
Creative Content Volunteer:
For teens in grades 6 and up. If you’re artistic, have great graphic design skills, and/or you want to showcase a cause that’s important to you, you can help us out by creating posters and/or digital content for the Teen Section! To sign up, please fill out the Teen Space Creative Content Application.
Teen Book Club Leader:
For teens in grades 8 and up. If you love reading and talking about books, you can lead a Teen Book Club session and receive volunteer hours for your work! Book Club Leaders select the book in advance, advertise their meeting, prepare discussion questions, and recommend similar titles to read. To sign up, please fill out the Teen Book Club Leader Application.
Future Volunteer Opportunities
Art Smart Volunteer:
For teens in grades 8 and up. Art Smart is a children’s program that happens every other Thursday. We are looking for a crafty teen volunteer to assist with the set up and clean up of this program, and to work with any child who may need extra help during these sessions (examples include gluing, using scissors, and sorting through craft supplies). To apply, please fill out the Art Smart Volunteer Application.
In Person Library Volunteer:
For teens in grades 8 and up. Apply to be a teen volunteer! Volunteer tasks include shelf-reading, making displays, organizing materials, and other projects. A minimum of 20 hours is required in these positions. We receive a large number of applications, so applying to be a volunteer does NOT guarantee a position. To apply, please fill out the In Person Library Volunteer Application.
Teen Advisory Board Member:
For teens in grades 7 and up.
The TAB is a group of teen volunteers who help make the library a welcoming space for their peers. This year, the TAB will meet as a group once a month in order to help plan teen events, create teen resources, give feedback on the Teen Section and work on other library and/or community based activities. TAB members may also complete projects outside the library, such as writing book reviews, creating social media content, advertising teen library programs, etc. Applications for the upcoming season have closed. Applications for the 2025-2026 season will be available in July 2025.
Fairy Tale Ball Decoration Volunteers:
For teens in grades 6 and up. Every summer, the library hosts a large party to kick off summer reading. We are looking for some very crafty teens to help us put together some of the decorations for this event! This will include options for making paper and book crafts as well as larger scale decorations like banners and signs. To sign up, please fill out the Fairy Tale Ball Decorations Application.
Fairy Tale Ball Volunteers:
For teens in grades 6 and up. Every summer, the library hosts a large party to kick off summer reading. We are looking for some high energy teens to help us pull off this event! Options include helping out with the face painting station, dance party, escape room, and more. To sign up, please fill out the Fairy Tale Ball Application!