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Baltimore County Public Library welcomes students for
completing service learning hours or year-round volunteering
or for the
Summer Reading Volunteer Program
Year-round Volunteering or for Service Learning Hours:
Baltimore County Public Library branches have provided a variety of challenging and rewarding volunteer opportunities for mature, dependable students.
Minimum age for volunteers: The minimum age for volunteers is 14 years old or in the 8th grade. The following exceptions may be made: people under age 14 who volunteer as part of a group, e.g. scout troops, or as part of the Summer Reading Program.
All assignments offer flexible scheduling and a chance to play an important role in providing library services. Volunteers in our branches assist the staff by shelving materials (returning books, CDs and DVDs to the shelves), shelf reading (scanning the shelves and arranging branch materials which may not be in their proper place), answering telephones, clearing book carts, shifting the book collection, sorting delivery items, and assisting with special branch programs. Training in the different tasks depends on the volume of the workload in the branch and the number of hours the student is volunteering.
How to Volunteer:
Students interested in volunteering should fill out the online Volunteer Application form or print it out and take it to any BCPL branch. You may also get a paper application at any BCPL branch. Please consult the map of Baltimore County branches to find the branch nearest you.
Keep in mind that the amount of volunteer applications submitted often outpaces the number of volunteer positions available. Periodically BCPL branches review the volunteer applications and set 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 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.
Acceptance of any volunteer is based on each branch’s need at the time and the volunteer’s demonstrated ability to do the work required. The branch does not guarantee there will be work at all times and is under no obligation to accept any volunteer. In addition, if the branch no longer needs the services of the volunteer or the volunteer is not performing at an acceptable level, the branch may terminate the volunteer. The volunteer also has the right to terminate his/her service to a Baltimore County Public Library branch at any time.
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 the Summer Reading Program? Call your branch during the month of March for information about how to apply for the Summer Reading Volunteer Program
DO NOT use the online Volunteer Application form
Volunteers who are currently in grades 6-10 are an important part of Baltimore County Public Library's Summer Reading Program. Each year they help promote the Summer Reading Program by registering children for the program, giving out game boards, stickers and prizes.
The library needs outgoing, friendly and professional young adults who are in grades 6 through 10 at the time they sign up to volunteer. Volunteers must be able to work a minimum of 10 hours during the 8-week Summer Reading Program season. The length of each work day is determined by each branch based on an assigned work time schedule. Drop-in volunteering is not available.
A Summer Reading Program volunteer is expected to offer courteous, prompt and efficient service to both children of all ages and their parents. Volunteers need to be dependable and cooperative with all staff members and the public. Additionally, volunteers must demonstrate adequate verbal and written communication skills, as well as basic computer skills, in order to help children and parents with the registration process and to clearly explain the program to them.
After being accepted as a volunteer, all volunteers must attend two meetings prior to volunteering; the Summer Reading Program Volunteer Orientation meeting (a parent needs to attend Orientation with the volunteer) and the Summer Reading Program Volunteer Training Session. Check with your branch for the dates when these required meetings will be held.
How to Apply:
The library's Summer Reading Volunteer Program often fills up very quickly. Branches can only accept a limited number of volunteers. In the past, many volunteer slots have been completely filled on the first day when applications were accepted. It is recommended that you go to your branch to pick up your application on the start date (when applications are available) and pick up a Volunteer Packet. Then return the application and forms in your Volunteer Packet by the deadline. The start date varies each year. To find out when the start date is ...
During the month of March you must call or visit the Baltimore County Public Library branch where you want to volunteer to find out the exact start date when that branch will begin accepting Summer Reading Program Volunteer applications. Applications can only be obtained at the branch but not until the start date. If you call to find out the start date, as soon as the recording starts, press 4 on your phone to speak to someone at the Information Desk and ask them for the date when branch will start giving out and accepting volunteer applications for the Summer Reading Program. Use this map of Baltimore County branches to help you find the library branch nearest to you. Use this link to find Baltimore County Public Library phone numbers, hours and addresses.
Branches begin giving out and accepting Summer Reading Volunteer Applications in early April of each year. In order to insure you get an application, once you call the branch and find out the exact start date, then go to your branch on the start date and pick up a Volunteer Packet at the Information Desk at the local Baltimore County Public Library branch in which you wish to volunteer. Fill out and return the enclosed application and forms by the deadline given. DO NOT use the online Volunteer Application form to apply.
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