Hamilton East Public Library logo

My Account

Hours & Location

Get A Library Card

September 27, 2021

Teen Volunteering at the Library! 

By Erin Weir

As the Teen Librarian at our Fishers location, I am often asked about what volunteer opportunities the library has to offer teens. The library depends on teens in grades 6-12 to help with all kinds of things! We have different options for different types of volunteers. 

But first, what does it take to be a good volunteer? The library is looking for dedicated teens who truly wish to positively contribute to the community. Being respectful, dependable, responsive, and energetic are all characteristics of an amazing volunteer! 

If you need to earn volunteer or community service hours, you should choose a place that you wish to be—not just a place your parent/guardian wants you to go. There are links to good sites to find local volunteer opportunities below. When volunteering is done right, it should not feel like an obligation. Volunteering should be fun for everyone involved. Find the right fit for you! 

Do you love reading? Coming to library programs? Is writing your passion? The library may have the perfect volunteer position for you!  

Teen Advisory Board (TAB) 

The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is the pulse of the teen community at the library. TAB members meet monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of the month to talk about all things library that affect our teens. From creating programs that teens are excited about to choosing décor in the TeenZones, TAB members’ positive thoughts and ideas are heavily relied upon to make the library a place teens want to be. Develop leadership skills, make new friends, and help the library all at the same time!  


Teens’ Top Ten Reviewer 

YALSA’s Teens’ Top Ten (TTT) is a nationwide teen choice book list where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year. We are one of the few groups across the US chosen to help create the list that everyone will vote from next year! After reading a book published in 2021, teen reviewers will fill out a short form that is sent to YALSA and the book’s publisher. We have access to some books that aren’t even published yet!  


Teen Guest Blog  

Teen Bloggers write conversational entries for the library’s Teen Guest Blog. You can write about anything you think our teen patrons would be interested in. Think a program you went to was amazing? Have helpful tips for starting high school? Do you have a must-read list of books for sci-fi fans? Write about it!  

If you are a teen who is interested in becoming a volunteer for the library, email volunteer@hamiltoneastpl.org. Tell us which position you would like to participate in and why.  Choose one or all three! Make the right choice for you. We’ll email you a link to our online volunteer application. We look forward to hearing from you! 


Other Local Volunteer Opportunities: