Teen Volunteer

Volunteer at your Library

Two teens sit at an APLD table giving away items during an event.

Summer Reading Adventure (SRA) Teen Volunteer Program

Want to earn volunteer hours and give back to your community at the same time? Sign up for our summer volunteer program! Applications are available from March 1-May 1 or once we hit our capacity of 50 volunteers. Sign up early to secure your spot for summer 2027!

Volunteer Requirements:

  • Volunteer must be entering grades 6 - 12 in the upcoming fall school year.
  • Volunteer must fill out an application and attend an orientation with a volunteer coordinator.
  • Volunteer must agree to work at least two shifts (4 hours total) due to a high level of interest and a limited number of volunteer spots available.
  • Volunteer must have permission from a caregiver to participate.

Volunteer Expectations:

  • As representatives of the library, volunteers are expected to provide friendly and helpful customer service. 
  • Volunteers are expected to show up on time for shifts they sign up for, to be present for their entire shift, and to sign in/out. 
  • If a volunteer is unable to attend their shift the day of, they are required to call the library at 630-264-4117 to report their absence. 
  • Volunteers should not be on their phone or using headphones except during their 15-minute break. 

FAQs

What volunteer opportunities are available at the library? 

There are two volunteer opportunities available at the library: the SRA Teen Volunteer program (June & July only) or the Teen Advisory Board (year-round). Information on the Teen Advisory Board can be found here. We currently do not have any volunteer opportunities for adults, nor do we offer court-supervised community service.

How old do I need to be to volunteer at the library? 

Volunteers must be entering grades 6 - 12 in the upcoming school year. We do not accept teens entering college in the fall as this program is reserved for middle and high school students only. 

How can I sign up to volunteer? 

Applications will open on March 1, 2027, for the summer of 2027. Applications will close either by May 1 or once we hit our limit of 50 volunteers. Applications can be submitted online or through a paper form available at each location. 

What tasks would I be doing as a volunteer? 

Volunteers help run the summer reading adventure (SRA) table. Your main tasks would involve:  

  • Greeting and explaining the summer reading program to customers of all ages.
  • Signing up customers for the program through the website Beanstack.
  • Marking their program progress and completion through Beanstack.
  • Handing out prizes based on age groups and levels completed.
  • Volunteers may also be asked to help with small tasks at the SRA table during slow times.
  • Staff may also request help for a library program during the summer, and these shifts will be labeled as Program Help: Name of Program. Those tasks will vary depending on the program and the needs of staff.
What library locations are available for volunteering? 

Santori Library and Eola Road Branch are available for volunteering summer 2027. Due to renovations, West Branch is not available. Volunteers who need a certain number of hours may need to complete shifts at multiple locations to meet their requirement.

Can I volunteer with a friend or sibling? 

As scheduling is first-come, first-serve, there is no guarantee that you will be able to volunteer with your friend or sibling. Some locations only have one volunteer space per shift, or a shift may only have one spot available when you sign up. Programs where multiple volunteers are requested may give you the occasional opportunity to volunteer together. 

Is there a limit to how often I can volunteer?  

Yes, you can volunteer for up to two shifts per day (4 hours) and 20 hours per week. This is to allow everyone the opportunity to volunteer at times that work with their schedules. 

How does scheduling volunteer shifts work? 

Volunteers choose the shifts that fit their schedules via the website Sign Up Genius. We post 2-3 weeks' worth of schedules at a time throughout the summer to give everyone a fair chance. Volunteer shifts are available in two-hour slots and are available whenever the library is open. 

Do I get a break during my volunteer shift? 

Yes, volunteers get a 15-minute break per two-hour shift.  

What do I get at the end of volunteering? 

During the first week of August, you will receive a letter via email detailing the work you did and the number of hours you volunteered during the summer. A printed copy is available upon request. 

I have a question that wasn't answered here. Who can I contact? 

Please contact us by emailing teens@aurorapubliclibrary.org and one of our volunteer coordinators will get back to you!  

Volunteer in your Community

  • Alive Center: Volunteer after school to mentor, tutor, and hang out with younger teens as well as help with events at the center. For ages 15+.
  • Anderson Humane: Assist the organization with various tasks for the animals they rescue. For ages 16+.
  • Aurora Salvation Army: Volunteer to assist with various projects or events as needed by the Salvation Army at home or in person.  
  • DoSomething: Volunteer in many ways on your own time such as through recycling cans, donating or recycling unwanted clothes, and donating food items to your local food bank. 
  • DuPage Habitat for Humanity: As part of a global, nonprofit housing organization, volunteer help build or rehab homes for Chicagoland families. For ages 16+.
  • Feed My Starving Children: Help feed hungry children by hand-packing bags of food to send off to children all around the world, making a difference in just two hours. 
  • Fox Valley Animal Welfare League: Volunteer at the clinic to help care for animals, assist with procedures or vaccination clinics, administrative support, or general cleaning. For ages 18+.
  • The Merry Tutor: Develop leadership skills and tutor students in grades k-12. For high school students.
  • Northern Illinois Food Bank: Help sort and pack food to be distributed to our neighbors in need.
  • One in Math: Gain valuable leadership skills while helping young students improve their math skills weekly, various volunteer opportunities available. For ages 13+.
  • Phillips Park Zoo: Volunteer to help at the zoo through various ways such as animal care, tour leader, greeter, and for special events. For ages 16+.
  • VolunteerMatch, Powered by Idealist: Search for other volunteer opportunities of interest in the Aurora area.