Hello! Thank you for your interest in volunteering at our library. We have opportunities for teens in 8th grade and up. Most opportunities involve helping with craft and play-oriented programs, either working directly with children, or helping with program set-up and preparation. See below for a remote volunteer option that entails writing book reviews.
If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the application below.
Please note that we only accept applications from teens who reside in the town of Westfield.
We will then contact you via e-mail regarding specific volunteer assignments. Please do not show up for a program without hearing from us.
In addition to our in-person volunteer opportunities, we also offer the following option:
Write a review of a book you’ve read from our J, YA or adult collections for our Reader Recommendations Web page! This type of review is more formal than the reviews that appear in our Teen Zone binder, and therefore counts as a virtual volunteer option. If your review meets the below guidelines you will receive two volunteer hours per review. It’s fine to listen to an audiobook as long as you indicate that format in your review. Each review will be attributed in the following format: First name, First initial of last name.
Guidelines:
-Provide a summary of the book
-Do not give away the ending (no spoilers)
-Tell us what you liked about the book, and what you didn’t like about the book
-If applicable, tell us what other books you have read that the book reminds you of. You might phrase this by saying “Readers who have liked book X might also enjoy this book” or something similar.
-End the review by stating whether it is Recommended or Not Recommended.
You are not limited to only the items on the above list–those are just the minimum requirements. To submit your review, or if you have any questions, please e-mail us at youthservices@wmlnj.org
or call us at 908-789-4090, ext. 3.
Teen Volunteer Policies and Guidelines
- Once you have completed, signed and returned your volunteer application we will contact you via e-mail regarding upcoming volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in a specific date, please reply via e-mail or phone to let us know, and we will confirm. Please do not show up for a program unless we have contacted you.
- Keep in mind that we are counting on our teen volunteers. Your offer to volunteer is a serious commitment. If you cannot report at your assigned time, please let us know as soon as possible by calling 908-789-4090, ext. 3, or by e-mailing us at youthservices@wmlnj.org. Please arrive on time.
- When you come in to volunteer, report to the Youth Services desk and tell the librarian on duty that you have arrived. You will sign in and receive your instructions.
- Please dress appropriately, neatly, and cleanly. Do not use your cell phone or chat with friends while you are volunteering.
- As a representative of the library, be polite, courteous and helpful to all library users and staff. If there is a problem with a patron, staff member or another volunteer, tell your supervisor immediately.
- Refer all customer inquiries to a library staff person. Politely inform the customer that you are a volunteer, and will find someone to help them.
- Westfield Memorial Library supports individuals’ access and freedom to read and view materials without placing value judgments on those choices. While some materials in the collection may offend your personal tastes or beliefs, please behave with respect and tolerance towards people with other points of view.
- You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the library. If you are here until the library closes, you need to have arranged transportation to pick you up at that time.
- Parents agree to support their child’s participation.
We are very happy that you are offering to volunteer! We will do our best to make the experience a positive one. Please don’t hesitate to talk to any of the librarians or e-mail us if you have any questions, concerns, comments or suggestions.
