Teen Volunteer Overview
Teen 2026 Volunteer Information
Objectives of the Program:
As part of our service to teens, the Bloomfield Township Public Library (BTPL) provides teens the opportunity to earn community service hours through volunteer work. Allowing teens the opportunity to volunteer is mutually beneficial to the teen, the community and BTPL. Volunteering gives teens the opportunity to acquire valuable experience in their community and earn service hours for any program that requires volunteering. In addition, teen volunteers help the Library accomplish a lot of basic tasks and engage in successful library programming.
Application Process for Teen 2026 Volunteers:
To be eligible, teens must be ages 14 – 18 years and will be attending high school in Fall 2026. Eligible teens must reside in the Bloomfield Township Public Library service area or be enrolled in Bloomfield Hills Public Schools. Both the teen volunteer and a parent/legal guardian must sign the application form.
People 18 and older, who have graduated from high school, can learn more about volunteering here: https://btpl.org/volunteering/
Teen Volunteer Commitment:
• They will follow the basic policies and rules of the Bloomfield Township Public Library.
• They will represent the Bloomfield Township Public Library in a professional manner.
• Dress in a clean, presentable manner. Wear what you want: shorts, sneakers, tees are all acceptable but please make sure you look neat and are ready to interact with the public!
• Arrange volunteer hours in advance with Teen Volunteer Coordinator, Amanda Carroll.
• Arrive promptly or call-in advance to reschedule.
• Email will be our primary means of communication. If the teen does not have a non-school email, ask a parent or guardian if they will provide their email address as the primary way that notifications, changes, schedule updates will be communicated. Note: some school systems block outside users from emailing students for their protection.
• Will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from the library at the beginning and end of all shifts.
Teen Volunteer Jobs:
Assist in Youth Programming: set-up, clean-up, interact with kids and their families.
Use the die-cut machine.
Cut scrap paper.
Sharpen pencils.
Prep crafts.
Shelf-read (verifying books are in order)
Dust and organize.
Other duties that may arise.
Signing In and Recording Hours:
The Youth Services Teen Coordinator will monitor hours, maintain contact, and sign any paperwork needed for schools or organizations to receive community service credit. If the coordinator is not available during your volunteer shift, another staff member will be aware of your schedule and will make sure you have clear instructions to complete your assigned task successfully.
Upon arrival Teen Volunteers should sign into the Teen Volunteer notebook located at the Youth Services Desk. Teens MUST also sign out to accurately reflect the number of hours volunteered.
*Teen volunteers who fail to show up for their pre-set volunteer hours without notifying staff by phone or email will be reconsidered for the program after the second time.
Cell Phone Use:
While signed in for volunteer hours, teens should set their phones to vibrate. Texting is not permitted, generally, but we understand if you need to communicate with parents, family, friends about pick-up or other things that can’t wait until after your volunteer hours. We need teens to be focused on successfully completing their tasks and professionally engaging with patrons if the task permits. If a parent needs to contact a teen in case of an emergency and they can’t via the teen’s phone, they may call the front desk and ask to be transferred to the Youth Services Department.
Reporting an Issue:
Should an issue arise with any teen volunteer, please contact Amanda Carroll. We want our volunteers to know that they are valued and that we appreciate the time commitment they have made to the Library. We will work on any issues that volunteers may have as expediently as possible.
Contact Information:
If you need to change your schedule within 48 hours of a scheduled shift please email both carrolla@btpl.org and askyouth@btpl.org. You can also call the library’s main number: 248-642-5800 and ask for the Youth Services Department.
If you have any questions, scheduling requests beyond 48 hours please just email carrolla@btpl.org
1st Point of Contact
Amanda Carroll – Teen Volunteer Coordinator
Youth Services Librarian
Email: carrolla@btpl.org
Work Phone: 248-642-5800 x182
