Library - Bascom Branch


Virtual Volunteering - Teen Book Reviewer

Please note that an active SJPL card is required for this volunteering activity.

Are you looking for a fun way to volunteer from home? San José Public Library is looking for avid book readers interested in writing book reviews. Each book you review counts as one hour of volunteering. You can write up to 10 reviews per quarter for a maximum of 10 hours. 

How You Will Make a Difference

Teen Book Reviewers play a pivotal role in encouraging other teens to read the same fun books from our library catalog that you're reading. 

Volunteers are needed to:

  • Write a book review following these guidelines (note: book must be included in the SJPL catalog)  
    • Book review must be one paragraph long
    • Include a short summary of the book
    • Write about what you liked or disliked about the book
    • Include what age range you think is best suited to the book
    • Avoid spoilers 
  • Send your review to a designated branch librarian. The librarian will ensure it meets the guidelines and get back to you
  • Once you hear from the librarian, post your review on our library catalog, sjpl.bibliocommons.com
    • Give it a Star rating
    • Make sure your review is made public so that it can be seen
  • Send the librarian a screenshot of your review, and BOOM! You’ve just earned an hour of volunteer service 

More Hours Per Quarter 

To be eligible for up to 15 hours per quarter, you can read and write reviews for Teen Nonfiction and Biography titles that appear on the follow SJPL Staff Picks lists. Writing a book review for a Teen Nonfiction or Biography title from one of these lists will receive 2 volunteer hours instead of 1 and expand the number of hours you can make in a quarter to 15 instead of 10. Pick a book from any of these SJPL Staff Picks Lists to read and review to qualify: 

Benefits

  • Promotes a love of lifelong reading among youth
  • Connect with your community and provide a desired service
  • Share your opinions of author's writings
  • Develop writing skills

Commitment/Schedule

You can write up to 10 reviews per quarter for a maximum of 10 hours. Schedule is dependent on the availability of the volunteer.

Quarter Breakdown

July-September: 10 book reviews

October-Dec: 10 book reviews

January-March: 10 book reviews

April-June: 10 book reviews

Please only sign up for one library branch for this volunteer opportunity. 

Qualifications Required

  • Age Must be at least 13+