Teen Volunteers

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Santa Clara City Library! We have limited opportunities available year-round for teenagers. You must be at least 14 years old and in high school to be able to volunteer. Commitment for most positions require at least 25 hours and 6 months of service. Take a look at the volunteer positions descriptions below. If any of these opportunities interest you, fill out an application form at the bottom of the page and select the opportunities are interested in. After applying, you may be asked to proceed with an interview.

Current volunteer needs: On Hold - Teen volunteer opportunities are currently at capacity through December 2024. You may fill out the application to be considered for January 2025.

Homework Center Helper

Homework Center Helpers help young students in grades 2nd-6th with their homework in a range of subjects - reading, writing, math, social studies, and science. Homework Center Helpers need to commit to 2 hours per week, for a 6-month duration (either in the Fall or Spring semester). Volunteers are needed to help students in groups of one to two and assist with enrichment activities with those students who have completed their homework. Other library related tasks (view Library Services Volunteer and Youth Services Program Helper below) may be asked to be completed. Bilingual skills are highly preferred but not required. 

Opportunities available during the school year.

Comic Con Helper

The Santa Clara City Library hosts a Comic Convention once a year, always in October. Comic Con Helpers will be asked to help on the days leading up to the event as well as the day of. Prior to the event, volunteers will be asked to help prep materials or assist with set-up. On the day of, volunteers may be asked to help with a variety of activities such as helping with crafts, photo booth, games, crowd control, cleanup, and more.  

To apply exclusively for Comic Con, fill out the Comic Con Volunteer Application.

Opportunities available in October.  

Summer Adventure Ambassador

Summer Adventure Ambassadors are engaged volunteers that serve as representatives and promoters for the Summer Adventure program. Summer volunteers are the face of the Summer Adventure program and will be asked to help with signing patrons up for the Summer Adventure program and answering their questions. Ambassadors may also be asked to assist with craft preparation and assist with other Youth Services programming.  

Opportunities available during the summer. 

Library Services Volunteer

The Santa Clara City Library is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to maintain our libraries. By being a Library Services Volunteer, you will ensure that all who use the library can easily access the materials, programs, and services in a positive and inviting environment. Volunteers will be asked to; organize and display materials, shelve and inspect selected materials, be able to file alphabetically, follow directions, work independently, help maintain a clean and welcoming library environment, and assist with special projects such as program prep.  

Opportunities available year-round.

Youth Services Program Helper

Do you enjoy activities such as crafts, science experiments, and most of all working with kids? Ever wonder how the library puts on children’s programs? As a Youth Services Program Helper, volunteers are needed to assist in program preparation, be hands-on during programming, and assist in the clean-up. You will be asked to; prepare programming materials, cut/count/sort materials, make samples of art activities and crafts, be hands-on in helping children during the program, and assist the librarians with clean-up and putting materials away after the program. Schedule and hours are dependent on the availability of the volunteer as well as the Youth Services Department’s events schedule.  

Opportunities available year-round.

Teen Book Reviewer

Are you an avid reader and looking for a fun way to volunteer from home? Teen Book Reviewers play a pivotal role in encouraging other teenagers to read the same books from our library catalog. Each book you review counts as one hour of volunteering. You can write up to 10 reviews per quarter (4 months) for a maximum of 10 hours. As a Teen Book Reviewer you: must write at least one paragraph, include a short summary of the book, write about what you liked or disliked about the book, avoid spoilers, give it an age rating and a star rating, and send your review to the Teen Librarian. The librarian will ensure it meets the guidelines and get back to you. 

Opportunities available year-round.

Teen Library Leaders 

Teens in high school can also receive volunteer hours via our Teen Library Leaders program. For more information, explore the Teen Library Leaders page.

Application Form

Fill out this form to apply for volunteering: Santa Clara City Library Teen Volunteer

For more information or questions on Teen Volunteering, email our Teen Librarian Karen Guzmán (kguzman@santaclaraca.gov).

Other Volunteer Agencies

Bay Area Volunteer Information Center - Provides information about volunteer opportunities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Hands On Bay Area - Offers many exciting and rewarding volunteer opportunities throughout the year.