This year our Teen Volunteer Program will be a mixture of virtual, curbside, and outdoor participation to ensure the safety of our staff, teens, and community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tasks will include take-home projects, data entry, assistance with virtual programs, and help with outdoor programs if teens and their families are comfortable participating (families may indicate whether they are comfortable with this option in the application). Outdoor programs will be socially-distant, with masks required for ages 5 and older.

The Teen Volunteer program will begin June 12th and run through August 31st. This year we will accept a total of 6 Teen Volunteers. It is our hope that we will be able to resume our full Teen Volunteer program in summer of 2022, pending the state of the pandemic.

Requirements:

1. Must be 13 years of age by the start of the program (June 12th) due to helping with virtual programs online.

2. Plan to volunteer a minimum of 3 hours a week--primary hours will be on weekdays, with some Saturday help needed for programs. Advance notice of any absences would be greatly appreciated for planning purposes! 

3. Exhibit maturity, professionalism, and reliability. Preference will be given to former Teen Volunteers who have already demonstrated these qualities.

4. Parent or guardian permission will be required to participate: volunteers will be asked to help moderate events on Facebook, Zoom, and Discord with library-created accounts that will protect their privacy. Parents may also indicate if they give their child permission to volunteer with in-person outdoor programs.

5. A passion for libraries and the materials we provide!

Responsibilities:

1. Meet regularly with your assigned Youth Services team member.

2. Serve as an ambassador for Monona Public Library--spread awareness of our programs and services to your peers and help with social media campaigns for the library.

3. Moderate virtual programs for library staff on Facebook, Zoom, and Discord. Some programs will incorporate video games such as Roblox and Minecraft. Ownership of video games or their devices is not required!

4. Take projects home through curbside pickup. Projects will include putting together craft kits, assisting with summer reading program data entry, and other special projects to be determined.

Volunteering at the library looks great on your resume and provides experience and references for a first job, scholarships, and college applications. After you complete your volunteer assignment, you will receive an award as well as a personalized letter of reference.