Volunteers
You can make a difference.
Teens Rule During Summer Reading Challenge!
Grown-ups, take the summer off from volunteering.
Adults interested in volunteering are welcome to talk to staff who assist with the volunteer program. Inquire about how you can help at your local branch.
Teens, become a VolunTeen for the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge. As a VolunTeen, here’s what you can do this summer at the library:
Help customers sign up for Summer Reading Challenge
Help kids log their reading points
Help with Reading Buddies
Wear the Yellow Apron and read to kids
Hand out prizes
Help with programs and lots more!
Ready to sign up? Teens, sign up below.
Email Us
Contact Volunteer Services
or call (614) 849-1055
Email Us
Contact Julie Booth
You can also reach us by phone at (614) 849-1048.
New volunteers can start the application process here:
At Columbus Metropolitan Library our volunteers are an integral part of our success.
Summer Reading Challenge VolunTeen Opportunity
for School Age Youth
for School Age Youth
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is Saturday, May 31 - Thursday, July 31.
Summer Reading Challenge VolunTeens work with library staff and other youth volunteers to support customers of all ages during the reading program, including helping them sign up, handing out prizes and other program-focused library activities.
The Summer Reading Challenge VolunTeen opportunity is open to youth in or entering grades 6 through 12.
The number of volunteer openings varies by library location and applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis for each location.
The 2025 Summer Reading Challenge VolunTeen application will open on April 14. We cannot accept applications for summer volunteer service before April 14.
To be eligible for the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge VolunTeen Opportunity:
- Youth must be at least 12 years old to be an active volunteer
- High school students who are age 18 or older must be returning to a traditional high school in Fall 2025 and may be required to complete a background check before being considered for the program.
If you are a current or recent youth volunteer with the library, please speak to the Summer Reading Challenge Coordinator at your preferred library location to express interest in volunteering for this opportunity.
Do you enjoy working with children and young adults and want to impact their future?
Our volunteers serve a critical role in our Young Minds programs, especially for School Help Centers and Reading Buddies.
For K-12 students, our School Help Centers are dedicated spaces for staff and volunteers to provide support and resources to students who need help with their schoolwork. We also offer activities to help children build other skills they need to be successful in school.
We do not provide one-on-one tutoring.
For K-3 students, our Reading Buddies program focuses on building skills and a love of reading early so children continue to read and learn through their school years. Kids practice reading for 15 minutes with a volunteer buddy using books for their reading level and books they choose themselves.
Do you enjoy working with adults and want to give back to the community?
Our volunteers help support customers with Life Skills such as navigating technology and online resources as part of our Community Support Centers and by supporting English language skill building through our English Conversation Table programs.
We are currently most in need of volunteers at our Hilltop, Karl Road, Northern Lights, Southeast and Whitehall locations.
Program needs include supporting students in our School Help Centers and Reading Buddies programs.
Does joining the library's team of volunteers sound like the job for you?
If so, please complete the Volunteer Application below.
If you have questions about any of our volunteer opportunites, email or call us.
Email Us
Contact Volunteer Services
Call us: 614-645-2275
NOTE: Volunteer opportunities and age requirements will vary by library location.
Current Volunteer?
Already a Columbus Metropolitan Library volunteer? Track your volunteer hours.
