Volunteer Program
Thank You for Your Interest
Volunteers are an important part of the Library. We rely on adult and teen volunteers to perform crucial tasks that keep us running.
Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Teens can earn service hours and gain valuable experience by volunteering at the UAPL. We have opportunities year round, with a particular need in summer during our annual Summer Reading Program.
If you’re interested in earning service credit through Miller Park’s Teen Service Club or Book Buddies programs, check our Library Link program guide or our program calendar each quarter for dates and times.
Once a quarter, teen volunteers are entered into a raffle for a chance to win a prize! To qualify, simply work at least one volunteer shift at any of our branches (Lane Road, Miller Park, or Tremont Road.) Maddie Smith will contact you if you are the winner. Prizes range from pickleball sets to advanced reader copies of upcoming books.
For information on teen volunteering, contact Maddie Smith or Jenn Willke at the Tremont Road Branch, Laura Erwin at the Lane Road Branch, or Sarah Manley at the Miller Park Branch.
Teen Service Club
Teen volunteers will help with library projects and earn an hour of service credit. This group activity is for students in grades 6-12 or going into grades 6-12 during the summer. Registration is required for each date and opens 2 weeks prior.
- Monday, April 20 (4-5 p.m.): Register
- Tuesday, May 5 (10:30-11:30 a.m.): Register
- Thursday, June 25 (6:30-7:30 p.m.): Register
- Thursday, July 23 (6:30-7:30 p.m.): Register
- Thursday, August 20 (6:30-7:30 p.m.): Register
Book Buddies: Big Buddies
Teen volunteers (going into grades 6-12 during the summer) will earn service credit by coaching an elementary school “buddy” in reading and playing games, helping them to grow confident and excited about reading. Registration is required for each date and opens 2 weeks prior.
Craft for a Cause
Make a difference! Teen volunteers in grades 6-12 or going into grades 6-12 during the summer will earn service hours by creating meaningful crafts that directly support local nonprofits and community organizations. Registration is required for each date and opens 2 weeks prior.
- Wednesday, April 22 (6:30-7:30 p.m.): Register
- Wednesday, May 27 (6:30-7:30 p.m.): Register
- Wednesday, August 26 (6:30-7:30 p.m.): Register
Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
Want to be active in your library? Join our Teen Advisory Board! Teens will help the library with decisions and other tasks. Great for service hours!
When?
- Monday, March 9 (3:45–4:45 PM)
- Monday, April 13 (3:45–4:45 PM)
- Monday, May 11 (3:45–4:45 PM)
- Monday, June 8 (3:45–4:45 PM)
- Monday, July 13 (3:45–4:45 PM)
- Monday, August 10 (3:45–4:45 PM)
Where?
Meeting Room A at the Tremont Road Branch, 2800 Tremont Road.
No Registration Required
Summer Reading (2026) Teen Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, meet friends, earn service hours, and get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes world of your local library.
Volunteers will complete tasks such as assisting at the Summer Reading Prize table, explaining the program to participants, assisting with craft assembly, and assisting with Summer programs. Shifts will be available from June 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026. Volunteers must be in grades 6-12.
Apply at the Tremont Road Branch || Apply at the Lane Road Branch
Adult Volunteer Opportunities
Some examples of volunteer opportunities for adults include:
- Locate requested items on shelves: When people request available items through the online catalog, it generates lists of requested items that need to be prepared for pick up by the patron or routed to another library. Volunteers use a printed list that includes titles and shelf locations to gather the items for our staff to process.
- English Conversation Practice leaders: Our Lane Road and Miller Park Branches use volunteers to assist English Language Learners with improving their fluency.
- Delivery of items to homes and schools: Adults use their own car to deliver library materials to homebound individuals and school buildings within Upper Arlington.
- Help at Library Programs: Welcome and check in program attendees using a scanner and laptop.
Requirements
- Applicant must complete all sections of our volunteer application
- Applicant must be willing to commit to a minimum of 3-6 months of service for most positions
Ready to apply?
Complete our online application form. If no volunteer positions are currently available, we will keep your application for future needs. Contact Kayla Toon, our Program and Outreach Coordinator, with any questions.
Current Volunteer?
A great way to give back
Apply or call to learn about our current openings.
(614) 486-9621
(614) 459-0273
(614) 488-5710
Monday – Thursday: 10am – 8pm; Friday: 10am – 6pm; Saturday: 10am – 5pm; Sunday: 1pm – 5pm