Overview for Teen Volunteering
Teen volunteering at the South Brunswick Public Library is done a bit differently, but is open to all applicants.
Applications are only valid from September 1 of the current school year until August 30 before the new school year begins. All applicants who wish to continue volunteering must file a new application every school year.
For a full overview of how volunteering works here, please read the Expectations and Procedures form, which is linked below and is a required piece of every applicant’s first application. There are many things you can do as a volunteer, some of them are listed below or are listed as “Specialized Volunteer Groups”.
If a group needs a special application, it will be listed in the explanation and an option to download one will be there. All applications must be submitted by or before 6/30.
If you have questions regarding volunteering, contact Saleena Davidson at teens@sbpl.info.
Forms below are .doc files – click to download. They may be returned to the library or scanned and emailed to teens@sbpl.info.
SBPL Teen Volunteer Agreement & Procedures
Please read this paper carefully and sign the agreement on the next page. This signed agreement must be on file before you may volunteer for anything.
Volunteering Procedure:
- At the South Brunswick Public Library we do volunteering a bit differently. For most jobs (approximately 90%) you are responsible for contacting us based on the jobs posted to our Volunteer Jobs blog. This blog is located at: http://sbplvolunteers.blogspot.com/ and on our website: www.sbpl.info
- Jobs are posted as soon as possible, generally with a minimum of two weeks notice. Job information may be added at any time, so it would be good to check it on a regular basis. Selected positions may require specific ages or skills in order to qualify, please read the selections carefully.
- The other method we have of asking for volunteers, especially if we have less than two weeks notice, is email. Emails for most last minute jobs are sent out to all volunteers that are on file. Be sure that your email address listed on your application is legible and is one that you will check.
- In both cases (blog and email) jobs are first come, first served. You will receive an email letting you know whether or not you got the job you were asking for. Turnaround for email correspondence is usually a day, but rarely more than three business days. All of these posted or emailed jobs are “one shot” jobs or very short term with a beginning and ending date, unless otherwise specified.
- Since the 2020 shutdown, we have instituted some virtual jobs. They are posted on the blog as are other jobs. The limits on postings are on the blog and are clearly stated. If you do not understand, please feel free to ask.
There ARE jobs that are long term and on a schedule, but they are limited in number. If the job is for a longer time period, it would be specified on the job listing on the blog.
- Jobs that are not listed on the blog include shelving/shelf reading, tutoring and puppet group. In ALL cases (and ONLY in those cases) you will be contacted by email, and asked specifically to work a particular schedule.
- For shelving/shelf reading, a training session is required. A queue of potential shelvers will be maintained. Shelvers are chosen based on schedule and on the essays on the application. The queue is maintained from September – June and is begun from scratch each September.
- Tutoring requires a special application and attendance to an orientation.
- For puppet group, you are making a commitment to attend all practices AND the performance. All information will be provided at the first practice.
- For the TVA (Teen Voices in Alliance) or the EVA (Executive Voices in Alliance) there are separate applications required. Further information about both groups are on the website.
Volunteer Expectations:
- You are expected to show up on time for the job you are volunteering for.
- You are expected to fulfill your responsibilities by doing the tasks you were asked to do to the best of your ability and with enthusiasm.
- If you find that you cannot fulfill your duties on a given day, you are expected to call or email that you will not be here as soon as you know.
- You are responsible for getting your time sheet from the Information Desk, filling in all information and returning the completed form to the box. If you do not return the form, or complete it fully (and that includes getting a signature from the supervisor for your hours) your hours may not be counted. This form MUST be completed EACH time you volunteer. If you do not submit a form, your hours may not be recorded. The only exception is if there is an official sign-in sheet provided (usually at events with many in attendance). Please ask if there is any confusion.
- You are expected to respond to email communications and monitor the blog for opportunities.
Library Responsibilities:
- The library will ensure that all forms received are properly filed and recorded.
- The library WILL NOT issue volunteer letters automatically. All letters must be requested by email or by a written form. Please allow a minimum of two weeks for your letter to be generated. Please be specific about whom the letter is for (College, NHS, etc.) The library keeps electronic records indefinitely so it isn’t necessary (and is in fact discouraged) to get a new volunteer letter every year.
- A student may request verification of their hours at any time. This should be done in the same manner as a letter request (by written form or email) and it should be specified that it is only a verification. The information will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.
- If you are virtually volunteering, you still need to allow time for your volunteer time to be recorded. It is NOT acceptable to send a video or a blog article and expect an immediate letter verifying your work. A minimum of 2 weeks needs to be given before asking for a letter or other verification of hours.
- It is highly suggested that students verify their hours with their own records every six months. If you have a dispute about the total, you should contact the library as soon as possible. The library will not correct mistakes older than one year.
- The library will ensure that all volunteer duties are explained adequately and that the volunteer understands what they are expected to do for a particular job.
- The library retains the right to terminate any volunteer who is not fulfilling their responsibilities properly.
- The library will keep a record of volunteers with poor attendance, unexcused absence, or poor performance of job duties. We retain the right to not use volunteers with records of these behaviors.
All volunteer applicants will receive one email verifying that the application was received. We always attempt to do this within one week of receipt of the application. If you do not receive an email, feel free to inquire, as it is likely that the email has bounced or been placed in a spam folder. Please make sure that the email address is legible and that you check for a message from sbplteenvolunteers@gmail.com or teens@sbpl.info
FYI: If you use a school email (@sbschools.org) be aware that you may miss many emails as they block many emails from sources outside of school. Please use a secondary email if possible, or if not, try to watch for blocked or spammed missives sent to you.
Misc Special Notes:
We have a variety of applications for a variety of volunteers. Be sure that you are filling out the proper application.
(a)Tutoring applications become available in September of every year, spaces are usually filled by the end of October, with a waiting list for open positions.
(b)TVA & EVA both have their own applications. They are on our website or can be requested from Saleena directly.
Be sure and read all the requirements on every application; any application not completely filled out, with all required parts, is not eligible for any position.
Don’t forget that standard applications expire August 31 of every year, and to remain a volunteer you must file a new one between September 1 and June 30 of the year.
Please feel free to contact Saleena if you have any questions or concerns.
Saleena Davidson (YA Librarian)
sbplteenvolunteers@gmail.com
teens@sbpl.info
Phone: 732-329-4000 x7634
Expectations:
- To be able to tutor general subjects as needed. Specific expertise in specialized subjects is extra and appreciated, but not required.
- To show up on time on the day and time you were assigned
- To have a good attitude and lots of patience for those you are tutoring.
- To sign in and out in order to receive credit for volunteer hours worked.
- To call or email in the event of an emergency or a conflict with your scheduled tutoring hour as soon as possible.
Guidelines:
It is expected for you to show up for your shift every week. If you neglect to show up for your shift and you don’t call or email, a note will be made. I work on a two strikes and you’re out basis, so two no-call/no-shows and you will be cut from the program. You may email the news of a problem or conflict (which is preferred) as soon as you are aware of a problem and are able to send one. If you choose to call make sure that you use the extension listed below, and leave a message if you don’t reach someone directly. Sometimes emergencies happen and if you tell me as soon as you can of the emergency, I will make allowances.
There will be no tutoring on half days or days when school is closed (this includes snow days). If the weather is inclement and your family doesn’t feel safe bringing you to the library, you still need to contact me to let me know, unless the school was closed early or cancelled due to weather (in which case, again, there would be no tutoring). I will email to let you know if the library is closed.
You will be tutoring mostly younger students. For ALL students, you are only helping them with their school work. Students MUST bring in something for you to work with them on. You are not teachers, and are not expected to teach new skills, only reinforce existing knowledge. You are expected to be patient and helpful in helping the student do their work. You are NOT to do their homework for them! If you have a problem with a student or a parent, ask for help from your supervisor. If they can’t resolve it or if you need to vent or clarify the situation, call or email me.
Saleena or another teen staff member will be dropping in on various nights, at least one evening per month to check on things. If you have a problem at any time, please feel free to contact a teen staff member anytime to discuss it.
Supervisors are expected to complete the information sheet each day they work. In the event the supervisor is absent, please help us keep accurate records by filling out the sheet or emailing teen staff what happened during your shift. All shifts are working with only a few people to start with. As we figure out which days and times are more popular we will add more tutors to those shifts that need it. The paperwork and your communications are how this need is determined so please let me know if it is busy.
Please advertise our program by telling your friends and family who might use the services. If no one comes, we have no reason to exist. I will be happy to provide flyers upon request.
The library does not automatically write letters, so if you need a formal letter, make sure you email and ask for one with at least two weeks notice. If you wish to simply check on the tally of your hours, email that request and it will be sent as quickly as possible in an informal email.
Saleena Davidson (Supervising Teen Librarian & Teen Volunteer Coordinator) Contact Information:
Phone: 732-329-4000 ext. 7634
Email: sbplteenvolunteers@gmail.com
teens@sbpl.info
Everyone is welcome to apply to be a member (grades 6-12). The TVA is a group dedicated to planning events and supporting various ways to make the library a better place for teens and an integral part of the South Brunswick community. The TVA is also a space to make friends, learn how to organize, create and make ideas into realities. In order to accomplish these goals, we need active and motivated members. Yes, this is a volunteer organization and there are volunteer hours associated with it. HOWEVER, it must be noted that we are looking for members who genuinely care about the community at large and the library specifically; not just people looking for hours. If you just want to earn a few hours, you should check the blog, and jump into helping with random events, no harm done no minimums to meet.
MEMBERSHIP IN THE TVA HAS NO BEARING ON YOUR ABILITY TO VOLUNTEER AT THE LIBRARY. It is a separate branch of volunteering with a specific focus. Membership in the TVA has a limit of 75, if we are at our limit, then potential members will be places on a waiting list. You will be told whether you have been accepted or are on the waiting list.
Member benefits:
Members receive a TVA t-shirt, volunteer opportunities not published on the blog, sometimes just first choice of opportunities before they are posted. Members have the ability to create events and activities for their peers at the library and in the community at large.
How to join the TVA:
- In order to become a TVA member, you fill out a TVA application. Applications will be read and applicants will be evaluated based on their answers as well as their overall involvement and/or behavior in activities at the library. Applicants will be contacted and given the results of the application (accepted, denied or waitlisted), as soon as possible from when the application is received.
- Meetings are usually on the first Saturday of the month from 1-2:30. Reminders of meetings are sent, and changes to the schedule are noted well ahead of time. For the first three meetings, new members will be on probationary status. Once the minimum of attendance at three meetings has been met, they will officially be members and receive their t-shirts and will retro-actively receive credit and hours for all of the meetings attended. These new membership requirements do count towards the annual requirements but are not the totality of them, so new members should make sure that they are working towards that. When members join late in the year, considerations are made towards minimum requirements, however the effort to fulfill them should still be made.
- FYI: We use the school year as our model, so the year counts from September-August.
- Any new member not meeting probationary requirements will not receive credit or membership status.
Annual Requirements to maintain and continue being a TVA member:
- To maintain membership, members must continue to attend at least 5 meetings per year (which averages one meeting every other month).
- Members are required to volunteer at 2 “official” events per year. “Official Events” include book sales, National Night Out, Summer Fun Festival, December Open House and possibly teen led/created events & fund-raisers. TVA members receive a t-shirt as part of their membership. These shirts are our way of announcing who we are at community events. As TVA members, we should be conspicuous at “official” events, so that we can advertise who we are and what we do and that is why this requirement was added.
- Additionally, members are required to attend and participate in a minimum of 8 teen events and/or classes per year. Attending 8 events isn’t as difficult as you may think, it averages out to attending two events every quarter (or every 3 months).
- Please note: Participation in an event is NOT THE SAME as volunteering. As a general rule, if you are receiving volunteer hours for an event, it does not count towards the participation requirement. To ensure you receive credit, be sure and sign in at each event you attend (*teen events only). Virtual events DO count, but are harder to check as we don’t a way to do a sign in sheet for those. Those who attend events often are much more likely to be noticed than those who seldom do….but do what you can with the time you have.
- It is understood that failing to fulfill all requirements will result in loss of membership status or being put on probation. Probation means that members maintain membership but must show significant effort to fix the problems that occurred the previous year. If progress is not made within the first 4 months of the year, probation will be revoked and membership will be withdrawn. Those who lose their membership do not lose their previously earned hours, but they will lose the rights associated with the group. They also would have to cease participation in TVA specific committees if that is applicable.
- Members are expected to contribute towards the group and to assist with any ongoing projects and tasks given during meetings. Non-participation is not acceptable and may be grounds for someone to be asked to leave the meeting or have their membership rescinded.
- There is a limit of 75 members allowed at a time, therefore a waiting list will be maintained and those waiting will be contacted as spots open up.
- Some adjustments to the rules of membership may be made due to extenuating circumstances (i.e. pandemic issues, building closures, illnesses, etc). Saleena will make every effort to help a TVA member maintain their membership if they are determined and communicate their issues. Always feel free email concerns or speak with Saleena in person so as to avoid issues and confusion.
- EVA members are required to attend at least 70% of the EVA meetings every year and must stay in contact and active through email, shared documents and other communicative means (i.e. an app or shared IM)
- Each member must attend at least 70% of the TVA meetings each year. Each member must keep the requirements of being a TVA member up to date (participation and attendance at events).
- EVA members are expected to act as role models and leaders at the library, supervising and assisting other volunteers in any duties as needed, especially at TVA meetings and teen sponsored events.
- Meetings will be held every month following the TVA meeting. Extra meetings may be called if necessary.
- If any EVA member fails to uphold the requirements stated above or if they abuse their position and privileges in any way; said membership can be revoked immediately by Saleena, or voted on by the group to determine appropriate consequences. Members losing their appointment may petition to regain their membership after a year.
- Members who are in danger of being dropped from membership due to inactivity will be first contacted with a warning and an explanation of what they have been doing wrong. They will be given 2 months to rectify the situation and then dropped if no action is taken.
- Within the EVA, there is may be a rotating Executive Board, which is selected each quarter by members. It is also an option to have no designated Executive Board, especially if there are fewer than 15 EVA members. Whether or not someone is on the Executive Board; EACH EVA member is expected to provide assistance with planning and staffing events. In the event that an Executive Board is used, the members are as follows:
- Co-Coordinators: To take the lead position in planning major events which take place during your tenure (approximately 3 months). This includes, assigning duties to other positions, communication with Saleena on progress and being on top of all issues relating to the events.
- Historian: Ensuring that pictures and/or records are taken of events happening during your tenure. If you cannot do this yourself, assigning someone to do so in your place is acceptable. All photos and/or videos must be given to Saleena for preservation.
- Secretary: Taking notes of all meetings (TVA & EVA)
- PR: Assisting with advertising, flyers and generally creating a buzz for all major events.
- Within the EVA, there is may be a rotating Executive Board, which is selected each quarter by members. It is also an option to have no designated Executive Board, especially if there are fewer than 15 EVA members. Whether or not someone is on the Executive Board; EACH EVA member is expected to provide assistance with planning and staffing events. In the event that an Executive Board is used, the members are as follows:
Any major changes in the group must be voted on by the group members.
Saleena, YA Librarian, serves as an advisor and will help suggest changes, make recommendations and offer opinions, but the group MUST participate in order for it to function.
