♦ Applications are available to pickup at the Youth Services Desk or you can use one of the two options below. Applications are due by 6:00 PM on Saturday, April 22, 2023 and late applications will not be accepted.

♦ A reference statement is required from an adult such as a teacher, coach, church leader, someone you babysit for, volunteer coordinator, etc. It can NOT be a family member or personal friend.

♦ There are two ways to apply:

• Apply Online (please have your Reference Statement before using this option)

• Download the application HERE 

♦ Paper applications can be submitted in person to the Youth Services Desk (2nd floor) or emailed to cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org

FAQs

• How old do I have to be to volunteer? Volunteers must be 14 years old by June 1, 2023

• What do Summer Volunteers do? A variety of tasks including registering kids and teens for the Summer Reading Challenge, handing out prizes, explaining the rules of the program, shelving books, helping prepare for craft programs, crowd control, and other tasks as assigned

• When do I need to be available? The Summer Reading Challenge runs from June 12, 2023 - July 30, 2023. A required four-hour training session will take place the week of June 5th and there is a Volunteer Thank You Party on Saturday, August 5th from 2pm - 4pm. We try our best to accommodate those with summer school, vacations and summer camps, but the more availability you have the better.

• How many hours will I get? Volunteers are guaranteed a minimum of 15 hours during the 7-week program, but depending on your availability, you can earn upwards of 30 hours

• What are you looking for in a good volunteer? Someone who is friendly, mature, responsible, on-time, takes direction and instructions well; self-starters who see something that needs to be done and don't wait to be told to do it; comfortable working with a variety of different people, not afraid to talk to people they don't know, and knowledgeable with computers. Being able to speak Spanish is also helpful (but not required) since we serve a largely Spanish-speaking community.

• What do I get out of this? A fun-filled summer where you get to meet people, learn some new skills, and get some valuable job experience! Volunteers are invited to a Thank You Party at the end of the reading challenge to celebrate, eat food and win prizes. Volunteers will also receive a letter stating their performance over the summer and their total number of volunteer hours, which can be used to fulfill community service requirements or for letters of recommendation.

• How will I know if I'm selected? All volunteers will be notified, should they be selected, during the week of April 24, 2023. The Teen Services Librarian will notify by phone and/or email

• What if I'm not selected? The application process is competitive! We have a lot of demand and a limited number of available positions, so make sure that you fill out your application completely and with care. If you aren't chosen this summer it doesn't mean you weren't a great candidate so apply again next year or inquire about other volunteer opportunities throughout the school year.

• Help! If you have any questions regarding the Summer Volunteer Program, please contact Cathy Janovitz, Teen Services Librarian at 760-839-4283 or cathy.janovitz@escondidolibrary.org