Eligibility

Teen volunteers must be between the ages of 13-18. They must also complete the VolunTeen Application form.

In Case of Emergency

In case of sickness or an emergency, volunteers must contact the Teen Librarian, Jakki Williams, via email @ teensdept@washcolibrary.org if they were expected to assist with a library program and can’t make it. Failure to notify the Teen Librarian prior to the start of the program may result in suspension from the VolunTeen program.

Contact with WCFL

All communication about volunteering at WCFL will be conducted through email, so be sure to check your email frequently for updates. A weekly email will be sent out with opportunities to sign up for the coming week, first come, first served.

Volunteer Orientation

New volunteers must attend orientation before their first shift. Orientation will be held every other Friday and posted on our Calendar of Events for registration. You must register yourself for orientation.

Lateness

Being late for assisting with library programs is not acceptable. Being a VolunTeen means people are depending on you. Please plan to arrive 5 minutes early for programs unless otherwise communicated.

Keeping Track of Volunteer Time

VolunTeens are responsible for signing in and out on the form provided. Volunteers may submit book reviews, short stories, poetry, art work, and photography for publication in the Washingteenian. All virtual projects should be submitted to teensdept@washcolibrary.org.

Dress

VolunTeens must dress in a library appropriate manner. Volunteers may not wear spaghetti straps, short-shorts, flip-flops, or graphic t-shirts with inappropriate messages or images.

Behavioral Expectations

In-person volunteering is scheduled in advance-there are no drop-ins. We expect all VolunTeens to arrive for in-person shifts motivated and ready to assist. Your volunteer shift is not the time for doing homework, reading a book, or checking your phone.

For virtual volunteer opportunities, we expect all work turned in to be an original work created by the volunteer. Do NOT pull reviews from Amazon and submit as your own. For read-alike lists, you may consult other sources but the list in its entirety should not be pulled from a single source.

Recognition

SSL hour forms and letters of recommendation must be requested by the volunteer well in advance of due date.

TAB Mission

The Washington County Free Library Teen Advisory Board (TAB) will strive to assist with the improvement of library services for teens by:

• Planning, implementing, and participating in teen programs
• Creating an inviting atmosphere at the library by maintaining a safe, attractive teen area
• Promoting ideas regarding the young adult collection
• Promoting and encouraging reading by teens
• Providing a forum for which teens can share ideas and improve relations between teen patrons and the library

What is TAB?

The TAB was formed to give teens the opportunity to participate in and influence teen services at the Washington County Free Library.

Who is in TAB?

All students in grades 8-12 are welcome to join. Please fill out the Virtual TAB Application form.

When Are the Meetings?

Monthly TAB meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 5-6 pm from September-May.

How much time will it involve?

TAB will involve one hour a month for meetings and any time you choose to devote to reviews, chairing programs and committees, or other TAB activities. The time you devote to the TAB will be considered as a service to TAB, WCFL, and the greater Hagerstown Community. You will receive a letter documenting your hours and services to TAB.

What will we discuss?

TAB Meetings are dedicated to the development of services and the recruitment of teen volunteers to carry out these services. It will be up to TAB to present ideas for the Teen Summer Reading program and year-round programming. The TAB will also meet to share reviews of books, software, magazines, music, and web sites.

What are the membership requirements?

Members must commit to a one (1) year of service to TAB (Sept. – May) and a minimum of 20 hours of service for that year. These service hours can be met by attendance at monthly meetings during the year from September to May REQUIRED (1 hour, once a month, with up to two excused absences); AND Chairing ONE (1) Young Adult Yearly Program.

TAB members who serve for 20 hours or more will receive a surprise at our end of school year party.

Why Should You Join?

• TAB members earn volunteer hours for attending
• Brainstorm ideas to impact the Teen Services Department of the Library
• Spend time with other teens planning enjoyable events
• Make a difference in your community
• Looks great on your resume and college applications