Junior Volunteer Application

Age Requirements

Teen volunteers must be between 14-17 years of age and require a valid work permit. Age stipulations are set in accordance with the Michigan Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA). 

18+ years of age should apply to be an adult volunteer.  The application for Adult Volunteers can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of things will I do?
Junior volunteers assist in the Library’s Youth Department and in Youth Programs. Junior Volunteers help with craft prep, straightening books, cleaning toys, and various other clerical tasks as needed. Summer Junior volunteers will also work the Youth Summer Reading Prize table.

How much time do I need to volunteer?
Regular shifts during the school year are 1 hour and program assistance shifts vary from 1-3 hours depending on the program. Summer volunteer shifts are typically 2 hours long. Volunteers will be able to sign up for shifts that fit with their schedule. We ask volunteers to commit to at least 2 (1 hour) shifts per month during the school year Summer volunteers are asked to commit to at least 6 shifts spread out over the Summer.

Will I be trained?
Yes. Once your application is accepted you will be contacted by our Teen Services Librarian to set up a training session. You must complete training before you are permitted to sign up for other shifts. Summer Volunteers are required to attend a Junior Volunteer Orientation.

I submitted an application, what now?

Your application will be reviewed by our Teen Services Librarian. If you application is approved you will be contacted via email to set up a time for training.  All questions on the application must be answered by the applicant for their application to be considered. 

Do I need to live in Brighton?
We accept teen volunteers residing in Brighton and other local surrounding cities.

When do you accept volunteer applications?

• School Year Session (Runs September-May): Applications open September 1-April 1
• Summer Session (runs June-August): Applications open May 1-20 

Other Requirements

Junior volunteers must be between the ages of 14-17 years old and must provide a valid work permit.  Below you will find links to a printable PDF of the work permits you will need. Please review the instructions on how to obtain a work permit in the State of Michigan here.

At training volunteers will be given a Medical Emergency Release form that will also need to be filled out and signed by a parent before volunteering can begin.

Applicants will be contacted by Kate Wheeler, Teen Services Librarian via email. If you have questions you may contact Kate Wheeler at kate@brightonlibrary.info or call 810-229-6571 ext. 224.