Junior Volunteer Application



The Application period for the Summer Junior Volunteer session has been extended.

Open to ages 14-17.

We appreciate your interest in becoming a teen volunteer at the Brighton District Library!  Please look over the information below before submitting your application. The application is at the bottom of the page.

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. During the school year volunteers cannot volunteer over 3 hours in one day and a maximum of 18 hours during the week and cannot volunteer past 7pm.

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.

Summer Junior Volunteer Application

Application for the Summer Junior Volunteer program 2025. Open to teens ages 14-17. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and require a valid work permit. Our Summer Junior Volunteers help out with our Summer Reading Program. Volunteers run our Summer Reading Prize table, assist with Youth Programs, and help keep the Youth Department tidy.

Volunteers must be 14 by the time of their first volunteer shift and will require a work permit.
List the name or your school or indicate if you are homeschooled.
Please select the grade you are entering in the Fall.
Use email that will be the primary way of contact.
If you are an older teen who will be handling all your own scheduling you may provide the email you want information sent to. A parent email will be CCed to communications.
Include full address, including Zip Code.
Can you volunteer for the Summerfest Celebration on Sunday, June 8th?(Required)
Summerfest is our Summer Reading Kick Off. Volunteers will need to be at the Library 12:30pm-3:30 pm. Answering yes to this question now does not mean you are committing to volunteer that day.
Example: National Honor society
Check which of the volunteer orientations you can attend.
You can check multiple dates/times. Checking one of these does not commit you to that date.
We of course will take vacations into account. We ask our volunteers to pick up a minimum of 6 volunteer shifts over the summer. These shifts must be spread out throughout the summer and cannot all be done in one week.
Volunteer Shift Preferences(Required)
Please check which shifts you would be available for. Volunteers are scheduled for a weekly volunteer shift and additional program assistance shifts will be available as well.
Do you have basic computer skills?(Required)
This includes using a laptop & mouse (or trackpad) and ability to use a search engine feature.
How are you with communicating?
Our volunteers help run our Summer Reading Prize Table. This involves needing to communicate with people about the Summer Reading program and explaining how prize pick up works.
I understand that submitting this application doesn't garuantee a spot in the Brighton District Library Junior Volunteer program.(Required)
We received many applications for those interested in the volunteering with us and unfortunately do not always have enough spots for everyone. You will be contacted by our Teen Services Librarian via email to confirm whether you have been accepted or not.
I understand that I will be contacted via the email I provided about the Junior Volunteer program.(Required)
I understand that in order to volunteer with the Brighton District Library I will need to provide a valid work permit.(Required)
Junior Volunteers are required to have a valid work permit in order to volunteer at the Library. You will be provided more information on obtaining a work permit upon acceptance into the Junior Volunteer program. This stipulation is set to be accordance with the Michigan Youth Standards Employment Act.