We know teens need community service hours, and we’re happy to provide a few different options. Below you’ll find a list of all the current ways to contribute to the library community and earn volunteer credit through the White Plains Public Library. If you have any questions, please contact YA librarian Kathlyn Carroll at kcarroll@whiteplainslibrary.org.

Volunteer at the Library: Summer 2023

Reading Buddies
In a favorite volunteer activity, teens are paired with children who are learning to read. Reading Buddies sessions will be held on Tuesdays 4:30-7:00 p.m., July 11 through August 15. Reading Buddies must apply, and must attend one training session: Tuesday June 20, 4:00-5:00 p.m. or Tuesday June 27, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Applications are available digitally here, and at the Trove desk in the children's room on the second floor. Applications are due by Friday, June 16.

STEM Buddies
You’ll guide small groups of elementary school children in exploring our collection of STEM activities. STEM Buddies sessions will be held on Thursdays 2:30-5:00 p.m., July 6 through August 17. STEM Buddies must attend a training session: Thursday June 22, 3:00-4:00 p.m. or Thursday June 29, 3:00-4:00 p.m. Applications are available digitally here, and at the Trove desk in the children's room on the second floor. Applications are due by Friday, June 16.

Do Gooders
Teens in grades 7-12 can earn community service hours on Wednesdays from 3:00-5:00 p.m., from July 5 through August 16 in the Edge Media Lab. Each week we'll work on a different project to benefit a local organization. No application or training sessions needed. Registration through our online calendar is recommended; space is limited.

These programs are made possible with support from Con Edison and the White Plains Library Foundation.

 

Ongoing Opportunities:

Do Gooders: Card Making
Saturdays, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Edge Media Lab

Drop in and make greeting cards to donate to Meals on Wheels.

Common Ground
See calendar for dates
Museum Gallery

Common Ground meets monthly to discuss topics of community importance. Bring your ideas to the conversation for community service credit.

Edge Advisory Board
See calendar for dates
Edge Media Lab

A group of teens who love the Library and work to plan activities for teens in the Edge.

On Call Crew
As Needed

Sometimes we need short-notice help with a task at the library, like sorting Legos or preparing craft supplies. If you'd like to be notified about these pop-up volunteer opportunities, email YA librarian Kathlyn Carroll at kcarroll@whiteplainslibrary.org to join the mailing list.

Volunteer in the Community

We also want to share another opportunity to earn community service hours with the City of White Plains. Dawn Cousin, Community Coordinator of the Love Your Block grant program, is looking for teens to help with outreach efforts. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Dawn Cousin at dcousin@whiteplainsny.gov.

And, for more volunteer opportunities in the community, Volunteer New York! is a great resource. They collect a variety of opportunities to support local Westchester organizations, and you can filter the opportunities by location, age of volunteer, and other factors.