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.

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.

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.

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.

Volunteer at the Library: Fall 2023

Do Gooders
Teens in grades 7-12 can earn community service hours by attending Do Gooders meetings. We'll work on projects to benefit local organizations and discuss plans for future volunteer efforts. In addition to the ongoing Saturday session of Do Gooders (more information below), there will be additional sessions scheduled throughout the school year. Registration through our online calendar is appreciated but not required.

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 4:00-6:00 p.m. beginning in October. Reading Buddies must apply, and must attend one training session. Applications are available digitally here, and at the Trove desk in the children's room on the second floor. Applications are currently closed. We may recruit again in January 2024.

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 4:00-6:00 p.m. beginning in October. STEM Buddies must apply, and must attend one training session. Applications are available digitally here, and at the Trove desk in the children's room on the second floor. Applications are currently closed. We may recruit again in January 2024.

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

 

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.