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.
General Opportunities:
Do Gooders
See calendar for dates
Edge Media Lab
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. During the summer, we'll have weekday sessions on select Wednesdays. Register through our online calendar here.
Summer Meals at the Library
Weekdays August 12-30
The Trove
This summer, we'll be a site for distributing free summer meals for children and teens 18 and under. We'll need volunteers to help staff the meal table on weekdays between August 12 and 30, with shifts from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information, please email YA librarian Kathlyn Carroll at kcarroll@whiteplainslibrary.org.
Beginner Stitching
See calendar for dates
Museum Gallery
Teens can earn community service for making handmade items to donate in the community. Teens can sign up to attend a Beginner Stitching session where they'll learn to knit or crochet. After some practice, we'll provide supplies for them to make hats or scarves to donate. Interested teens should email YA librarian Kathlyn Carroll at kcarroll@whiteplainslibrary.org.
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. Teens may earn community service credit for meaningful participation.
By Application Only:
Reading Buddies and STEM Buddies must apply and be accepted to the program, and must attend one training session. Teens will have the opportunity to practice job skills, such as professional communication and keeping a schedule, while making a difference in the community. We have recruited our volunteers for the summer season, and will recruit again in the fall.
These programs are made possible with support from Con Edison and the White Plains Library Foundation.
Volunteer in the Community:
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.
lili birke
Hi, I’m interested in helping in my local library. thank you
Kathlyn, Teen Librarian
Hi Lili, thanks for expressing interest in volunteering! If you’d like more information about any of the teen volunteer opportunities listed here, please email me at kcarroll@whiteplainslibrary.org. Thanks!
Zoey
Hi Kathlyn:
I am past a teenager, but would love to help with Reading Buddies, as I did so
during my Tenure as a Nanny.
Please reply and if for only Teens, perhaps fit in for Slow Readers or an ESL class.
Thank you ?? Zoey
Kathlyn, Teen Librarian
Zoey, thanks for your interest in volunteering! These opportunities are indeed only for teens. Our assistant director, Kathy Degyansky, handles volunteer opportunities for adults. You can contact her at kdegyansky@whiteplainslibrary.org.
ana e rodriguez
I would love to be a volunteer at the White Plains library because I’d like to help people and I love to be around people
Kathlyn, Teen Librarian
Hi Ana–I’m so glad to hear you are interested in volunteering! If you would like to get started on a particular activity, please email me at kcarroll@whiteplainslibrary.org. Thanks!