Teen Volunteer Opportunities
We want you. The Library wants your ideas, curiosity, and enthusiasm for helping others. In return, not only will your volunteering make a significant difference in your community, you will:
- meet new friends,
- learn new skills, and
- form a good looking resume, for jobs or school.
1-2-3-4 Steps to Volunteer
- Take a look at our many opportunities below. See what interests you.
- Click a Volunteer Now link, fill, and submit your online application.
- Library staff will call you for a brief, get-to-know-you virtual interview.
- You're set up for success with an orientation session.
Jump to a Current Opportunity
- Leading Readers
- Program Assistant
- Teen Advisory Council
- Teen Media
- Young Newcomers English Club
Leading Readers
Youth Work
Ages 15-18*
Who are you helping? We’ll pair you with 1 elementary school-aged kid who is having a hard time with reading.
What will you be doing? For 1 hour per week, you’re leading an in-person hang out with your learner. Together, you're reading, playing educational games, and exploring books through fun activities.
Who are you? An avid reader, patient and kind with kids, and good at making things fun.
Are you available? We hope your schedule is a match. Here are the current openings for in-person sessions you'll need to select on your application form.
Musquodoboit Harbour
Tuesday, 3:30 - 4:45 PM
February 28- May 2, 2023
To apply, fill out the online form or call the Library at (902) 889-2227.
Sackville Public Library
Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:00 PM
February 14 - May 16, 2023
To apply, fill out the online form or drop by the Library.
Applications will be reviewed starting January 9.
Tantallon
Wednesdays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
February 22 - May 3, 2023 (No session on March 15)
We are no longer accepting applications.
Questions? Email teen@halifax.ca
Program Assistant
Ages 14-18*
Who are you helping? Members of your community, from families to children to adults to youth like you, who come to the Library for various programs.
What will you be doing? That depends on where you want to volunteer. As 2022 progresses, we will add to the list below what is happening and where.
Alderney Gate
Tuesdays, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
January 5 - March 23
In person: As a group you and the other Teen Volunteers will plan, prepare and host a March Break children's program happening on Friday, March 17. In addition, you may be asked to assist with other events and programs for children and youth at the library.
Halifax North
TBD
July 6 - August 31
In person: Help out with one of the following: 1) Collaboration Project - Organize and oversee activities with other teen volunteers during the Library's social drop-in program aimed at pre-teens and teens. You will set up and tidy the program room, serve snacks, oversee video game usage, prep crafts, engage with participants, and other duties as needed. This program will run once a week under the direct supervision of the Teen Specialist and other library staff. 2) Summer Reading Club - deliver weekday Summer Reading Club programs at the Library during the summer months, run the Kick-Off Party on June 30, and create crafts for children.
Keshen Goodman
Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
June 15 - July 13
In person: You and the other Teen Volunteers will sign up children for Summer Reading Club on June 17 or 24; help out with the Summer Reading Club Kick-Off Party on Thursday June 29; help deliver weekday programs at the Library and in the community during the summer months; and help create crafts for children.
Applications are open until Monday June 5.
Musquodoboit Harbour
TBD, contact Sarah to set your best week day and times
June 15 - August 25
In person: You and the other Teen Volunteers will sign up children for Summer Reading Club; help out with the Summer Reading Club Kick-Off Party; help deliver weekday programs at the Library and in the community during the summer months; and help create crafts for children.
For information, email Sarah at burchis@halifax.ca.
Woodlawn
TBD, contact Debbie to set your best week day and times
In person: Your interests and availability will help us to see when and what you can do at the Library as a teen volunteer.
For information, text, call, or email Debbie at 902-240-8193 or gibsond@Halifax.ca
Who are you? You are creative and artistic, friendly and welcoming, and able to work both independently and as a part of a bigger team.
Questions? Email teen@halifax.ca
Teen Advisory Council
Community Development Work
Ages 14-18
Who are you helping? Teenagers in the community seeking a safe and engaging space that reflects their interests and values.
What will you be doing? For 1 hour per week, you will be meeting in person with other members of the Teen Advisory Council to advise Library staff on the teen experience at Halifax Central Library. This includes, but is not limited to: program/event planning and hosting, youth outreach within the Library, and creating displays that reflect the diversity of our community.
Who are you? You are a team player and consensus builder who is community-minded and looking for leadership opportunities. You will shape the youth experience at Halifax Central Library.
Halifax Central
Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
February 7 - June 6, 2023
To apply, please fill out the online form.
Applications are open until February 15.
Questions? Email teen@halifax.ca
Teen Media: Podcast & Blog
Communications Work
Ages 14-18
Who are you helping? Youth, like you, who want to express themselves, be reflected and have a voice in the wider community.
What will you be doing? For 1-2 hours each week, you will be meeting with other Teen Media volunteers to create content for Halifax Public Libraries’ youth-run podcast and community blog. Responsibilities will include: creating and editing segments of audio content, such as interviews, commentaries, and essays as well as structuring, writing, and editing accompanying blog posts.
Who are you? A budding communications professional, natural storyteller, and team player. You are a creative type with a voice that reflects the opinions and sentiments of Haligonians.
Halifax Central
Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
February 8 - June 7, 2023
To apply, please fill out the online form.
Questions? Email teen@halifax.ca
