2024-2025 School Year Application
Need hours for school or looking for a way to give back to your community? Consider applying to volunteer at Messenger Library. Volunteers assist with program prep, general tasks, and as program helpers. Your schedule is your own to make, shift options include after school and the weekends. School Year volunteer shifts run from September thru May. Teens must complete their own application to be considered.
In order to be eligible to volunteer at Messenger Library, you MUST be:
1) A local resident to North Aurora, attend a SD129 school, or a local private school.
2) In middle or high school (grades 6-12).
3) At least 11 years old and no older than 18 years old.
4) Have a working email address that you check regularly for all volunteer correspondence.
Expectations:
- Volunteering at the library is a privilege and service to the community. We expect everyone to take this experience seriously and to treat others with respect.
- Volunteers are expected to show up on time for the shifts they select and to be present for the entire shift.
- Volunteers must contact us if they are going to be late or absent from a shift. They may call, email, or delete their shift off of Sign-Up Genius.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kind of work do volunteers do? Do we get to shelve books?
A: Shelving books is a task given to staff members. Most teen volunteer shifts are what we call “General Tasks” and are usually filled with helping us prepare for programs, pack STEAM kits, or work on special projects or tasks. Every shift will be different as our needs change throughout the year.
Q: How do shifts work?
A: Accepted volunteers, who have completed training, will receive a link to the current Sign-Up Genius. There volunteers can select shifts. All shifts are first come, first serve. The typical schedule is Monday – Thursday 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00, 11:00 a.m., 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. Sunday 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. Breaks to this schedule will occur when there a program.
Q: Is there a limit in the number of shifts I can do in a day?
A: Yes, you cannot volunteer for more than 2 shifts in a day.
Q: I want to volunteer with kids, how do I do that?
A: If you specifically wish to volunteer with kids, then look for the Program Helper shifts in Sign Up Genius. There you will be able to assist a staff member with a program.
Q: Can I volunteer with friends or siblings?
A: Everyone is welcome to apply but shifts are commonly just for one teen at a time. There are usually some Program Helper shifts that need more than one teen, so you can keep a lookout for those.
Q: I don’t fit the location requirement for volunteering can I still apply?
A: Unfortunately no. Our program is limited to those who live in North Aurora or attend a local school. If you live outside those bounds, please reach out to your home library for volunteer opportunities.
Q: I am 11 but still in 5th Grade, can I volunteer?
A: Not yet, when you enter 6th Grade, you can apply to be a teen volunteer.
Q: I need a certain number of hours for school or church, can I get them all at Messenger?
A: All shifts are first come, first serve. We cannot guarantee hours even when you have volunteer requirements. If you need a certain number of hours, we recommend starting early to be sure you can meet your requirements.
Interested? Fill out our online application. You should receive an email back from a staff member in 1-3 days. All new volunteers will need to complete training. Click here to apply.
2025 Summer Application – Currently closed
Looking for ways to keep busy this summer? Consider applying to be a Teen Volunteer! As a volunteer you can help with program prep, general tasks, and as program helpers. You get to choose which shifts to pick, so you can work around your busy summer schedule. Summer volunteer shifts run June – August. Teens must complete their own application to be considered. Applications will not be accepted after Sunday, June 30. All shifts are first come first serve, so do not wait to apply. The Summer Sign Up Genius will be available to all accepted applicants on May 1.
In order to be eligible to volunteer at Messenger Library, you MUST (be):
1) A local resident to North Aurora, attend a SD129 school, or a local private school.
2) In middle or high school (in coming 7-12 grade)
3) At least 11 years old and no older than 18 years old
4) Have a working email address that you check regularly for all volunteer correspondence
Interested? Fill out the online application. You should receive an email back from a staff member in 1-3 days.
Click here if you are over 18 and want to know more about volunteer opportunities at our library.
