Applications Accepted During the Following dates:
Fall (runs October - December) applications due between July 1-31
Spring (runs March - May) applications due between December 1-31
Summer (runs June - July) applications due between March 1-31

What does the Summer, Fall and Spring Youth Volunteer Program look like?
Youth volunteers help staff in various duties around the library. Most youth volunteers traditionally assist the Youth Services librarians with circulation, programs, and/or program preparation. Duties may include:

• program planning
• preparing programming materials
• program set-up and take down
• supervising and assisting participants during programs
• re-shelving books
• running specialized clubs for teens
• light clean up

Volunteer duties and positions will vary depending on the summer and the location. Applicants requesting a reasonable volunteer accommodation can request an Accommodation Request Form from the volunteer coordinator.

What are the program dates and time for Fall and Spring?
The program runs 10 weeks from either October - December (fall) or March - May (spring). Youth volunteers work a 2 hour shift, once per week and all positions are unpaid. Youth volunteers are traditionally placed during after school hours or on weekends. Additional placements may be available during weekday business hours (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) if it does not interfere with school. Individual schedules will be determined by library needs, supervisor availability, and the youth’s availability. 

What are the program dates and time for Summer?
The summer program runs 8 weeks, June - July each summer. Youth volunteers work a 4 hour shift, once per week and all positions are unpaid. Individual schedules will be determined by supervisor availability, library needs, and the youth’s availability. Youth can be placed Monday through Sunday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, depending on the volunteer role.

What are the program locations?
Many APL locations--although not all locations--will host an APL Youth Volunteer. Possible reasons why some locations will not be included are: the location is not taking on youth volunteers for that season, location closures for renovations, or the location is working with another youth placement program. 

In order to participate in this program, you must:

1. Be 13 to 17 years old.
   Those 17 years of age may also apply to the Adult Volunteer Program.
2. Be no younger than 13 years of age and no older than 17 years of age by July 1 (fall), November 1 (spring) or March 31 (summer).
3. Complete the online application when posted.
4. Complete an additional Volunteer Accommodation Request Form (if applicable). Request a form APL.Volunteers@austintexas.gov.
5. Be available for an interview with the Austin Public Library volunteer coordinator. 
6. Accept a placement offer. **Please note: Not all applications result in a placement offer.**
7. Complete a successful background check. This will include fingerprinting (ages 15 and older) for applicants that have lived outside the state of Texas in the last ten years. 
8. Attend mandatory youth volunteer orientation.
9. Commit to volunteering one 2 hour shift per week during the fall (October - December) or spring (March - May) program season. Commit to volunteering one 4 hour shift per week, during the summer program session (June - July).
10. Commit to having no more than two absences during the program season.

How do I apply?
Applications will be posted at the top of this webpage during the application window for each session. Complete the online application.

What happens after I apply?
The volunteer coordinator will review applications and try to find a placement for as many applicants as possible.

When will I know whether I am accepted?
We typically receive more youth volunteer applications than we are able to find placement for. Acceptance emails will be sent telling applicants whether they have been accepted into the program. Applicants will have three business days to respond. After three business days Volunteer Services may rescind the offer in order to fill the placement with another qualified applicant. Completing an application does not guarantee a placement

Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please contact Volunteer Services Coordinator Paul Lopez at APL.Volunteers@austintexas.gov with any questions you may have.