Teen Volunteering

Make a Difference @ Your Library

Have fun, connect with your community, and make a difference at your library!
 

Teen Leadership Committee

Ela Area Public Library's Teen Leadership Committee (TLC) will be a group of 12 teens that are passionate about cultivating and improving library services for teens.

TLC members will meet regularly to discuss ideas and plan events and programs centered around making EAPL a teen-friendly space in our community. TLC members will attend and lead teen library programs, work as volunteers for special projects, and act as library ambassadors in their community by spreading the word about library programs and events in their schools, clubs, and other social groups.

If you are interested in joining, bring the completed from to the information desk.
Print out the Teen Leadership Committee Application Form here!

  • Earn volunteer hours.
  • Help create library programs.
  • Help with picking out new books for the teen collection.
  • Provide input for library decisions related to teens.
  • Learn essential job skills like teamwork, effective communication, and more!
  • Participation can be listed on job, scholarship, and college applications.
  • Meet friends and have fun!
  • Be in 6th - 12th grade.
  • Commit to serving a 1-year term.
  • Be willing to commit to a minimum of 7 TLC meetings per year.
  • Keep an open mind and a great attitude when confronted with people, situations, and/or opinions that might be unfamiliar. The Ela Teen Leadership Committee aims to be an inclusive group of middle and high school students from Lake Zurich and its surrounding communities and includes folks who attend public, private, and/or home schools.

Virtual Teen Volunteer Opportunities

Teens 6-12 grade can earn volunteer hours with Ela Area Public Library by helping with the following projects. Make sure you follow all the rules and guidelines set by your school/organization to receive your hours and allow plenty of time before your deadline. If you need a copy of your volunteer hours, please email readers@eapl.org, and allow two weeks to receive them.

Learn more about our volunteer opportunities for teens by checking the activities below!

  • VolunTeen Written Book Review: Earn up to 3 volunteer hours each month by writing an original review for a recently released teen novel. Books must have been released within the past four years. Reviews will be shared on the library's social media and website. Print out and submit at the library. 
  • VolunTeen Video Book Review/Book Trailer: Earn up to 3 volunteer hours each month by creating an original video review or book trailer for a recently released teen novel. Books must have been released within the past four years. Videos will be shared on the library's social media and website. Currently Closed
  • VolunTeen Book River: Earn up to 3 volunteer hours each month by creating a book river for the teen recommended page. Book river must have 15 books relating to one theme.  Currently Closed
  • VolunTeen Citizen Science: Earn up to 6 volunteer hours each month by helping a citizen science project on https://www.zooniverse.org/  Currently Closed

 

Community Volunteer Opportunities

Check out these volunteering opportunities in your community outside the library. Follow their guidelines and recommendations to ensure you receive your hours. Keep checking back for more.

  • Ancient Oaks: Get your hands dirty and help keep Lake Zurich green. Learn More!
  • Do Something: Tons of volunteer opportunities for every interest. Learn More!
  • Heartland Animal Shelter: Decorate a two-pocket folder for new adopters to take home the paperwork they need for their new furry family member. Learn More!
  • Lake County Haven: Join the Kind Words Campaign and send homeless women and children letters of hope and encouragement and create bagged lunches for those in need. Learn More!
  • Lake Zurich Park District: Help with the local events you love right here in Lake Zurich. Learn More!
  • Liberation Library: Decorate bookmarks for incarcerated teens to help encourage a love of reading. Learn More!
  • Operation Gratitude: Make paracord bracelets or sew fleece hats and more for first responders and the troops. Learn More!
  • United Way of Lake County: Write notes of encouragement, create bilingual flashcards, make positive message bookmarks, and so much more with the United Way of Lake County. Learn More!