Back

Volunteer Hours:

The Hoboken Public Library Volunteer Program depends on qualified teens to assist the library staff in providing quality services to the community. HPL Youth Services Department welcomes volunteers, whether you’re seeking community service hours or simply want to give back.  We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities through our Sign-Up Genius. 

How to Sign Up:

Step 1: Read the policy,  Have your parents fill out the form and submit.

Step 2 : Head over to the Sign-Up Genius and sign up for the various opportunities available.

Step 3 : Make sure to be available for the dates. We know that life happens and cancellations  occur, please make sure to send an email about cancellation and remove your name from sign-ups.

Are you enjoying your volunteering hours? Ready to make a bigger impact by running your own program? Head over to the TAB ( Teen Advisory Board) page and sign up!

Volunteer Policy: 

The Hoboken Public Library Volunteer Program is open to persons 16 years of age or older. 

Persons between the ages of 12 and 16 may volunteer for a limited time, such as 2 months for the summer and for only a specific number of hours per week, as required by their school or other organization and in accordance with state & local labor laws, subject to Library approval. 

Signed parental permission is required for all persons under 18 years of age. 

Please be mindful when it comes to signing up for volunteer hours. We want to ensure everyone gets the chance to complete hours or get a chance to help. 

3 no shows’ means that you will no longer be able to volunteer. 

3 is the limit of how many times you can volunteer in a month. 

We know life happens sometimes, please always make sure to email the Librarian when you have to cancel and not make your appointed time.

FAQ:

Is there an age requirement for volunteering at the Library?

Yes. Your child has to be at least 12 or older to volunteer.

Do you have to live or attend school in Hoboken to volunteer at the library?

Nope! Not at all! We love to have teen volunteers from all over to serve our community.

How do I sign up to volunteer?

Your first step is to fill out the Volunteer Form. Once that is done, you can head over to our Sign-Up Genius for volunteer opportunities. If you’re looking to run a program for volunteer hours, head on over to our Teen Advisory Board page!

Is there a certain number of hours I need to complete to volunteer?

Nope! We go by however many hours you are able to give, or whatever hours are needed for your community service hours to be completed.

What types of volunteer opportunities are available?

We can go as simple as shelving books, or as fun as reading a story during one of our story times! We also have community outreach opportunities like making community care kits, or tabling outside the library!

Are spots limited?

Yes. Depending on the opportunity, we usually limit it to 2-3 per opportunity. ( Ex: 3 students for shelving books on Mondays)

What is the difference between being a Teen Volunteer and being an active TAB Member?

As a Teen Volunteer you are assisting the Librarians on staff with their programs and tasks such as shelving, story time, and other programs. TAB Members are invited to take a more active role in the library by designing and leading their own programs and community initiatives. Both our Teen Volunteers and TAB Members provide crucial assistance to the Youth Services Department!

What do I get out of volunteering or joining TAB?

On top of fulfilling their volunteer hour requirements for school, participants gain work experience and can request letters of recommendation.  Put HPL on your resumes and school applications!

Updated 9/10/24 -MS