Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Volunteer FAQ
Teen Volunteer FAQ
For Teens (Ages 13-18)
What is the VolunTeen program? Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is looking for responsible and motivated teens who enjoy working with the public, helping others, and giving back to their community. If selected, VolunTeens will assist staff with the day-to-day duties of a library branch. Applicants will be interviewed and selected according to branch needs. Due to capacity and the volume of applications, not all teens who apply will be accepted into the program.
Who should fill out the application? Teens (ages 13-18) should register and apply online. If you are 12, you must turn 13 by the time the session begins. Please note that 18-year-olds must be high school students, otherwise you need to apply to be an adult volunteer. If a parent/guardian would like their teen to apply, please encourage them to do so, and do not fill anything out on their behalf. This is an opportunity for teens to learn real-world career development skills.
When and how can I apply? The library invites teens to apply for volunteer positions twice a year. Applications open on April 15th for the Summer session (June to mid-August), and on August 15th for the School Year session (September to May). Applications are accepted starting on these dates and they will close at the end of the month or until capacity is reached.
What if I don't see a VolunTeen opportunity at the library location I'm interested in? If your preferred location does not have a posted VolunTeen opportunity, it is no longer available and you'll need to apply to a different location. You may only apply to one location per session.
If I apply, does that mean I will be automatically accepted into the program? No, applying does not guarantee acceptance into the program. If qualified, a library staff member from that location will contact you for an interview and inform you about your application status. For inquiries, please follow up with the branch where you applied.
If I was a VolunTeen in a previous session, do I have to reapply? Yes, you must apply each session to be a VolunTeen, regardless of whether it's at the same library location or a new one. This process enhances job readiness skills and ensures equal opportunities for all applicants in the program.
What do VolunTeens assist with? VolunTeens have a variety of opportunities available dependent upon the location. Some examples are shelving materials, creating book displays or booklists, helping with program preparation, assisting with programs, homework help, reading buddies, tech tutoring, or special projects. Locations will include specific details and preferred skills based on their community needs in their individual posting.
What is the time commitment for being a VolunTeen? VolunTeens are expected to earn at least 20 hours in the Summer and 40 hours in the School Year, which is equivalent to about a 2-hour shift once a week. VolunTeens are committing to the full session. While vacations and other time off are allowed with advance notice, it is not permissible to earn all of the hours in a shorter period of time.
Can I work different days and times each week? The library relies on VolunTeens to commit to being available on a regular basis. We want to be prepared for you and we find that coming in weekly helps you retain what you have learned. Please check with your parent/guardian when applying to ensure that the availabilty you are providing is accurate. This helps library staff determine if you are a good fit for their location. If you are accepted into the program, you will discuss your schedule further with a library staff member from that location.
Will the library give me credit for volunteering? Yes, we will offer a certificate of completion at the end of the session. In addition, library staff are more than willing to sign off on community service hours that were earned at the library. It is your responsibility to provide library staff with enough time and notice to complete these verifications for you.
Are there other ways to earn community service at the library for teens? Yes, there are two other ways that you can earn community service hours aside from our VolunTeen program. One is by participating in a library program such as a Community Service Project or Teen Advisory Council. Those programs can be searched online using this filter on our program calendar. The second is by participating in our virtual volunteering opportunity to create digital content for our CMLibrary Teens Instagram. This allows teens to earn up to 10 hours. More details about available projects are accessible on our form.
Other questions about teen volunteering? Contact the Senior Program Manager - Teen Services, Holly Summers-Gil, hsummers@cmlibrary.org
For Adults (18 and over)
How do volunteers help? We have a variety of opportunities for people to help. Shelving and checking in materials, assisting in our computer labs, Reading Buddies and Tech Tutors, program helpers and providing various outreach services. Special Events like Dia, Puppet Palooza and EPIC FEST need your help too! You can find a full list by going to www.cmlibrary.org/volunteer. The adult program is for those 18 and over.
Where can I volunteer? All 21 library locations, library administration, outreach programs and special events.
What is the time commitment for volunteering? Many positions require more training and therefore a longer commitment of six months to a year is needed although it can vary. A typical shift is two hours once a week.
What if I only want to volunteer for a couple of weeks? Check out these two organizations if you need short term. Volunteer Match www.volunteermatch.org or Share Charlotte www.ShareCharlotte.org
What are the qualifications for volunteering? The adult program requires a background check that shows (but not limited to) no history of violence or theft. Experience working with the public, patience, and enthusiasm in serving both staff and customers is highly valued. Most importantly believing in the library’s mission – To improve lives and build stronger communities.
Can I work different days and times each week? The library relies on our volunteers to commit to a set schedule each week. We want to be prepared for you and we also find that coming in weekly helps retain what you have learned.
Are there age requirements? 13 – 18 for VolunTeens and 18 plus for the adult program. Children as young as 5 (accompanied by a parent/guardian) can volunteer with locations that have an Adopt an Aisle program.
Can I complete service hours for school? VolunTeens is our primary offering. However, call your branch to see if they have a current need or search our website for Service Saturdays. Various locations will sometimes offer 2 hours of service.
Can I complete community service hours that are court-referred? We can take some court ordered volunteers. A conversation with the Volunteer Coordinator is the first step. 704-416-0711
Can my group do a project with a library? The library occasionally has opportunities for community groups. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator for details. 704-416-0711
How do I get started? To apply to be a library volunteer go to www.cmlibrary.org/volunteer and search opportunities/events by key word or by interest/location. Complete the profile AND apply for one of the opportunities at your preferred branch and click submit. The Volunteer Point Person (VPP) at your preferred branch will call you for a brief discussion or ask for an interview.
Can teens volunteer with the library Yes, please see the Teen Volunteer FAQ above.
Other questions about adult volunteering? Contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Chauna Wall at 704.416.0711 or cwall@cmlibrary.org
Updated 3/4/2026
