Volunteer Opportunities – Summer 2025
The Summer 2025 application period is now open!
Teens: Thanks for your interest in volunteering at Stratford Library! The Summer 2025 application period for our Children’s, Teen, and uCreate Volunteer Programs is now open. To apply, CLICK HERE. Hard copies of the volunteer application are also available at the Teen Desk and in the uCreate Space. For Teen and/or uCreate, applications must be submitted by Thursday, 5/22. The Children’s Department will accept applications through Friday, 5/30. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted.
Applicants for the Teen and/or uCreate Volunteer Programs: Group interviews will be held at the Library on Saturday, 5/24 and Wednesday, 5/28. Additional information will be provided to you via email once we’ve reviewed your application.
Questions? Email teenvolunteer@stratfordlibrary.org or call 203.385.4167.
Stratford Library offers a variety of volunteer opportunities.
For Teens
Teen volunteers earn community service hours (which can fulfill school, church, and/or civic group service requirements), learn valuable job skills, develop a strong sense of responsibility, and build their resumes. Our Teen Volunteer Programs (see individual descriptions below) are also a great way for teens to make new friends while giving back!
Children’s Department Volunteer Program
The Stratford Library Children’s Department accepts students entering grades 8 to 12 to assist with Children’s Department activities and programs.
For school year volunteering, students help with programs for children, craft preparations, organizing supplies, and office work. Volunteers are also accepted for the Homework Helpers tutoring program, supported by the Vicki Soto and Carol Pieper Memorial Funds. Students for that program need to display proficiency in communication, reading, and math. Teens must be self-motivated, responsible, and should enjoy working with children. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and arts and crafts/measuring/spatial skills are very useful. Application and training are required. Children’s Department volunteers agree to follow all Library safety requirements, the Library Patron Code of Conduct, and volunteer training guidelines.
For summer volunteering, the Children’s Department is looking for students grades 8-12 to help with the Library’s summer reading program. Activities include preparing craft materials, working at the Craft Table, putting up displays, organizing and straightening, and helping with various special events. Potential volunteers should be responsible, self-directed, like working with children and be able to commit to 2-4 hours per week plus special events (Breaks for family vacations are permitted). Being detail oriented and/or speaking multiple languages are also wonderful skills for volunteers. If interested, please follow the application guidelines at the top of this page. [Important: We ask that teens, not parents, contact us regarding opportunities.]
Questions? Contact Volunteer Program Coordinator Caitlin Augusta at 203.385.4165 or childrens(at)stratfordlibrary.org.
Teen Department Volunteer Program
Teens entering grades 8 through freshman year of college may apply. Volunteer activities include (but aren’t limited to): assembling Grab ‘n’ Go Kits, shelving DVDs, shelf reading, and assisting with on-site Teen Department events. Volunteers can also expect to assist with moderating the Library’s just-for-teens Discord server. Note: Volunteers in the Teen Department Volunteer Program communicate regularly via a separate, volunteers-only Discord group chat.
Questions? Contact Volunteer Program Coordinator Teresa Neville at 203.385.4167 or tneville(at)stratfordlibrary.org.
uCreate Volunteer Program
Teens entering grades 8 through freshman year of college may apply. uCreate volunteer activities include (but aren’t limited to): working in the Library’s makerspace, the uCreate Space; assisting with recurring uCreate events (like 3D Printing for Beginners and Video Game Club) as well as all-ages STEAM-themed activities; providing digitization services to patrons (as needed); and assisting with virtual activities (like Game Chat Discord Meetup). Note: uCreate volunteers communicate regularly via a uCreate volunteers-only Discord server. *No prior technology experience required to apply.
Questions? Contact Volunteer Program Coordinator Chris Bacchiocchi at 203.385.4163 or ucreate(at)stratfordlibrary.org.
Children’s, Teen, and uCreate volunteers helped make Stratford Library’s 125th Birthday Bash a huge success! (Photo taken: July 2022.)
For Adults
The Children’s Department is looking for volunteers with experience machine sewing. Please call/stop by the Children’s Department for information.
Thank you to everyone who helped with this year’s Library Board Book Sale! Please check back for new volunteer opportunities for adults.