Teens: Thanks for your interest in volunteering at Stratford Library! The Summer 2024 application period for our Children’s, Teen, and uCreate Volunteer Programs has closed. If you submitted an application, the volunteer coordinators will contact you via email the week of 6/3 to set up interviews or orientations/training. Otherwise, please check back in the fall for new volunteer opportunities.
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, craft preparations, organizing supplies, reading tutoring, and grab ‘n’ go pickups. 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. For those seeking an accommodation for health/family reasons, off-site virtual volunteering is available on a limited basis based on current Library needs. Children’s Department volunteers agree to follow all Library safety requirements, the Library Patron Code of Conduct, and volunteer training guidelines.
2024: 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). If interested, please contact the Children’s Department directly. [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
Thank you to everyone who helped with this year’s Library Board Book Sale! Please check back for new volunteer opportunities for adults.