Volunteer Opportunities Abound at the Library and In the Community
The best way to feel good about yourself is to do something for someone else. Yes, one person - YOU - can truly make a difference. Have you ever thought about volunteering at the library or in the community? It can be a rewarding experience. Pick up an application for Volunteering at the Library or the Teen Library Connection (TLC), the teen summer volunteer program, join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) or check our database of Local Volunteer Opportunities. The volunteer opportunities are as varied as teens themselves.
Volunteering at the Library
Volunteering at The Library can be a rewarding experience. Individuals interested in volunteering may pick up an application in the Administration office or at the Information Services desk. Applications are accepted for grades 10 and up.
The Library's volunteer coordinator matches volunteers to jobs and special projects when available. Projects include the Adopt-A-Shelf program, shelving Media materials and other jobs as needed.
Volunteer application for printing (requires Adobe Reader )
Reading Buddies!
Registration required.
Do you love reading and love to work with kids? The Library will be running its popular program called Reading Buddies again this summer every Tuesday at 2:00 PM from July 10th to August 14th. We'll be pairing up kids and teens one-on-one to practice reading skills. Applications will be accepted beginning June 1st.
Kid Buddies will have in grades 1 - 5.
Teen Buddies will have to be in grades 8 - 12.
Buddies will meet at The Library on weekend afternoons during the summer and take turns reading to each other for an hour. Teen Buddies will volunteer a total of two hours each week by arriving a half hour early and staying a half hour late. Before each session, Teen Buddies will be responsible for reviewing their books and setting up. After each session, Teen Buddies will be responsible for planning the next session by selecting books. The most important thing is for us to have really fun, enthusiastic Teen Buddies who love working with kids.
Want some more info about becoming a Teen Buddy? Call 732-390-6789.
Teen Library Connection - Make your summers count!
June 30 to August 22
Applications for this summer's TLC, which runs from June 30 to August 22, are now available.
Better known as TLC, The Library's summer volunteer program for teens is open to East Brunswick residents entering grade 8, 9, or 10 in September. Applicants must be available for two consecutive weeks, Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. until 12 noon.
During the program volunteers will get to know The Library and perform a variety of jobs as needed. TLC activities might include:
- Helping with the children's programs and the Summer Reading Clubs
- Learning about the video studio
- Assisting staff in all library departments
- Tutoring senior citizens on library computers
Because of the overwhelming number of applications received, selection will be by lottery. Completed applications will be accepted in person only between MAY 5 AND MAY 19. Successful applications will be notified by June 9th.
For more information, please call 732-390-6789.
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) 
Are you an East Brunswick teen in grade 6 or higher? Would you like to have a say in the books, games and music that are available in the teen collection? Would you also like to share your ideas about programs that you would like to see offered , as well as suggestions for improving the teen space at The Library?
If so, you are invited to participate in the Teen Advisory Board (TAB). Meet new people and have fun giving your opinion on what movies should be shown or which graphic novels should be added. One of the most popular features of TAB is getting first crack at the latest fiction and advance reading copies of soon-to-be released novels. You can earn volunteer hours for participating, and, if that wasn't enough, great refreshments are always served!
Meets monthly
Project Linus New Jersey 
You can bring comfort and security to a young child this season by volunteering for Project Linus New Jersey, a statewide initiative staffed solely by volunteers of all ages. Come to the Youth Services desk for fleece materials, from which you can create no-sew blankets and hats for youngsters in need, from fragile newborns to older children suffering serious illness and trauma. Recipients include hospitals, cancer treatment facilities, clinics, homeless shelters, hospice, and behavioral clinics
Inspired by Linus Van Pelt, the “Peanuts” character devoted to his blue blanket, Project Linus strives to make sure that every child feels secure in the world.
Check at the Youth Services Desk for additional details or call 732-390-6789.
Volunteering in the Community
Teen Volunteer Opportunities Check for local organizations that are looking for volunteers in our Clubs and Organizations database. This list consists of teen volunteer opportunities only. It also includes the following types of information:
- The name of the organization's contact person, with phone number and/or email address,
- Ages accepted,
- A brief description of volunteer duties,
- Typical or minimum hours required,
- Special skills required or appreciated.
(Compiled by East Brunswick Public Library staff)
Volunteering at the Library
Reading Buddies
Teen Library Connection
Teen Advisory Board
Project Linus
Volunteering in the Community
Join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
Project Linus New Jersey
