Looking to earn community service hours this summer as a teen volunteer? Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is looking for responsible teens (ages 13-17) who enjoy working with the public, helping others, and giving back to their community. Applications open today, April 15th, at 3:30pm, which is when teens will be able to view available opportunities and apply. Applications will be accepted until the end of the month or until a branch reaches capacity.
If you do not see a position posted for your preferred location, then a position is no longer available, and you will need to apply to another location. While there are a limited number of opportunities, almost all locations are participating in this program. Teens may only apply to one location per semester. Please note that applying does not guarantee a position.
After you apply, someone from the library will contact you to set up an interview if you meet qualifications. If you wish to inquire about your application, please reach out to the branch where you applied to follow up. Please apply on the Volunteer page. Click on Become a Volunteer and search for “Summer VolunTeen” opportunities.
Still have questions? Check our VolunTeen FAQs for more details! We look forward to seeing your application soon!
16500 Holly Crest Lane
Huntersville, NC 28078
United States
April 16, 2025
This blog was written by Chauna Wall, Volunteer Coordinator for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
Volunteering is vital, an essential workforce to a community’s wellbeing. So many local and national programs from education to disaster relief to the arts are underpinned by the contributions of volunteers. Volunteers of all ages foster a community of connection and engagement.
Today we enter a week-long celebration called National Volunteer Week which runs from April 20 - April 26, 2025
During this week we take the opportunity to shine a light on the people that inspire us to serve for the benefit of the greater good. Volunteerism empowers individuals to find their purpose, to take their passion and turn it into meaningful change. When you answer the call to make a difference, we make progress in “Improving Lives and Building a Stronger Community”, our core mission.
We celebrate our volunteers for giving their time and talents to Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and the many volunteers who stand with us in promoting inclusion, education and literacy to the entire community.
Every day our volunteers inspire us and help us create a more educated and literate community. Never doubt you make a measurable difference. Last year 1,235 volunteers gave us over 25,000 hours which equates to a value of over $800,000!
Our Portuguese, Spanish, and English Conversation Clubs have many dedicated members, and we have become friends. We have become family. We help each other by listening to each other and we make new friends.
I appreciate meeting new people, making new connections and the ability to contribute and help others.
I worked for Mecklenburg County for 30+ years and I like giving back to the community. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a great impact.
I love being able to help make Library users feel more comfortable and supported.
It feels good to think someone might enjoy reading a little better because I volunteered.
I volunteer because I’ve always read, and libraries give people an opportunity to broaden their minds. - Kay
The Library is such a multifaceted resource that anything that I can do to make it more available to the community is worth my time and effort. - Jack
Volunteering at the Library is a chance to give back. The staff at Mint Hill are wonderful!
I’ve truly been blessed. I have always loved to read. I feel like I’m giving back some of the good things people have done for me.
Library books have always been a part of my life. As I grew older, I realized not everyone had access to books at home, but the Library filled that need. What could be a better way to give back to your community than to support the Library?
Helping young people practice their reading with Winnie unlocks a new confidence in reading and speaking skills that opens doors forever.
Seneca's enthusiasm, bright eyes, wagging tail, and willingness to bathe for her favorite volunteer destination keeps us coming back! Belly and ear scratches are in full abundance as well!
No child should feel shame or fear when learning to read.
ImaginOn is such an amazing and creative space for kids, and the staff is very welcoming and kind.
I love helping with Reading Buddies, the Student Success Center, Día and EpicFest.
A child may come in and be afraid of reading, so they will just pet the dog. Ultimately, they feel more comfortable and will find a book and sit and read.
Alicia, Volunteer at SouthPark Regional Library:
"I love children's literature, especially picture books with their creative writing and unbelievable illustrations. I also think children are funny. When you combine reading a funny book with a fun child...it makes the volunteer work a real joy! I love escaping with books and hope to inspire this generation to find joy in the words and illustrations of children's literature. Thank you to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system for making this possible."
Ben, Volunteer at SouthPark Regional Library:
"Technology can be daunting, but it's part of everyday life. I want people to feel more confident using their computers and phones. I don't know all the answers, so sometimes it becomes a quest with the person attending a class or tutoring session to see if we can find an answer or solution. The library offers Tech Titans 50+ programs, which is offered through a partnership with AARP, and it opened more ways I could volunteer."
Bernice Mar – CM Library Logistics Volunteer :
“Why do I want to volunteer? A strong library system is a vital part of every thriving community. This is a way for me to be an active part of a meaningful presence...an engine of sorts...that I believe is an essential, life-affirming resource that improves the quality-of-life for everyone (including non-library patrons). As a child, the library is where I discovered that books opened a new and exciting world of stories, language, images, colors and patterns. It was such a treat to come home with a stack of new books to explore! That positive experience contributed to and blossomed into a lifelong love for reading, writing, learning, and self-expression. Eventually that led to a longstanding relationship with the Mecklenburg library system and its programs after moving to Charlotte two decades ago. “
You will see our VolunTeens and our adult volunteers helping with the following:
If I may give a grateful nod to those of you who help our staff shelve in the children's department (which isn’t for the meek), and a special thank you to the 28 staff who have taken on the role of Volunteer Point Person (VPPs) who guide and engage with our volunteers daily. They have worked diligently to make the Library a great experience for our volunteers.
Thank you for being a Library volunteer and helping deliver the magic of books, stories, technology and lifelong learning. You are a treasured and valuable part of our story.