Middle Country Public Library

Centereach & Selden, NY

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COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

In the Library

The Library offers a number of volunteer opportunities each year for middle school and high school students in 6^th-12^th grade in the Middle Country School District. By sharing their time and talents, teen volunteers develop new skills and learn about the Library’s mission, public services and core values. Our volunteers have the advantage of exposure to a broad variety of service opportunities which enable them to give back to the community. The following are library volunteer programs offered year-round to students with a valid Middle Country Public Library card. All programs require an application, training or pre-registration in order to participate. For seasonal volunteer opportunities, see the MCPL Quarterly newsletter for a listing of all current programs.

Buddy Programs (For teens in 6th-12th grade)

You must first register for and attend Buddy Training in order to volunteer at any Buddy programs (Art Buddies, Book Buddies, STEM Buddies).

Buddy Training: Learn about how to be a great volunteer in any of our Buddy programs. This training will not only prepare you for Art Buddies, Book Buddies and STEM Buddies, but will give you some tips for volunteering anywhere! You must complete this training in order to be a Teen Buddy.

Art Buddies: Do you enjoy arts and crafts? Earn community service working on different craft and art projects in person with our younger “buddies” children ages 4 to 7.

Book Buddies: What could be better than sharing a book with a child? Pull out some of your old favorites or learn their new favorites, and read to each other.

STEM Buddies: Collaborate with younger kids, or sometimes a bigger group, on projects or activities that are related to STEM topics. You might work on some iPad games or see how tall a structure you can build. You might make an elaborate marble run or have to walk a path the child has “coded” for you. Whatever you do, you know it will be fun!

Teen Volunteer Club applications:

Teen Advisory Council Club Application – For teens in 7th-12th grade. Members plan and implement library programs, and provide input on teen services at MCPL. To join, fill out the online application.

Green Teens Club Application – For teens in 6th-12th grade. Discuss environmental issues, work on eco-friendly projects and receive community service credit for participating. To join, fill out the online application.

Mutt Club Application – For teens in 6th-12th grade. Do you love animals? Want to personally help local shelters? Become a Mutt Club member and get involved! The Mutt Club will meet monthly where members will be able to help animals in a variety of ways. To join, fill out the online application.

Media Teens Club Application – For teens in 6th-12th grade. Get community service for helping promote library events and clubs by creating content. We’ll meet each month to discuss upcoming projects! To join, fill out the online application.

Additional Offerings:

Crochet for a Cause – For teens in 6th – 12th grade. Join instructor Miss Lisa to make crochet projects that we will donate to various local organizations. Everyone from beginner to experienced is welcome. All supplies will be provided. You must attend three out of five sessions in order to obtain community service hours.

Gardening Crew – For teens in 6 – 12th grade. Join us at the Hobb’s Community Farm to learn about the benefits of organic gardening and to serve the community by planning, preparing, planting, caring for and harvesting gardens. Community Service time will be awarded. A signed permission slip is required and will be available online or at any reference desk.

Teens Tech 4 Good – For teens in 6th – 12th grade. Create items using the Innovation Space laser engraver for the Literacy Celebration.

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

In the Community

The Library has put together a Teen Volunteer Opportunities binder available in the youth and teen services areas of the library providing information on agencies and organizations in Suffolk County that accept teen volunteers. Age eligibility varies by agency and some organizations do require parental supervision. The following is a list of agencies that welcome teen assistance, click on the agency for more information. Click HERE for a PDF file of the below information.