Student Volunteers

Volunteer opportunities are open to Sparta Residents in 7th through 12th grade. You will be required to have an active (and in good standing) Sparta Public Library card in your own name, a valid email address (that is checked daily), and at least 2 hours a month of availability. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. You will receive an email of acceptance/decline after your application has been reviewed.

Once you are accepted, you will be considered an active volunteer until graduation. During summer, teen volunteers must have already completed 6th grade. We accept rising 7th graders. We do not accept teen volunteers who have graduated high school.

You will receive a monthly email that will contain a link to Sign Up Genius so that you may choose the dates that fit with your schedule.

Things we often need volunteers to help with:

  • Prep children’s crafts
  • Create craft samples
  • Set up tables and chairs for events
  • Help kids with crafts during programs
  • Clean up after programs
  • Shelving books
  • Create book displays
  • Pull books from the shelves from a list
  • Inventory/help tidy the library space

All you need to do to get on our volunteer roster is fill out the volunteer form. We will be in touch shortly after!

Please call the library at 973-729-3101, or email us at spartalibraryyouthservices@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Thank you, Ms. Morgan, Ms. Gina, and Mrs. C

After years of welcoming volunteers into the library, we have created some basic policies that we ask you adhere to while on shift duty.  These polices demonstrate responsibility, reliability, and professionalism.

We ask that you:

  • Volunteer at least 2 hours a month
  • Will be prompt and ready to work when you arrive
  • Remove your hat, hood, and/or jacket during your shift
  • Wear proper clothing: beachwear, inappropriate graphic tees, sweatpants, clothing with rips or exposed bellies are not allowed
  • Please sign in/out and wear your nametag at all times
  • Please put your cell phone away and do not take any pictures, videos, or make social media posts during your shift
  • Wait until before your shift or after your shift for personal library use
  • Be respectful to staff and patrons at all times
  • Always ask questions if you are unsure of what was asked of you or where a book is shelved
  • Most importantly, please have FUN!

We count on you to be here when you say you will.  For that matter if you need to call out, please email if it’s more than 24 hours in advance (spartalibraryyouthservices@gmail.com) and please call (973-729-3101) if it is the day of.

If you have more than one no show, you will be suspended for 3 months from the date of notification.  In addition, if you call out more than 2 times you will be suspended as well, following the above guidelines.  Do not sign up for a shift unless you know that you are available to attend and get a ride. 

All communication about volunteering at SPL will be conducted through email, so be sure to check your email frequently for updates.

If you have volunteered in the last 2 years and need a completion certificate of your total number of hours, please fill out this form.

If you have provided community service at  Sparta Public Library in the last  year and need a letter of recommendation for any reason, please fill out this form.

Thank you for volunteering with us. We appreciate your efforts!

I hereby release and hold harmless the Sparta Library, Sparta Township, its officers, employees, volunteers, committees, and boards from and against any and all liability, loss, damage, claims, or actions (including costs and attorneys’ fees) for bodily injury and/or property damage to the extent permissible by law.  This indemnification and hold-harmless agreement shall include indemnity against all costs (including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs), expenses and liabilities incurred in or in connection with any such claim or proceedings brought thereon and in defense thereof. I have read and understand this release, indemnification, and hold-harmless form. I voluntarily sign it and hereby give my permission to the Sparta Library for emergency transport, and/or treatment in the event of illness or injury.  I hereby accept responsibility for the payment of any emergency transportation and /or treatments. I further certify that my child is in good physical condition, and has no medical or physical conditions that would restrict his/her participation in this program.

Please complete the Volunteer Application.