Junior Librarian Internship
Are you a teen that enjoys the library? Are you looking for a fun way to stay engaged over the summer? Do you like giving back to your community? Are you interested in learning about the behind the scenes of a public library? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then our NEW Junior Librarian Internship may be perfect for you!
What is a Junior Librarian (JL)?
Junior librarians are teen volunteers that assist with the inner workings of the Mattoon Public Library on the Children’s and Teen floor.
What are the duties of a JL?
- Greet & assist visitors: work at the desk to help patrons check out, check in, and find books
- Help with youth programs: be an extra set of eyes, ears, and hands for staff before, during, and after programs
- Bookshelf maintenance: organize and clean shelves
- General housekeeping: help maintain the cleanliness of the library
- Tech help: assist individuals with computer and printer assistance
What are the benefits of being a JL?
- Earn volunteer hours
- JL are asked to volunteer at least 8 hours between June-July, but of course, there are more opportunities for additional hours beyond that. Great for students needing school required volunteer hours!
- Learn diverse workplace skills
- From communication to adaptability, this internship will help you with your soft skills!
- Build your resume
- Volunteering acts as relevant work experience to help students apply for jobs or schools.
- Socialize and make new friends
- Come to a safe place to interact with peers and make friends!
- Enjoy quality screen-free time
- It is important to your physical, emotional, and mental health to get unplugged and stay engaged in other activities throughout the summer, like volunteering!
- Attend the End of the Summer Celebration
- This JL only event will be held at the beginning of August (Date TBD) to show our appreciation for all your hard work. Expect fun and food – more details coming soon!
- Receive an invite to join the Teen Advisory Council (starting Fall 2026)
- Our Teen Advisory Council will meet on a regular basis throughout the school year to socialize, but more importantly, to provide the library with ideas and feedback on how to better serve our teen community. Let your voice be heard!
- Have a fun summer!
How do I know if I am eligible for the program?
- Must be between the ages 13-17 by June 1, 2026
- Able to attend ONE mandatory training date. Training date options:
- Saturday, May 9, 10am-Noon
- Thursday, May 14, 5:30-7:30pm
- Thursday, May 28, 1-3pm
- Commit to volunteering at least 8 hours between the months June-July
- Willingness to learn
- Reliable & accountable
- Enjoy working with children
- Ability to work independently or as a team
- Comfortable with computers and other related technology
- Physical requirements:
- Ability to stand, sit, bend, twist, stoop, reach and grasp
- Ability to lift, sort, push and pull library materials
- Ability to read, see, hear, and speak understandably to communicate
- *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform volunteer duties.
How do I apply?
- Applications are due by Friday, April 24
- CLICK HERE for the application link
- Teens and parents/guardians should fill this application out TOGETHER to ensure accurate information and full transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who do I contact if I have questions about this volunteer program?
- Emily Tooy, Volunteer Services Coordinator
- emily@mattoonlibrary.org
- 217-234-1717
- What if I am not 13 yet? What if I turn 18 during the summer?
- If you turn 13 BEFORE June 1, 2026, then you are eligible.
- If you turn 18 BEFORE June 1, 2026, then you are NOT eligible.
- If you turn 18 AFTER June 1, 2026, then you are eligible.
- How will I know if I get in off the waitlist?
- Due to high demand, this program will be limited to the number of volunteer spots available. They are available on a first come first serve basis.
- After applying, our Volunteer Services Coordinator will confirm if you have been accepted into the program. If you have NOT been accepted, then you will be added to our waitlist.
- The Volunteer Services Coordinator will contact you via your preferred method of contact if you are moved off the waitlist.
- Do I have to attend all of the 2026 training dates?
- No, you must attend ONE training. Here are the training options:
- Saturday, May 9, 10am-Noon
- Thursday, May 14, 5:30-7:30pm
- Thursday, May 28, 1-3pm
- No, you must attend ONE training. Here are the training options:
- What if I cannot attend training?
- Trainings are essential to learning your duties as a Junior Librarian, and it is HIGHLY encouraged for applicants to be able to attend a training. However, if you are really interested in becoming a JL and you absolutely cannot attend of the training options. The Volunteer Services Coordinator will contact you to make other arrangements.
- Trainings are essential to learning your duties as a Junior Librarian, and it is HIGHLY encouraged for applicants to be able to attend a training. However, if you are really interested in becoming a JL and you absolutely cannot attend of the training options. The Volunteer Services Coordinator will contact you to make other arrangements.