Volunteering has myriad benefits. Volunteers learn new skills, discover new talents, meet new people, engage with their community, and have fun, which is especially important if you are a teen volunteer.

Neuse Regional Libraries offer exciting volunteer opportunities for teens in Greene, Lenoir, and Jones Counties. Teen volunteer opportunities include assisting with Youth Services programming both inside and outside the Library. Teen volunteer tutors are a vital part of our Homework Help and Book Buddies programs and assist with special projects such as The Neuseway Nature Center Haunted Train Ride event in October.

Upcoming special projects include assisting with the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library Book Sale this March. Volunteers will also serve as program ambassadors this spring at teen volunteer recruitment sessions held at participating libraries. The Teen Volunteer Program helps teens build their self-confidence as they give back to their community while earning volunteer hours that they can add to college and job applications.

One of our most enthusiastic teen volunteers is Amelia Smith, who currently volunteers at Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library. Amelia understands the impact volunteering has on her local community and its connection to the community at large. Amelia volunteers at the Library and attends teen programs.

You may have already observed Amelia sharing her love for the Library by writing two articles for Neuse News. Her articles promoted library teen programs, hoping to connect with unreached teens. She also posted flyers throughout classrooms at Lenoir County Early College High School.

Amelia stated in an article, “Many teens find it difficult to talk to peers who don't always have the same interest as them, and they don't necessarily know where to go to find people who enjoy the same things they do. Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library is trying to help teens find a place they feel comfortable to socialize and do some of the things they love with others who have the same interest.”

Amelia is just one of the many teen volunteers who also serve as Teen Advisory Council members. The Teen Advisory Council, which is open to all teens, gives members the chance to meet new people, work with others, and sharpen their decision-making skills while having fun. At a recent Teen Advisory Council meeting, the members creatively came up with an idea for a teen karaoke night. They helped plan and develop their concept into Teen Karaoke Night which will take place on Friday, February 18th at 5:00 pm. The Teen Advisory Council meets on the second Monday of each month except for holidays.

The Neuse Library Teen Volunteer Program has volunteer opportunities at the following locations: Greene County Public Library, Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library, La Grange Public Library, Maysville Public Library, Pink Hill Public Library, Pollocksville Public Library, and Trenton Public Library. Those who are interested may complete an application and are available online at https://www.neuselibrary.org/teen-volunteer-application or at the Youth Services public service desk.

For more information about the teen volunteer program, please contact the Library at 252-527-7066, Ext. 133.