Teen Volunteering in Palo Alto

Although the library does not currently have in-person volunteering available, there are still plenty of service opportunities throughout Palo Alto and beyond. 

If you are interested in library-related volunteering: 

  • Write a blogpost for the library’s teen blog. Learn more and submit here. 
  • Host a program for the library. Teen leaders have led workshops on everything from cryptography to renewable energy to crochet! Fill out a program application here
  • Volunteer for Friends of the Palo Alto Library. Learn more about the many jobs volunteers perform at FOPAL, plus their special benefits by visiting their website. 

Explore local and national volunteer databases:

  • Palo Alto Youth Community Service’s “Do Service!” calendar is regularly updated with the latest service opportunities for teens. 
  • HandsOn Tomorrow Bay Area is a leadership and volunteering program that helps participants learn skills and help their community.
  • California Volunteers is the state office tasked with engaging Californians in service, volunteering and civic action.
  • The national database Idealist offers the ability to sort by on-site, remote, and hybrid volunteering.
  • Discover up-to-date opportunities on the national database VolunteerMatch.  

Virtual Volunteer Opportunities: 

  • Tutor, teach, or join the team at Wave Learning Festival. Founded by a local teen, this international organization is committed to combating educational inequity.
  • Send handwritten letters to Seniors to brighten their days with Letters Against Isolation!
  • Tutor, start a chapter, or join the team at SmashHigh. This nonprofit aims to expand access to education internationally through online tutoring services, an interactive STEM curriculum, and a literacy application that is currently being developed. 

Long-Term Leadership Experience:

  • Apply for a Think Fund Grant through the City of Palo Alto to transform your blueprint into a footprint!

However you choose to give back, we appreciate you! 

Molly Wallner, Senior Teen Services Librarian | Follow @mollywally & @pacl_teens on Bibliocommons