Library volunteering
Brooklyn Public Library Book Buddy
Brooklyn Public Library Book Buddy is a volunteer program run by Brooklyn Public Library in Brooklyn, NY. Open to: ages 12 to 18.
- Who can join
- Ages 12 to 18
- minimum age posted
- Status
- Accepting applications
- Season
- Year-round
- Cost
- Not posted
About the program
Teen volunteers help Brooklyn Public Library librarians with read-alouds and youth programs.
Book Buddies read aloud to children, help run children's programs, make book displays, and promote library programs.
Key facts
- Run by
- Brooklyn Public Library
- Where
- Brooklyn, NY
- Who can join
- Ages 12 to 18Ages 12-18
- Commitment
- School year: 2-3 hours a day, up to three days a week, for at least three months. Summer (July and August only): 1-3 days a week, 2-3 hours a day, for at least three weeks
- Applications
- Not posted
- Cost
- Not posted
- To apply
- Online application
- Good fit for
- Education, Arts and Humanities
Making the most of it on a college application
- Stay long enough to take on more responsibility, such as a second year or training new volunteers.
- Keep a log of hours and a few specific moments. They become the activities list entry and, often, an essay.
- Pair it with something that shows the same interest from another side, such as a class, a competition, or a summer program.
Email me the Book Buddy details
A link to this page, with the age rule and application window, plus similar programs.
More in New York City
- Brooklyn Public Library BKLYN BookMatch Teen
Volunteering · Brooklyn, NY
- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 12
- When to apply
- September 14 (date unconfirmed; check official page)
- Queens Public Library Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering · Queens, NY
- Who can join
- Ages 14 to 17
- When to apply
- Year-round; approval and placement can take up to 30 days (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)
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- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 11
- When to apply
- December 4, 2026
- Liberty Science Center Teen Summer Docent Program
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- Who can join
- Grades 10 to 12
- When to apply
- Summer
- Liberty Science Center Youth Volunteering
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- Who can join
- Ages 16 to 18
- When to apply
- Year-round
- Long Island Science Center Student Volunteers
Volunteering · Riverhead, NY
- Who can join
- 11 and up
- When to apply
- Not posted
| Opportunity | Where | Who can join | Commitment | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Public Library BKLYN BookMatch TeenVolunteering · Library | Brooklyn, NY | Grades 9 to 12 | Eight weekly Wednesday trainings in November and December, then 2-3 times a month through early June | September 14 (date unconfirmed; check official page) |
| Queens Public Library Teen Volunteer OpportunitiesVolunteering · Library | Queens, NY | Ages 14 to 17 | Hours limited by state law (14-15: up to 18 hours a school week; 16-17: up to 28 hours a school week) | Year-round; approval and placement can take up to 30 days (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)Internship · Parks and environment | Brooklyn, NY | Grades 9 to 11 | March to November; 4-6 hours weekly in spring and fall, 20-25 hours weekly in summer (about 190-220 hours) | December 4, 2026 |
| Liberty Science Center Teen Summer Docent ProgramSummer program · Museum or science center | Jersey City, NJ | Grades 10 to 12 | Not posted | Summer |
| Liberty Science Center Youth VolunteeringVolunteering · Museum or science center | Jersey City, NJ | Ages 16 to 18 | At least one full day every week for a minimum of 6 months, then at least every other week | Year-round |
| Long Island Science Center Student VolunteersVolunteering · Museum or science center | Riverhead, NY | 11 and up | Not posted | Not posted |
All library programs in New York CityEducation opportunitiesArts and Humanities opportunitiesEvery opportunity
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to join Brooklyn Public Library Book Buddy?
Ages 12 to 18. Ages 12-18
How many hours does Brooklyn Public Library Book Buddy require?
School year: 2-3 hours a day, up to three days a week, for at least three months. Summer (July and August only): 1-3 days a week, 2-3 hours a day, for at least three weeks
What do you need to apply?
Online application.
Sources and method
Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “Brooklyn Public Library Book Buddy”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/brooklyn-public-library-book-buddy.
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