Volunteers

To Become an Adult Library Volunteer

Adults interested in volunteering may apply using one of the following methods:

• Complete the Online Adult Application Form
• Request an Adult Volunteer Application form at a service desk at either library.
  • Return the completed form to the Customer Service Desk at either location, or
  • Mail it to the address at the top of the form.

Please note: The library is not currently accepting applications for court-ordered community service. Court-ordered volunteers are accepted only to assist with The Friends of the Chester County Library Book Sales, scheduled for April 10–12, 2026 and October 9–11, 2026. Individuals interested in volunteering for these events should contact the Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] no more than three weeks prior to the scheduled book sale for additional information.

Background Clearances

All volunteer applicants 18 years of age and older must submit the following clearances before placement:

• Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
• Pennsylvania Criminal History Clearance
• FBI fingerprinting clearance (required if the applicant has not resided continuously in Pennsylvania for the past 10 years)

See here to find information about obtaining clearances for volunteers.

Please note: The FBI fingerprinting clearance includes a fee, which is not reimbursed by the library.

Teen Summer Volunteer Program

Applications for the 2026 Teen Summer Volunteer Program will be available on the website in early March 2026.

Please note:

• Applications submitted before the March opening date will not be accepted
• Due to the high number of applications received, we are unable to respond to each application individually
• Applicants will be contacted only if selected for an interview

General Information about Teen Volunteers

Requirements for the Teen Summer Volunteer Program:

• Must be at least 14 years old at the time of application for Youth Services and entering 9th grade and 16 years old for other departments
• Must be available to maintain a regular assigned shift during the summer and be in attendance at least 8 of 10 weeks of the program
• Volunteers are assigned one three-hour shift per week
• Applications must include the student’s personal email address
  • (School email addresses are not accepted, as messages are often blocked by school filters)
• Students must initiate their own email and telephone communication with the library

Teen Drop-In Volunteer Program

Please check back in August for information about our newly launched Teen Drop-In Volunteer Program.
This program is open to students 16 years and older who need no more than 10 hours of volunteer service.