SUMMER VOLUNTEER SQUADS
Join a Summer Volunteer Squad (SVS) and make the most of your summer by giving back to your community!
Apply to participate in our Summer Volunteer Squad program!
- For teens entering grades 7 – 12 in the fall of 2026.
- Open to Arlington Heights residents only.
- All first-time participants must be interviewed.
- Each volunteer will be placed on one squad.
- Each squad will be working directly with library staff members to accomplish specific projects.
- Squads will be in-person and meet weekly or as noted.
- Volunteers must be available to attend a majority of squad meetings throughout the summer.
- Space is limited. We will consider all applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
Review the Squads listed below and be prepared to select three from the application to be considered. Applications will be available April 1 – 30 and the form is online only.
Contact us at YouthPrograms@ahml.info if you have any questions about joining a Summer Volunteer Squad.
APPLY TO BE ON A SQUAD
New Application Returning Application
Applications will close on April 30th!
2026 SQUADS
Book Buddies
June 16-July 21
Tuesdays, 3–5pm
Do you love reading AND working with young children? Become a Book Buddies volunteer this summer! You will serve as a mentor to foster a love of reading among kids in grades K through 3 and help them gain confidence in their reading abilities. As a squad, you will collaborate with Kids' World staff to plan and present two different one-hour sessions of "Early Readers Book Club," where you will provide reading support and develop fun and creative literacy activities and crafts for kids in the community.
Bridge Builders
June 16-July 21
Tuesdays, 12:30am-2:30pm
Want to make a real difference in someone’s life? Many homebound senior citizens feel isolated, and talking with YOU could brighten their day! The Bridge Builders Squad will work together to plan and conduct a weekly Zoom session filled with fun and connection, culminating in a virtual party.
Filmmakers Squad
June 17-July 22
Wednesdays, 3-5pm
Dive into the world of short filmmaking with this volunteer squad! You will learn essential skills in the Studios, including camera operation, green screen effects, lighting, and editing. Before summer ends, you'll showcase your hard work in a mini film festival, where family, friends and others can enjoy your creative projects!
Garden Bites
June 16-July 21
Tuesdays, 11am-1pm
Have you ever wondered where fresh produce comes from? Or how to grow different plants? What about how to cook with fresh produce? If you have asked any of these questions, Garden Bites is the perfect SVS squad for you! This squad will spend time tending to a garden plot at the Viatorian Giving Gardens and the library's Makerplace kitchen. Squad members will learn to make a variety of delicious dishes, donate harvests to local food pantries, and showcase their knowledge at their own Makerplace culinary program! If this all sounds amazing and you want to spend your summer outside, join Garden Bites!
Musical Movers and Shakers
June 15-July 20
Mondays, 11am-1pm
Do you like working with little children? Do you like music? Join our squad to help the little ones make different musical instruments!
Puppeteers
June 17-July 22
Wednesdays, 1-3pm
Do you love making kids smile? Can you pull off a silly voice or two? Become a Puppeteer at the library. This Summer Volunteer Squad will prepare and perform two live shows for an audience of little kids using the library’s puppet collection. No puppet experience required!
Reading Table Team
June 1- August 9
Mondays – Sundays, 2-hour shifts between 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (No shifts July 4)
Help at the Summer Reading table in Kids' World by registering children and explaining how to participate in the reading program. Hand out prizes and supervise the hands-on games. Select two-hour shifts that work for your schedule. Morning, afternoon, and evening shifts will be available seven days a week.